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

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. 

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 

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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.

Transcript

Jovelia 0:00

You know, she's like my mother. Even when I got married to my husband, she's my mother in Australia. And uh I'm I was just so lucky to meet people like that, you know, like there's always rainbow after the rain.

Joshie 0:17

As I sit here today in search of pink socks to match my brand new Pro Ford, I'm reminded of the last and strange lessons that running teaches us. Hello everybody, and welcome back to Rumble and Fall. I'm your host, Josh Christian, and each week we chat with runners from all supplies to explore how running has taken the counter. Joining me today is Javelia Shield, whose journey has taken her from a single mum who could barely speak any English through extraordinary grief and ultimately rebuilding her identity through running. Javelia, welcome to Rum Believable.

Jovelia 0:51

Hello again, George, and thank you for having me.

Joshie 0:55

Now, before we dive into your story, I'd like to share just a very quick moment from our amazing community. This week's Rum Believable moment comes from Kate McNair, who proudly boasted about having won a local 5K charity event. Now, Javelia, what struck me wasn't the win itself. Kate spoke about the fact that she doesn't fit the stereotype of what people expect a race winner to quote unquote look like. Yet there she was, crossing the finish line in first position, which I think is absolutely incredible. What a beautiful reminder that you can never judge someone's ability purely by appearances. Kate, I think you're amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your unbelievable moment with us. But today belongs to someone else. Javelia, can you take a step back to 2014, I think it was? You'd only been in Australia for a handful of years. Your brother had passed away age 19, and you're unable to return to the Philippines to farewell him. Can you tell me how hard that period was for you?

Jovelia 1:57

Um, it was definitely hard because, you know, I moved to Australia, like, you know, I don't speak English. I don't know anyone, I have enough friends. It's a new culture, a new country for me. And when my brother passed away, I couldn't even leave the country because um my ex-husband wouldn't sign the passport for my daughter. So it's kind of like I can't really go by myself and leave my daughter. So yeah, it was hard. So I didn't end up going to my brother's funeral, which was really, really hard because, you know, that time I just I just want to be with my family and see him. So yeah, it was really, really hard. It's just so much pain in there, like, you know, you just wanna also you just wanna freely like go and see them, but I couldn't do it then.

Joshie 3:01

You must have felt so, I guess, alone and isolated at that time.

Jovelia 3:06

Oh, definitely, Josh. It was it was a different, you know, feeling like just you don't have that freedom to just like leave and go. Like, you know, because someone is trying to stop you. Like, you know, it's it's it's really hard.

Joshie 3:25

W what do you mean he he stopped you?

Jovelia 3:27

I mean, you're happy to Well, um, so my I I've been in an abusive relationship with which is, yeah, my ex-husband, and I think when I left him, that's the only control he's got for me, not to sign my daughter's passport. And um yeah, it was my ex wouldn't sign the passport, because I tried to apply a passport from my daughter then, but then he wouldn't sign. So it was hard for me to like, you know, leave the country without a passport from my daughter. So yeah, I it took me ages actually, actually, like until like later. And I think after seven years, then I think that's the time that I was able to take my daughter back home after he signed it.

Joshie 4:21

I'm so sorry to hear that. Um I mean you moved from the Philippines to Australia as a young mum, and as I mentioned before, you couldn't really speak much English. Um tell us what life looked like for you once you arrived in Australia?

Jovelia 4:40

It was actually scary, Josh, because uh I came to Australia, I was about seven and a half pregnant, and you know, I I didn't really know what to expect because I feel like all these Australian talk so fast I couldn't understand them. And um and also like you know, living in Australia, it was it feels like I wasn't excited. It feels like I just want to be home because I thought, you know what, I I I just want to give birth back home where all my family's there to help me. But then, you know, I was married to my ex and I have to move here, so I mean to be with him and give birth in Australia because that's what he wants. And um it was scary at the same time that I feel like I didn't really know him really well because he was my he was my first boyfriend, and it's like I didn't know about a relationship. So it was everything is just like new to me, like, oh, so this is a married couple like and we live together, so this is what it's like. And um, yeah, it was unexpected, uh like you know, things happened suddenly. He was showing his flaws, like, you know, being violent towards me. And I didn't expect that, like I didn't expect expected that he's gonna do that to me. So I was really surprised and was scared. And I never told my parents what he was doing because that time I really didn't know what to do. I was just like scared in my own bubble, like I was just hiding. But yeah, it was a bit too much.

Joshie 6:39

That's awful.

Jovelia 6:40

Yeah.

Joshie 6:41

Gosh, I guess it sounds like you'd almost um you felt like in Australia you didn't have much of an identity outside of your relationship.

Jovelia 6:52

Yeah, yeah. But you know what, my um my mother-in-law, or his mum, his she is amazing. She was there for me from the start. Like, she supports me. I know I can understand it was a bit hard for her because it was her own son, but at the same time, you know, she knows what's right and wrong, and she was there for me till till the end. Like, yeah, she was very supportive and sh was just an amazing woman. And I love her.

