Episode Details
Back to EpisodesEp 18: Six Bowel Surgeries Later... How on Earth Is She Still Running? | Carly Barkle
Description
Carly Barkle’s running journey isn’t a straight line... it’s a true masterclass in persistence.
From elite junior sport and state-level netball to months of illness with glandular fever, chronic fatigue, single parenting, and a staggering run of surgeries, Carly’s story is defined not by uninterrupted success, but by her refusal to stay down (as she says, get knocked down seven times. get up eight).
In this powerful episode of Runbelievable, Carly unpacks what it takes to keep coming back. From buying a treadmill “just in case she had to stop,” to parkrun breakthroughs, podium finishes, and marathons run through illness and injury, Carly opens up about her deep love for being active, the joy she finds in training, and why redemption still matters.
It’s a raw, honest conversation about resilience, patience, and loving the process even when the body keeps pushing back.
In this episode:
- Growing up in elite junior sport
- Glandular fever, chronic fatigue, and long recovery cycles
- Returning to running through uncertainty
- Training through injury and repeated surgeries
- Why endurance suits her more than speed
- The power of community and coaching
- Redemption races and redefining success
Runbelievable: 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.