Episode 657 - Nagiska Mayes — From 200 Metres to Backyard Ultras, Big Feelings, and Finding Her People

Episode 659 - ZenRUN Moment 7: Feel the Air Change as You Move

When was the last time you paid attention to the air around you while you were running? This week’s ZenRUN Moment is a simple invitation to reconnect with the environment you’re moving through. Instead of focusing on pace, distance, or what’s next on your to-do list, spend a few minutes noticing the air. Where does it feel cooler? Where does it feel warmer? When does the wind pick up? When does it disappear? As you run, you might notice that shaded sections feel completely different to open roads. Trails often have their own microclimate. Hills can bring a change in temperature, breeze, and even how the air feels on your skin. These small details are happening around us all the time, but most of us run straight past them without noticing. The beautiful thing about this practice is that it helps shift your focus outward. Instead of feeling like you’re simply ticking off another workout, you begin to feel part of the landscape around you. The run becomes an experience rather than a task. You start noticing the world instead of getting lost in your thoughts. On your next run, let the air be your guide for a few minutes. Pay attention to how it changes and how those changes affect your experience. You might be surprised by how much more connected and enjoyable your run feels. Small moments of awareness like this can completely change the way running feels. 💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter? If you enjoyed this ZenRUN Moment, you might love The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset [https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset] A couple of small favours 1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Got a running story - or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club [hello@zenrun.club]

Episode 658 - MFYU Mini Series - BONUS - Behind the Yards - The People, Chaos and Community of Melbourne Frontyard Ultra

Welcome to this special bonus episode in the 2026 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series on the ZenRUN Podcast. So far in this series, we’ve been following individual athletes through their event - from the start line, through the yards, into the tired bits, the funny bits, the crew moments, and eventually to wherever their race finished. But this episode is a little different. Because once the runners head out on a yard, there is a whole other event happening back in the event village. There are crews making food, filling bottles, hunting for dry socks, checking watches, guessing what their runner might need next, and sometimes just sitting around waiting for the chaos to come back. There are volunteers watching the clock, marking off runners, managing the corral, cheering people in, and trying to keep track of who is still going, who is out, and who may have quietly wandered off without telling anyone. There are race directors and event crew trying to keep everything moving - music, timing, food trucks, toilets, weather, questions, little problems, big problems, and those calm-looking moments where underneath it all someone is absolutely thinking: “Please let this all keep working.” And then there’s the atmosphere. The countdown. The horn. The music. The sleepy middle-of-the-night chats. The crew tents that somehow become parties. The people dropping off snacks. The bike sweep. The runners ringing the bell. And all the beautiful little community moments that happen around the edges of the race. This bonus episode is about all of that. The people behind the yards. The helpers. The crews. The volunteers. The race team. The slightly random conversations I had while wandering around with a microphone and pretending this was a completely normal thing to be doing while also race directing. You’ll hear from Nikki and Paige, two of the volunteers helping with timing and the corral. You’ll hear from Stuart Rainbow, another race director, who was very much having too much fun with the microphone, cheering people in, chatting to the bike sweep, and generally refusing to go off shift. You’ll hear from Nancy, the event manager and absolute boss of keeping things moving behind the scenes. You’ll hear from a crew tent that had somehow turned into a fully functioning social club, complete with card games, footy, wine, multiple athletes, and a very clear system of evacuating the chairs when the runners came in. You’ll hear from Lexi and Elise about the strange rhythm of crewing - lots of waiting, then sudden chaos, then waiting again. And you’ll hear Em at around 1am on the second night, offering some very important feedback about the race music. Apparently, by that point, we needed less dance party and more full 80s, 50-year-old-woman energy. Honestly, fair. I also want to acknowledge Shaun Kaesler, the man behind Ultra Series Australia and the person whose vision has brought Melbourne Frontyard Ultra to life. Shaun travelled over from WA, including driving event gear from South Australia, and he was there from the very beginning right through to the final pack-up. Unfortunately, he wasn’t feeling too well during the event, so I didn’t manage to grab him on the microphone, but it would feel very strange to talk about the people behind the yards without acknowledging him. This is his vision, and the rest of us were lucky enough to help bring it to life. So this episode is raw, a bit messy, very human, and probably a fairly accurate snapshot of what happens once the runners head out. Because Melbourne Frontyard Ultra is never just about the person who wins. It’s about everyone who turns up. Everyone who helps. Everyone who keeps the mood alive. Everyone who solves the tiny problems before they become big ones. And everyone who plays even a small part in helping someone get back to the start line one more time. Why You’ll Love This Episode * You’ll hear what happens behind the scenes once the runners leave the corral * There are volunteers, crew, race directors, party tents, snacks and slightly questionable sleep strategies * Nikki and Paige give us a glimpse into timing, corral duties and volunteer life * Stuart Rainbow brings full race director energy, including bell ringing, bike sweep chats and snack inspections * Nancy gives us a peek into the event manager brain, which is basically adrenaline, caffeine and problem-solving * The party tent crew may or may not convince you that crewing can look suspiciously like a social event * Lexi and Elise explain the strange waiting-chaos-waiting rhythm of crewing * Em makes a very strong case for better late-night race music * It’s funny, warm, chaotic and full of the community spirit that makes these events so special A Few Favourite Themes The runners are the heart - but they are not the whole event Every runner has a whole little ecosystem around them: crew, vollies, event staff, friends, family, bike sweeps, food people, timing people and random snack deliverers. Crewing is its own endurance event You wait. You guess. You prepare everything. They come in and want none of it. Then you reset and do it all again. Volunteers make the event possible Timing, corral, cheering, marking off runners, watching who is still in and who is out - none of this happens without volunteers. Race directing is calm on the outside, mild panic underneath Everything is fine. Mostly. Probably. Unless the timing guy messages, the music cuts out, someone doesn’t tell you they’ve tapped out, or the weather decides to join in. The event village has its own personality Games, footy, wine, chairs, snacks, sleeping bags, spreadsheets, bags with instructions, and people saying they definitely don’t want to run one… yet. The best stories are often between the laps Not every moment shows up in the results, but these are the moments that make the event feel alive. Listen In For * The Melbourne Frontyard Ultra countdown * Nikki and Paige talking timing, corral duties and volunteer life * The two-minute warning interrupting the volunteer chat * Stuart Rainbow cheering Maureen in and sending her to ring the bell * Why Stuart volunteers and why he finds it so much fun * Adrian the bike sweep and his job of coming last every lap * Carmel dropping off sweet treats for runners and volunteers * Nancy in event HQ, trying to decide whether sleep is actually going to happen * The music cutting out because messages were coming through on the phone * The very honest race director line: “Everything’s fine” * The party tent crew with games, footy, wine and five-ish athletes to look after * The system of evacuating chairs when runners arrive * Crew bags with pre-lap and post-lap instructions * Lexi and Elise talking about crewing four Dandenong Trail Runners athletes * The reality of crewing: lots of nothing, then lots of everything * Packing like you might be home in a few hours… or a few days * Em’s 1am music critique * The call for full 80s, 50-year-old-woman energy * A big acknowledgement of Shaun Kaesler and the Ultra Series Australia team Mentioned In This Episode * Melbourne Frontyard Ultra * Ultra Series Australia * Shaun Kaesler * Nancy * Nikki * Paige * Stuart Rainbow * Lexi * Elise * Em * Adrian the bike sweep * Carmel * Dandenong Trail Runners * Maureen * No Time To Die * Daft Punk’s “One More Time” * Backyard Ultra / Frontyard Ultra format Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Event Website - https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ [https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/] Interested in the 2027 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra? Entries are open now for Saturday 1 May 2027 - and if 2026 is anything to go by, it’s going to be bigger, better, and likely to sell out. Enter here: https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ [https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/] 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset [https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset] 🙏 A couple of big favours 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you or someone you know has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club [hello@zenrun.club] 🎧 Don’t miss an episode Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

Episode 657 - Nagiska Mayes — From 200 Metres to Backyard Ultras, Big Feelings, and Finding Her People

In this episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, I chat with the wonderful, funny, honest, mud-covered-in-the-car-after-a-run, Nagiska Mayes. And honestly? What a joy. Nagiska first appeared in the Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series, but this time we get to properly sit down and find out more about who she is, where she came from, and how running has become such a huge part of her life. Nagiska was born in a car on the way to hospital - which feels very fitting, really, because she says she’s always been in a hurry to get where she’s going. She grew up moving around a lot, changing schools often, and navigating a childhood that was colourful, chaotic, sometimes difficult, and full of change. She is one of 15 siblings, landed in Victoria as a child, and eventually found a bit more stability in Koo Wee Rup, where she met her now-husband, Jack. Sport was not exactly Nagiska’s thing at school. In fact, she was the girl with the note. The “I can’t do sport today” girl. The “maybe I can get out of this” girl. And honestly, fair enough. As Nagiska shares so openly, there were layers behind that - self-consciousness, not having the right gear, not feeling fit, not wanting to embarrass herself, and a whole lot of life happening behind the scenes that teachers and classmates would never have known about. Fast forward a few years and somehow, through gyms, lockdowns, $20 Kmart shoes, and Jack suggesting they “just go for a run,” Nagiska found herself attempting her first run. She made it 200 metres. Not 2 kilometres. 200 metres. And then slowly, that became 1 kilometre. Then 2 kilometres. Then 5 kilometres. Then Spartan events. Then marathons. Then 100K. Then backyard ultras. Then Last One Standing. Then Melbourne Frontyard Ultra. As you do. We talk about her first pair of proper runners, her love of medals, her first big ultra experience, and the complicated feelings that can come with wanting to be seen, celebrated, and validated - while also learning to do things for yourself. Nagiska is beautifully honest about this. She talks openly about her need for recognition, her struggles with self-worth, her mental health, and how running has become one of the biggest tools in her life for processing, healing, connecting, and staying grounded. Running, for Nagiska, isn’t just fitness. It’s therapy. It’s identity. It’s connection. It’s structure. It’s community. And it’s also a place where she gets to shine. We also chat about the backyard ultra format and why it has pulled her in so strongly. For Nagiska, it’s the people. The atmosphere. The chance to keep coming back to base every hour. The community. The fires. The chats. The shared suffering. The fact that you can run alongside people you admire, and suddenly they know your name. She shares how crewing Jack at Wild Dog helped her fall in love with the format, how watching strong women like Margie Hadley inspired her, and how the backyard ultra world has given her friendships and support she deeply values. We also talk about Last One Standing, where Nagiska pushed herself through huge daily kilometres while still working big hours, eventually finishing second female and top seven overall. A massive achievement - even if her brain didn’t let her fully see it at the time. There’s so much in this episode: * Growing up with instability and finding your own path * The fear of embarrassing yourself * Starting running from 200 metres * Why shoes matter * Building consistency through a run streak * The emotional side of chasing big goals * Backyard ultra community * Finding your people * Running with your partner and friends * Mental health, honesty, and using running to process life * Why scary things can lead to beautiful things Nagiska also shares what her running looks like now - structured training, speed sessions, long runs, rest days, strength work in her beautiful home gym, and a very full calendar of big events including You Yangs 100 Miler, King of the Hills, Aussie Alpines Backyard Ultra, and Melbourne Frontyard Ultra next year. Tips and Takeaways from Nagiska Start where you are Nagiska started with 200 metres. That matters. You don’t need to be “good” before you begin. Get decent shoes Her $20 Kmart shoes are now part of the origin story, but she’s very clear - shoes matter. They protect your feet, legs, hips, and body. One kilometre can change everything Nagiska’s run streak started with a simple commitment: minimum 1K a day. It helped her stop putting herself last and created consistency. Find your people Running is easier, richer, and more fun when you have people who get it. For Nagiska, that’s Jack, Rach, Margie, and the wider ultra community. Do the scary thing Nagiska nearly talked herself out of coming on the podcast, but booked straight away because she knew she might avoid the uncomfortable thing. Her reminder: the scary things often lead to growth. Running can help you process life Nagiska doesn’t describe running as escaping. She describes it as time to process, digest, and work through things. Pass the Baton This episode continues the new ZenRUN Podcast segment - Pass the Baton. The idea is simple: each guest answers a question from the previous guest, then leaves a question for the next runner. Nagiska answered Jason Rantall’s question: Would you entertain the idea of running a different format from what you normally run? You’ll need to listen to the episode to hear Nagiska’s full answer - and to find out what question she passes on to the next guest. Listen to this episode if… You’ve ever felt like you weren’t “a real runner.” You’ve ever started from scratch. You’ve ever wanted to be seen, but also wanted to prove something to yourself. You love the backyard ultra world. Or you just want to hear a funny, honest, full-hearted conversation with a runner who shines brightly - and is brave enough to talk about the darker bits too. 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 Discover The Running Reset [https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset] 🙏 A couple of big favours 1. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2. I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you, or someone you know, has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram at @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club [hello@zenrun.club] 🎧 Don’t miss an episode Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.