Joshie 7:30

That's beautiful. I mean, that's actually quite incredible for you know, someone. I mean, you you've got kids of your own. I've got kids, and you sort of hope you never have to be in that situation. But for your uh you I think you still call her your mother-in-law, I mean, for her to she's beautiful.

Jovelia 7:47

I still talk to her.

Joshie 7:50

But to put your needs first as a human um and to very clearly understand in that moment what's right from wrong, not a lot of people would do that. Um now, do I understand right that um in that period of time after you left your former partner, um, I mean you hadn't been in Australia for that long, that you were basically um y you found yourself in temporary accommodation raising kids on your own?

Jovelia 8:18

Yes. So when I left my ex-husband, I ended up living in a women's refuge house because, you know, I didn't know where to go. I I just that time I just want to go home. Like, you know, that's all my choices. But it was hard that time because I couldn't just leave the country, you know, being, you know, my daughter is Australian. It was hard. So I stayed in a women's refuge house for about three months. And um, I have a lot of support in there, it was just it was amazing. Like those ladies in there, they were just amazing. And I think that decision I made, I think, you know, I was just proud of myself that I I actually left because I left him probably a few times before I decided that's enough. Because you know, that time I thought, you know what, I don't want my daughter to experience this or see this as okay. Because I know it's not okay, this is not okay, it's not normal. So I I don't want her to grow up seeing that and that decision of me living like life fully. So yeah, I stayed in a women's refuge house and I have support in there, and and I Josh, and after that, Josh, I went to Taife to study English. Okay. So yeah, I studied English in in Taife. And then um I met this, I met a lady from Taife. She's she's a Vietnamese lady, and she's been in Australia for a long time. And it's just funny because you know, you never know. There are some kind people out there. One day she just asked me, Oh, would you like to live with me? And I feel like uh I was like, Oh, I'm I was looking in my head, I was like, you don't even know me.

Joshie 10:18

Yeah.

Jovelia 10:19

But I didn't say that, I didn't say that to her, but I think she's been observing me, she's been talking to me. What's my life like and where I'll live and this and that? And later on she'd say, I can see myself from you, and I can help you, you can live with me if you want to, but you don't have to, it's your choice. So um, so I think that was the sweetest thing ever. I like hearing that from someone like stranger. And I know, it's it's just like, you know, yeah, like I feel like all of what I've been through, like, you know, you still meet lovely people. They're there. Like she was just there and she helped me. So yeah, when we moved out of the women's refuge house, or that time that I met her, um, we were actually living in a three-bedroom house. Like it was from the government, just me and my daughter, but we were only given like a like a I think six months. So yeah, so later on I contacted that lady, and um and I said, yeah, if if that's okay. So she was like, you don't have to decide now, but you can come and visit our house and see if you're happy to come and live with us. So yeah, we she picked me up. I don't drive then, Josh. I don't have license or anything. Um, so yeah, she picked us up, brought us to her house, and um, yeah, I see that she has two kids, actually more than that, but there's there's two kids living with her. She's a single mom as well. And um, yeah, and I thought they were really loving and they welcome us so warmly, and they're so loving and sweet, and they really love my little girl. She was only, I think, two, or just yeah, just before two two years old. Anyway, um, yeah, so we love it there, and then we thought, oh yeah, I think we can live here. So yeah, we have our own bedroom, me and my daughter, and yeah, we lived there for a few years, and yeah, it was just amazing. And she is just so lovely. And up to now, like, you know, she's like my mother. Even when I got married to my husband, she's my mother in Australia. And uh I'm I was just so lucky to meet people like that, you know, like there's always rainbow after the rain, like beautiful.

Joshie 12:53

I'm so touched by that, Javelia.

Jovelia 12:55

I mean, yeah, it's just amazing.

Joshie 12:59

Just the the the kindness and humanity that comes out when people are in need. It's so pleasing to see. Um, and it sounds like that that really helped bridge a gap for you at at a time when otherwise you were feeling quite alone and quite isolated. I mean so um so what year was that that you moved in with this lady?

Jovelia 13:22

That was back in 2012.

Joshie 13:26

Yeah. So what did life look like for you in the years that that followed? I mean, did you notice changes with your confidence? I mean, as you s continue to learn English um and I guess become somewhat integrated with society, did you did you notice changes back then?

Jovelia 13:44

Um I think so. I think for me, I um I feel like I don't trust people easily. But at the same time you you you're there for them and like get to know them. And for me, I feel so like meeting the Vietnamese lady, her name is Fong, sorry, I'll just say it, because she's amazing. Um I think I felt her love and just being able to see me who I am and accept me without judging me and helping me, even though like you know, I don't speak much English, and she was there to help me as well. And even her kids, they're just very welcoming children and just just beautiful children, and really like um address how I feel that sorry, um that you know I shouldn't be shy or I'm okay to to be like part of their family. And yeah, that was amazing that they really like welcomed me as their own family without.

Joshie 15:04

Are you still in contact today as well?

