Runbelievable

Why would anyone choose to run 52 half marathons in 52 weeks... for children they'll probably never meet? Aly Robertson started running because it was cheap, accessible and required little more than putting on a pair of shoes and heading outside. Then running became something much bigger. After completing 42 half marathons in 2025, Aly decided to attempt 52 in 2026... roughly one every week. But this time, he wanted them to mean something. So he began raising money for KidsCan, supporting New Zealand children living in material hardship. There was just one additional rule: keep it interesting. That has meant running a half marathon at midnight while listening to a horror soundscape, drinking litres of milk, consuming wine and cheese, letting dice determine his distance, and even turning the donation of his hair into a 21.1km adventure. If running has ever started to feel a little too serious, Aly's story might remind you just how much fun you can have with 21.1 kilometres. Follow Aly's journey: https://www.instagram.com/alyplods/ Learn about KidCan: https://www.kidscan.org.nz/ In this episode: Why running appealed as a cheap and accessible way to exercise. The spontaneous first half marathon that changed how Aly saw himself. How a breakup led to a period of “relentless self-improvement.” Raising money for KidsCan and the reality of child poverty in New Zealand. Why every half marathon needs its own concept. Why Aly believes a run is ultimately what you make it. 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

What happens when you attempt an ultra you’re not quite ready for? Jess never grew up as a runner. Exercise barely featured in her life, and even when running became necessary for a career change, she did what she needed to do and promptly stopped. Then, in 2024, walking became a way to clear her head. Walking became running. And running escalated quickly. Less than two years later, Jess found herself on the start line of her first 57km ultra after a preparation that had gone anything but to plan. A traumatic experience, an injured knee, five weeks without running and a badly timed cold had left her questioning whether starting was brave, stupid... or a bit of both! At around 25km, everything fell apart. Cold, alone and under-fuelled, Jess called her husband and told him she was done. All she had to do was reach the next aid station and withdraw. If you’ve ever had your mind tell you that you’re done while your body still had something left to give, this episode might make you wonder where your limits really are. In this episode: How walking to clear her head eventually became running. Going from Couch to 5K to contemplating an ultra in less than two years. How becoming a runner changed the example Jess could set for her son. The traumatic experience and injury that derailed her ultra preparation. Why she decided to start despite believing she wasn't ready. Calling her husband at 25km and deciding she was going to quit. How eating, troubleshooting and changing perspective got her moving again. 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

What if your first run happened completely by accident? For Brookie, running was never part of the plan. After growing up with a complicated relationship with weight and body image, she spent much of her life believing running simply wasn't for her. Then, while out walking on the morning of her daughter's birthday party, she realised she was running late and needed to get home to finish icing the cake... so she ran. The next day, she tried again. Starting driveway to driveway, roughly 100 metres at a time, Brookie completed the GC50 25km just ten weeks later. Since then, running has taken her through half marathons, Bravehearts 777 and two extraordinary world record attempts combining her new love of running with her lifelong love of football. If you've ever wondered how far one seemingly insignificant run can take you, Brookie's story might make you think differently about where your own could lead. In this episode: Growing up with weight and body image struggles. The accidental run that started everything. Going from 100-metre running intervals to the GC50 25km in just ten weeks. Running Bravehearts 777 and discovering she had bilateral stress fractures. Why Brookie decided to run a marathon while dribbling a soccer ball. Covering 98.2km in 24 hours while dribbling a soccer ball. Why, after everything she's achieved, her very first run may still be the one that mattered most. 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

