Episode Details

Crystal Barnes walked every school sports event. Struggled with asthma. Hated anything remotely physical. Yet somehow... became an ultra-runner.

Crystal has one of the most unexpected running journeys you’ll hear. From joining a run club at 21, to smashing out a half marathon, full marathon, and then an ultra just weeks later, Crystal’s rise was fast, determined, and fuelled by a love of community as much as the sport itself.

But the last few years have been tough. Hamstring tendinopathy, big life changes, balancing running with parenting, and the frustration of going from extremely active to barely able to run at all. Through it all, Crystal has remained grounded, philosophical, and motivated by a huge goal she’s set for 2027....

In this episode:

• Growing up hating sport and navigating childhood asthma
• How a search for “free activities” led to discovering running
• The rapid rise: club runs → half → full → ultra in two years
• Balancing running with parenthood and shifting identity
• Hamstring tendinopathy and the GC10K PB she probably shouldn’t have run
• The 42-for-42 goal driving her forward
• The full-circle moment of meeting a former teacher (this, you gotta hear!)

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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.