Ep 29: Running with Crohn’s: The Reality No One Sees | Mary Booth
2026-04-21
In her own words, Mary Booth "was the most unsporty child you could ever imagine"!
Growing up, she avoided sport wherever possible; even hiding in the bathroom to get out of PE. But life had other plans.
After joining Defence and pushing through early fitness struggles, Mary’s journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in her early twenties. Months of pain, weight loss, and uncertainty forced her to rethink everything she knew about her body.
In this episode of Runbelievable, Joshie and Matty sit down with Mary to talk about what it means to run with chronic illness... and why, for her, running became a way to reclaim control.
From cycling to ease symptoms, to discovering parkrun, to eventually completing half marathons, Mary’s story is one of resilience, planning, and learning to work with your body rather than against it.
Now, through her platform “Sore Tummy Runner,” she’s helping others navigate the realities of running with Crohn’s.
Follow Mary's journey: https://www.instagram.com/soretummyrunner/
For more information about living with Crohn's: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.au/
In this episode
Avoiding sport and early struggles with fitness Joining Defence and passing fitness tests Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease Managing fatigue, pain, and uncertainty Running as a way to regain control Supporting others with IBD through social mediaRunbelievable — real runners, unreal stories.
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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.
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🏃 Running Changes Us.
Runbelievable is the running podcast that explores how running shapes who we become.
Hosted by Josh Rischin, runners from all walks of life — from elites to first-timers — share what first got them lacing up and the moments that have defined them.
These are stories of resilience, reinvention, adversity, connection, identity and growth. Stories about the challenges we face, the lessons we learn, and the unexpected ways running influences how we show up in life.
Some guests have overcome addiction, illness, loss, separation or self-doubt. Others have discovered community, purpose, confidence and belonging through running.
Every story offers a different perspective on how running shapes who we become.
Whether you're preparing for your first parkrun or your 100th marathon, you'll find something of yourself in these conversations.
🌏 Episodes, community, and all things Runbelievable:
🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap!