Guest:

Jiri Halek – Czech orthodontist turned ultra-runner who once pretended to be sick to skip running… and now wakes up at 4am to run twice a day (on purpose!).

Get Ready For:

A hilarious, inspiring, and refreshingly honest conversation with a man who went from 130kg and dodging stairs to finishing some of the world’s gnarliest ultras—all while keeping his sense of humour, humility, and love for beer.

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🎧 Why You’ll Love This Episode:

•The Most Relatable Start to Running Ever: Jiri’s first run was 500m. He hated it. Now he runs 200+ mile ultras and calls it “fun.”

•From Couch to Crazy: Hear how one stubborn decision to jog at uni turned into racing Badwater, Bigfoot 200, Delirious W.E.S.T, and even hallucinating golden gorillas.

•Minimal Gear, Maximum Grit: He once completed a 200-mile race with borrowed shoes and a headlamp—after the airline lost his luggage.

•Running as a Reset: Jiri uses running to unwind from work, fight off stress, and argue with his imaginary friends (we’ve all been there).

•No Numbers, Just Joy: Why Jiri ditched the stats and watches and just runs for the love of it.

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🧠 Tips from Jiri:

•Start small. Like, really small. Jiri’s first “run” was 500m. “Step by step” is how you build a real habit.

•Make it a habit, not a punishment. He recommends Atomic Habits thinking—consistency over distance.

•Don’t overpack. Even for 200-mile events, he says: “Shorts, shirt, vest, headlamp. That’s it.”

•Run in bad weather. It’s good mental training and makes race day feel like a breeze.

•Find your balance. Don’t let running become your identity—let it support your life.

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🌍 Next Big Adventures:

Jiri is currently prioritising family life (he recently got married and is building a new home!) but says he’ll always be a runner—and hopes to keep exploring the world one ultra at a time.

💥 WIN a $150 Tarkine Shoe Voucher!

This episode of the ZenRUN Podcast is proudly sponsored by Tarkine — an Australian running brand inspired by Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness. Their road shoes (like the AutoPilot Burst I’m currently loving!) are light, springy, and seriously comfy.

And… one lucky ZenRUN Podcast listener will win a $150 voucher to spend on their own pair of Tarkine shoes!

🎧 How to enter:

1️⃣ Follow @tarkineathletics and @zenrun.club on Instagram

2️⃣ DM the secret code word “Pilot” to @zenrun.club

3️⃣ Comment “Done” on the giveaway post for this episode on Instagram

🗓 Entries close Monday at 11:59 pm AEST. Open to Australian residents aged 18+.

📌 This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram. By entering, you release Instagram from all responsibility. We’ll only use your info to contact the winner.

A couple of BIG favours:

1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)

2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) )  Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more!  Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (ZenRUN.club) or send me an email - Hello @ zenrun.club

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💛 Looking for more running motivation?

Check out ZenRUN Club (https://zenrun.club/) —a low-pressure space for runners of all levels. With simple training plans, guided runs, and monthly challenges, it’s all about stress-free progress and community support. Come join us when you’re ready!

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