58: It’s Never Too Late: How Shona Found Joy, Community & Confidence via Running; A Runner’s Journey

58: It’s Never Too Late: How Shona Found Joy, Community & Confidence via Running; A Runner’s Journey

Shona didn’t start running until nearly 60. What began as a simple walk to improve her health turned into 5Ks, half marathons, and a deep love for the running community.   In this episode, Shona shares how ADHD shaped her journey, the emotional story behind her first half marathon on Kangaroo Island, overcoming injuries including two broken ankles, and the mindset shifts that helped her push through tough moments like Brisbane Half. She also talks about running with her husband, finding joy in travel runs, and her upcoming goals from Gold Coast to Melbourne.   Shona’s story proves it’s never too late to start and that running is as much about joy and community as it is about the kilometres.

57: Running the World Before 30: Theo’s Six‑Continent Marathon Quest; A Runner’s Journey

Before he turns 30, Theo set himself a challenge most runners only dream about: six marathons across six continents. But this journey didn’t start with a finish line it started with a collapsed lung, weeks in bed, and a promise to himself that once he could breathe freely again, he’d live fully again.   In this episode, Theo takes us through every step of that promise. From Valencia, where he learned what “the wall” really feels like… To New York, the 42‑kilometre street party… To Sao Paulo, his childhood dream destination… To Osaka, where the jet lag hit as hard as the marathon… To Cape Town, where a cancelled race became the catalyst for his first sub‑3… And finally, to Melbourne, where he’ll complete his six‑continent mission inside the iconic MCG.   It’s a story of resilience, travel, community, heartbreak, joy and what happens when running becomes the vehicle for rebuilding your life.

56: Running With Purpose: Meriem’s Story of Identity, Motherhood & Marathons; A Runner’s Journey

Meriem’s story is one of courage, community, and rediscovering strength through running. Growing up between Casablanca and Australia, she navigated cultural identity, bullying, and an eating disorder before a 7km fun run changed her path. Running became a lifeline from her first marathon at 15 raising funds for Syria, to balancing elite training with med school, motherhood, and managing Type 1 diabetes. It remains her anchor through life’s challenges. This episode explores resilience, belonging, and the power of starting small and trusting the process. Her journey reminds us why we lace up and who we become along the way.

55: Why Running Makes Us Better Humans: Mark on Mindset, Coaching & Purpose; A Runner’s Journey

Mark joins the show to share how running completely transformed his life not through race day, but through the training that reshaped his mindset, his habits, his relationships, and his purpose.   We dive into mental clarity, early‑morning miles, running without music, becoming a coach, pacing others to PBs, and why running makes us better in every part of life.   A powerful conversation about growth, discipline, and finding joy in the process.

54: Leigh’s Story and the Community That Became Sweatmasters; A Runner’s Journey

This week we are joined by Leigh Witney, the creator of Sweatmasters Health & Fitness a place that’s become a second home for so many of us in the Bayside running and training community.   We dive into the 16‑year story behind Sweatmasters, how cross‑training shapes stronger runners, and why community is the secret ingredient that keeps people showing up. Leigh also opens up about his own journey: Ironmans, trail ultras, Hyrox, injuries, nutrition breakthroughs, and what it really takes to stay motivated over the long haul.   Whether you’re new to running, building consistency, or chasing your next big challenge, Leigh’s perspective is packed with practical wisdom and grounded, real‑world experience.