Episode 656 - ZenRUN Moment 6: notice when your body settles

Have you ever noticed that many runs start out feeling a bit… awkward? Your legs feel heavy. Your breathing feels off. Your body isn’t quite sure what’s happening. And sometimes your brain is already suggesting that maybe today isn’t the day for a run at all. This week’s ZenRUN Moment is about noticing something that happens on almost every run: the moment your body settles. That point where your stride starts to feel smoother, your breathing finds a rhythm, and running begins to feel more natural. It’s often subtle, but once you start looking for it, you’ll realise it’s there more often than you think. The interesting thing is that many runners make decisions about a run before they’ve even given themselves time to arrive. We judge the first few minutes and assume the whole run will feel the same. But running doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes the body simply needs a little time to warm up, loosen up, and find its groove. On your next run, see if you can notice that transition. Don’t force it and don’t chase it. Just pay attention. You might discover that an uncomfortable beginning is simply part of the journey, not a sign that the run is going badly. Small moments of awareness like this can completely change the way running feels. 💛 Want your running (and your headspace) to feel a little lighter? If you enjoyed this ZenRUN Moment, you might love The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and tools designed to help you clear your mind, reset your rhythm, and fall back in love with running. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset [https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset] A couple of small favours 1️⃣ If you’re enjoying the podcast, a quick follow, like, or review helps more runners discover it. 2️⃣ Got a running story - or know someone we should chat with? I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club [hello@zenrun.club]

Episode 655 - MFYU Mini Series - Paul Pratt’s Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Journey - 34 Yards, Charlie’s Big Moment and the Bigger Story