What if your biggest running goal was still decades away? For Nick Dunn, a horrific football injury 25 years ago left him with a broken leg, dislocated ankle and lasting limitations that he still manages today. Years later, after his health and fitness had fallen away, a friend's relentless persistence led him to his first triathlon... and two goals that would change the direction of his life. More than 100 triathlons later, Nick has represented Australia and achieved the first of those goals. The only one remaining? To still be racing when he's 80s. In this conversation, Nick shares how triathlon helped transform his life, why he's deliberately training less as he gets older, and how checking in with his 80-year-old self is changing the decisions he makes today. If you've ever wondered whether becoming a better runner sometimes means doing less, this episode might change the way you think about training for the long haul. In this episode: The horrific football injury Nick is still dealing with 25 years later. How struggling to keep up with his daughters became a catalyst for change. The friend who finally convinced him to give triathlon a go. The two goals Nick set after completing his very first event. Why training less could be the key to racing for decades to come. What Nick's 80-year-old self is teaching him about the choices he makes today. The six-minute story that completely changed how he sees his life. 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

What happens when running stops being about you? For Jess Peil, running quickly became much more than chasing medals or PBs. Inspired by family, driven by purpose, and fuelled by an unwavering commitment to helping others, she's completed the Bravehearts Triple Seven challenge eight times, raised more than $650,000 for charity and become an Australian of the Year Local Hero nominee. In this conversation, Jess shares how running became a vehicle for advocacy, why community matters more than competition, the emotional highs and lows of running seven marathons in seven days, and the simple mindset that continues to drive everything she does. If you've ever wondered whether your running could make a difference beyond yourself, this episode might change the way you think about every step you take. In this episode: Why running became Jess's platform for advocacy rather than personal achievement. The emotional reality of completing seven marathons in seven consecutive days. How Bravehearts is helping protect children across Australia. Why community is one of running's greatest superpowers. The surprising emotional crash that follows extraordinary achievements. How everyday runners can create extraordinary impact. 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

What do you do when your body makes a decision your mind isn't ready to accept? For Emma Hansford, running was never about chasing podiums. But after becoming a mum and later navigating perimenopause, she found herself confronting something many runners quietly experience: the need to reset expectations. In this honest conversation, Emma shares her journey through postpartum recovery, perfectionism, identity and learning that success isn't always measured by pace. It's a conversation about redefining what it means to be a runner... and discovering that sometimes slowing down can move us forward. In this episode: How corporate triathlons sparked a love for running The reality of life after childbirth Perimenopause and its impact on running Letting go of perfectionism Why slower doesn't mean weaker 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

Can running help carry the memory of a child? When Dan and Alicia welcomed their first daughter, Eva, into the world, they were told she had an incredibly rare genetic condition and was unlikely to live beyond childhood. For the next seven years they navigated specialist appointments, uncertainty, and unimaginable heartbreak. Throughout it all, they kept running... including Eva and their second child Ivy as part of their routine. The role the running community has played throughout their journey is truly remarkable. This is a conversation about grief, resilience, community, and the remarkable little girl who continues to shape their lives long after her passing. In this episode: Eva's Cockayne Syndrome diagnosis just weeks after birth Navigating seven years of uncertainty and hope The role running played during the hardest years Keeping Eva's memory alive What moving forward really looks like after loss 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

A pair of running shoes wrapped under the Christmas tree didn't just start Rob Birchall's running journey... they changed the direction of his life. After losing his father at a young age, serving in the Army, working as an ambulance dispatcher and quietly battling imposter syndrome, Rob spent years believing he had to hide how he really felt. Running didn't solve every problem. But it helped him discover something even more important... that being himself was enough. In this episode: Losing his father as a child The Christmas present that sparked a love for running Working in for the Army and NSW Ambulence Living with imposter syndrome Why asking for help changed everything Learning to finally be comfortable being himself 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

Just two years after deciding to take marathon running "seriously", Nick Ghamgosar (a.k.a the kiltedrunnerdownunder) lined up at the Gold Coast Marathon wearing a full Scottish kilt in pursuit of a Guinness World Record. But behind the novelty was months of disciplined training, growing public pressure, and one of the toughest races of his life. And you won't believe his HR data my goodness! Follow Nick's journey: https://www.instagram.com/kiltedrunnerdownunder/ In this episode: Why he decided to chase a Guinness World Record Training for a marathon wearing alllll that gear Managing pressure after announcing his intentions publicly Revising his goal just weeks before race day The reality of running 42.2km in full Scottish attire Why community has become his greatest reward 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

