Runbelievable

Ep 39: Three Heartbreaking Losses... But She Never Lost Hope | Jovelia Shield

2026-06-30

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

Runbelievable — real runners, unreal stories.

🌏 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.

No. of episodes

45

Latest episode

2026-07-14

Where can you listen?

🏃 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:

http://runbelievable.au

🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday; hit follow so you don't miss a lap!