Welcome to the next episode in the 2026 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Mini-Series on the ZenRUN Podcast. This series follows a handful of athletes through their actual Melbourne Frontyard Ultra journey - not just the neat result at the end, but the little check-ins along the way. The early excitement. The crew moments. The emotional wobbles. The rain, the snacks, the tired conversations, and the honest wrap-up when their race is done. In this episode, we’re following the wonderful Paul Pratt. And this one is a little different. Paul came into Melbourne Frontyard Ultra with a huge love for the backyard format, a previous best of 40 yards, a big running community around him, and his son Charlie lining up to run some yards too. Paul grew up in West Gippsland in a sporting family, playing footy, cricket and tennis. Sport was just what you did. Running, at that stage, was simply part of playing games and chasing people around. Life then took Paul through accounting, business ownership, family, community work, local council, and eventually into running during Covid, when he found it became a really useful outlet during a challenging time. And, as these things often go, one marathon became more marathons. Then 50Ks. Then 100Ks. Then the question became: what’s next? Enter the wonderfully ridiculous world of Backyard and Frontyard Ultras. Paul loves this format because of the people. The chatting. The shared experience. The way age, speed, ability and goals don’t matter in quite the same way. Everyone starts each yard together, and everyone gets to chase their own version of a big day. He was also the local person behind bringing Wild Dog Backyard Ultra to life, so this format clearly means a lot to him. At Melbourne Frontyard Ultra, Paul started the event after a pretty full-on 24 hours. There was life stuff, a car-versus-mailbox moment, and that feeling of having “just a day” before even getting to the start line. But once he settled in, the event started to work its magic. He ran early yards with his son Charlie, chatted with people, enjoyed the beautiful course, and was part of the big early-event buzz where it all feels a bit like a party. Or as Paul put it - a rave party for the first day, before it becomes a battle of attrition. And that’s pretty accurate, really. Paul made it through 34 yards and started yard 35, but by then he already knew he was done. Physically, he felt like there may have been more there. Mentally and emotionally, he was spent. And that’s what makes this episode so good. Because in the wrap-up, recorded a couple of weeks later, Paul speaks really honestly about what happened when life, family, business, responsibility, boredom, mental fatigue, and the event itself all started pulling at him at once. He talks about the difference between being physically capable and being mentally ready. He talks about struggling to stay present. He talks about the guilt that can come with taking time away from family for big events. He talks about high achievers trying to be everything, everywhere, all at once. And he talks about how, sometimes, an event gives you something completely different from what you thought you came for. Because while Paul’s personal race didn’t unfold exactly the way he hoped, one of the most beautiful parts of the weekend was watching his 12-year-old son Charlie run 9 yards - around 60 kilometres. Charlie ran through to 1am, set a huge personal milestone, inspired a lot of people, and gave Paul a completely different reason to look back on the event with pride. And honestly, that’s pretty special. This episode is about running, yes. But it’s also about family, perspective, expectations, community, disappointment, pride, and remembering that sometimes the biggest story at an event is not the number beside your own name. Sometimes it’s the person beside you. Why You’ll Love This Episode * Paul shares openly about sport, business, family, community and running * You’ll hear how running became an outlet during Covid * Paul talks about his love of Backyard and Frontyard Ultras * We talk about Wild Dog Backyard Ultra and Paul’s role in helping bring it to life * There’s a very honest look at the mental side of ultra-running * Paul reflects on why he stopped, even though he felt physically okay * His son Charlie’s 9-yard, 60K effort becomes one of the most beautiful parts of the story * It’s a great reminder that an event can still be meaningful, even when it doesn’t go to plan A Few Favourite Themes It’s not just physical Paul talks openly about the fact that Backyard and Frontyard Ultras are so much more than having legs that can keep moving. The mental side is huge. Sometimes life comes with you Even when you’re in a race, real life doesn’t always politely stay at home. Paul’s wrap-up is such a good reflection on trying to stay present when other responsibilities are still tugging at you. Family can be your greatest motivator - and your greatest handbrake This idea comes through beautifully. Paul loves the events, but he also feels the pull of home, family, and the wider calendar. The event can give you a different gift Paul may have wanted more from his own race, but watching Charlie run 9 yards became something much bigger than expected. Community is the magic From Wild Dog crew to other runners, mates, family, Rachael and Nagiska pushing to 30 yards, and Charlie inspiring people back home - this episode is full of community. Go deep, not wide Paul’s reflection on trying to do too many things at a high level is something many busy runners will relate to. Listen In For * Paul growing up in West Gippsland * Footy, cricket, tennis and sport being “what you did” * Moving to Melbourne and studying accounting * Starting and later selling his accounting business * His education-focused mortgage broking business * Becoming involved in local council * Finding running during Covid * Making up his own marathon challenge when travel was off the table * How marathons turned into ultras * Why Paul loves the Backyard/Frontyard format * Bringing Wild Dog Backyard Ultra to life * Yard 5 and the mailbox incident * Running early yards with Charlie * The “rave party then battle of attrition” description * Yard 23, rain, puddles, wet feet and still-good spirits * Why Paul started yard 35 but knew he was done * The mental pull of family, work, responsibility and boredom * Charlie running 9 yards and around 60 kilometres * Paul’s pride in Charlie * Rachael and Nagiska doubling their PBs * The post-event “never again” to “maybe another one” rollercoaster * Why Paul wants running to stay fun, not become a chore Mentioned In This Episode * Melbourne Frontyard Ultra * Ultra Series Australia * Shaun Kaesler * Wild Dog Backyard Ultra * MVP * Reds * No Time To Die * Charlie Pratt * Rachael Johnstone * Nagiska Mayes * Jack * Stumpy * Danny * Tim from Better By Next Week * Jason Rantall * Joel Sexton * Backyard Ultra / Frontyard Ultra format Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Melbourne Frontyard Ultra Event Website - https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ [https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/] Interested in the 2027 Melbourne Frontyard Ultra? Entries are open now for Saturday 1 May 2027 - and if 2026 is anything to go by, it’s going to be bigger, better, and likely to sell out. Enter here: https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/ [https://www.melbournefyu.com.au/] 💛 Want your running to feel lighter again? If this conversation resonated, you might enjoy The Running Reset - a simple bundle of guided runs and practical tools to help you reset your rhythm, clear your head, and reconnect with why you run. 👉 https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset [https://www.zenrun.app/courses/the-running-reset] 🙏 A couple of big favours 1️⃣ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast - it helps more runners discover these conversations. 2️⃣ I’m always looking for runners to interview. If you or someone you know has a running story to share, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on Facebook or Instagram @ZenRUN.club or email hello@zenrun.club [hello@zenrun.club] 🎧 Don’t miss an episode Subscribe to the ZenRUN Podcast in your favourite podcast app so new conversations land straight in your ears.