For years, Caity Mulraney lived behind a mask. Growing up around domestic violence, surviving an abusive relationship, battling addiction, and eventually reaching the darkest point of her life, she spent decades believing she wasn't enough. Then she discovered running. What began as a reluctant parkrun slowly became the catalyst for rebuilding her confidence, embracing vulnerability, and learning that strength isn't about never falling... it's about choosing to keep getting back up. Follow Caity's journey: https://www.instagram.com/caitlynmulraney_/ In this episode: Growing up surrounded by domestic violence Escaping an abusive relationship The day rumours pushed her to rock bottom How running replaced alcohol as her coping mechanism Learning to embrace vulnerability on social media Why she's now helping others believe in themselves 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

When Jovelia Shield arrived in Australia, she couldn't speak English, knew almost no one, and soon found herself trapped in an abusive relationship. After leaving her former partner, Jovelia found herself as a single mum living in a women's refuge. Over the years that followed, she would endure extraordinary loss (losing three close family members), yet ultimately discover that running could offer something she never expected. This is ultimately a story about resilience, kindness, and the remarkable people who helped Jovelia find hope again. Follow Jovelia's journey: https://www.instagram.com/littlelegslittlerun/ In this episode: Starting over in Australia as a young mother Escaping an abusive relationship and rebuilding her life The strangers who became family Coping with unimaginable grief Discovering running later in life Why running became her place of peace 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start again. After years of partying, drinking, and feeling increasingly disconnected from himself, Lou Daeschler made a drastic decision. He packed up his life in the UK and moved to Australia in search of something different. What followed was a complete transformation. Running became more than exercise. It became structure, purpose, identity, and eventually obsession. But just as everything seemed to be falling into place, Lou received a diagnosis that forced him to rethink everything. Follow Lou's journey: https://www.instagram.com/ultra.lou/ In this episode: Leaving the UK for a fresh start in Australia A destructive university lifestyle and its consequences Losing more than 30kg through fitness and running Going from a 43-minute 5km to 140km training weeks The double stress fracture diagnosis that stopped everything Learning the difference between commitment and obsession 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

A market research study looking for overweight uni students set Clay Dawon on a path that would eventually lead to marathon victories, Australian representation, and some of the most remarkable endurance performances imaginable. Yet despite all the success, Clay has spent much of his running journey battling imposter syndrome and questioning whether he truly belongs. Clay is always looking to help shape and mentor the next generation of runners. https://www.instagram.com/clay_dawson/ In this episode: The research study that changed everything Losing weight through accidental running Winning the Brisbane Marathon Representing Australia in the 100km Championships Why success often felt uncomfortable What he'd tell anyone who doubts themselves Oh, and in a comical twist, Clay sets the record straight on an age-old stat. 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

In 2012, Georgia Weir was battling poor mental health, addiction, and an incorrect bipolar diagnosis. A local 5km event became a last resort. What followed was a journey that took her from running her first marathon in New York, to founding Deadly Runners; a movement that has helped hundreds of First Nations Australians discover what's possible through running. But the road wasn't smooth. After a dispute over ownership, Georgia lost everything, battled addiction, rebuilt her life, and emerged with an even greater sense of purpose. Learn about Deadly Runners: https://deadlyrunners.com.au/ Discover WeRun Foundation: https://www.werunfoundation.org/ Perhaps the most powerful 'why' running video you'll see: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYt2BgwTHj3/ In this episode: Running as a last resort for mental health Finding self-belief through completing the New York Marathon Discovering purpose through establishing Deadly Runners Losing everything through addiction The role her husband played in recovery Helping First Nations communities break cycles through running 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

Fresh off the Brisbane Marathon, a familiar Runbelievable voice returns for a special Recap episode. When Carly Barkle first joined us in Ep. 18, she spoke openly about chasing redemption at the Brisbane Marathon. Twelve months after her first DNF, and her 6th bout of bowel surgery… the training is done, the race has been run, and now it's time to find out what really happened. No polished summary. No social media highlight reel. Just an honest reflection whilst the emotions are still fresh. We talk about: Whether she found the redemption she was looking for The race-day twist we had no idea about! The moments that tested her most What surprised her along the way How she feels about the experience now that it's over 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

Belle Ferguson started running for a surprisingly practical reason... walking took too long. What began as a time-saving measure soon turned into something much bigger. Today, Belle is a marathoner, Trek2Health trek leader, and passionate advocate for runners of all abilities. She's also challenging one of running's biggest misconceptions... that taking walk breaks somehow makes you less of a runner. In this episode: Starting running purely to save time How Trek to Health changed her life The run-walk (Jeffing) method explained Why back-of-the-pack runners deserve more respect Running marathons without chasing elite times Finding confidence, community, and belonging through running 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

She religiously followed the training plan, adjusted work around key sessions, nailed her long runs, and arrived at the start line fitter than ever. Libby Gibbins did everything right. But midway through her first marathon… something shifted. In this deeply moving episode, Libby opens up about imposter syndrome, identity after motherhood, and the mental battle that unfolded as her time goal slowly drifted away. This isn’t just a conversation about marathon running. It’s about pressure, self-belief, and the stories we tell ourselves when things stop going to plan. In this episode: Returning to running after kids The “mum tax” and identity beyond parenting Training for a first marathon The mental impact of seeing pacers disappear Imposter syndrome in running and life Why the finish line still hurt despite success 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

What would make someone run every single day for over 3 years? In this episode, you’ll meet Frank Chung... a Brisbane runner whose daily running streak dates back to 28 December, 2022. But beneath the streak lies something much deeper. Following separation, injury, career upheaval, and periods where he felt completely lost… running slowly became the thing that helped pull him back together. Now more than 1,200 consecutive days later, Frank reflects on discipline, identity, community, and why running became non-negotiable in his life. In this episode: The emotional period that brought Frank back to running Building Kedron parkrun and Old Skool Run Club Injury setbacks and drifting away from himself The daily streak that changed everything Running through marriage, fatherhood, business, and life Why running became essential to his mental health 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

Would you turn to running if life threw a massive curve-ball your way? Mads Biddulph-Wall always had a plan. As a teenager, she was already thinking about career pathways, maternity leave, and the future she wanted to build. But when it came time to start a family, life took a heartbreaking turn. In this episode, Mads opens up about pregnancy loss, grief, and the period where she felt like she lost her sense of self. Then running entered the picture. What started as a way to cope slowly became something much bigger. Follow Mads' journey: https://www.instagram.com/runmadsrun/ Heartfelt is a volunteer organisation that supporteed Mads through professional photographic memories when Beau was born. She has since run in their aid raising nearly $3,000: https://heartfelt.org.au/ In this episode: Multiple miscarriages and pregnancy loss Feeling like a shell of herself after grief Discovering running as a way to regain control Going from non-runner to marathon finisher How loss changed her perspective on life ***This episode is dedicated to Beau Jude Biddulph-Wall. Fly, little wing.*** 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

We can't fathom what motivates someone to run an overnight enduro! In this special bonus episode, Joshie and Natty head down to Run The River in Brisbane; an overnight endurance event featuring everything from a midnight half marathon to brutal 100km solo efforts. This episode captures the anticipation beforehand… the nervous laughter, final preparations, volunteers setting up, and runners quietly wondering what they’ve signed up for. Along the way, you’ll hear from first-timers, seasoned ultra runners, relay teams, volunteers, Australian running legend Pat Carroll, and accomplished endurance runner Clay Dawson. In this episode: Inside Brisbane’s Run The River ultra event 100km solo runners and relay teams The atmosphere before an overnight endurance race Stories from runners, volunteers, and crews Marathoners, first-timers, and ultra veterans The community spirit behind endurance running 🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable: http://runbelievable.au 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap! About Runbelievable Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.