Jovelia 15:07

Oh yeah, yes, definitely. And now like I'm I'm so happy. We're actually like about 20 minutes away now. Oh wow so it's so nice because before it was she was like a bit far away.

Joshie 15:19

Yeah.

Jovelia 15:20

So yeah, really happy like I met her.

Joshie 15:25

You know, uh Chevelli, before we jumped on the call, I mean, understandably you were a bit nervous. Every guest is nervous, and um there is um if people didn't know, and if I didn't know any better, you wouldn't know that English is your second language.

Jovelia 15:40

Uh I'm I Oh thank you. But yeah, I'm always worried every time I speak to people, like I don't know why. That's I feel like that's my weakness. Like I always worry, you're like, oh my god, am I speaking good or is my growing right?

Joshie 15:56

I think you clearly did an incredible job rebuilding your self-esteem and like I say, uh building a sense of um of of self-worth and purpose. Um now it doesn't mean that the difficult times were behind you. Let's fast forward to 2021. Um, you you lost your father who you were incredibly close to. Um can you talk us through what that period of your life looked like?

Jovelia 16:23

Um, yeah, it was back in 2021 when my dad passed away. I um there was a COVID time, COVID time as well. And um, so I didn't get a chance to go home and see him for the second time around, like you know, with my little brother, because of COVID. And um it was really, really hard because I was close to my dad. He's he has a sense of humor, he's a joker, we always laugh, and it was really like I feel lost that time because you know, your dad, and I just want to see him as well, but I couldn't. It's always the wrong timing, hey. But um yeah, so since then I I guess um I feel like why am I losing my family? I have those questions in my head, like, why is this happening to me? And then I think I was just I don't know, it was just so hard, I guess, losing someone you really love and close to you.

Joshie 17:36

And not for the first time as well. I mean, it sounds like you never gone. Yeah. I mean, you didn't really have an opportunity to grieve your brother passing away. And then, you know, with all the other complexities and challenges you were facing in life, um, you know, your your sort of dad passing away hit at a time that must have been really difficult as well. Um were you able to r return to the Philippines on that occasion? Um sorry. Sorry, Javelia.

Jovelia 18:08

Sorry. Um yeah, I did later on. So I just visited my dad. Uh I um I went by myself because 2020 I gave birth to my second one, and then my dad passed away at 21, and I went to Philippines by myself so I could see dad, you know, in his grave. But um, yeah, so my husband was very supportive. So he's got my two girls, he looked after the girls, and uh I went home to visit dad and see my family. So that was really nice, you know. It was this is after, you know, the border was opened, no isolation anymore. But uh yeah, that was good that I went home and see dad and my family.

Joshie 19:04

How hard was it to then leave the Philippines and return to Australia?

Jovelia 19:08

It was very, very hard. I feel like, oh, I I just don't want it to end. But you know, life goes on. You just we can't control this life we have. These things happen, and and I have family waiting here in Australia, and I thought, you know what? We gotta keep going. It's just more in like accepting it and you know, grief, like we always have it in us, like we carry it wherever we go. On and off, we feel sad, we cry, but even at work, you know, but we can't really control it. It's it's we live with it. It's it's there. We can't stop it, but we just have to accept it and keep going in life. You know?

Joshie 20:02

It's tough, isn't it? Um I can't imagine what it's like to go through what you have though. Um, especially, like I say, being so far away from family that you're really connected to. Um I mean, was it uh after you came back to Australia that you started to prioritize movement? Um is that when running became a bit of a feature in your life?

Jovelia 20:24

Yeah, so when when my dad passed away, that's when I started moving. Like I started going to the gym. So it feels like it's just give me a wake-up call saying, like, you know what, you need to prioritize your health. You don't wanna, you don't wanna like, you don't want something to happen to you. And you know, like for me, it's so hard, my dad's gone. Like, I feel like I don't want that, I don't want my children to experience that because they know what it's like. I don't want them to carry that pain. So I thought, you know what, by I guess looking after myself, doing some exercise, nourishing my body, and just you know, cut to process food and just keep moving and just be active. And I think that really really makes sense doing that. And it's more like looking after yourself so you'll be able to look after others. And um yeah, I think yeah, that's where where I started moving myself. And then uh with running, I did started running um back in 2000 uh last year. Yeah, I started running running last year.

Joshie 21:45

Oh, is it that recent? Oh wow. Yeah. You've taken on some pretty big running challenges in that time. We'll come back to that in a tick, but um when you started to prioritize movement in your life, how much of that, can I ask, was about being Kinder to yourself versus setting a role like a good role model for your children?

Jovelia 22:05

Oh, it's it's it's such a actually a nice feeling being able to move because before I never I never liked exercising. Like I don't have that thought like oh going to the gym. So I think since I started exercising, I really appreciate what it does to me. It makes me happy, it makes me active, makes me like strong and fit. And I think doing that as well, I sometimes, you know, my children get to notice that, like, oh, my mom is going to the gym today, oh my mom's going to the gym tonight. Like they know that. And I think it's nice to show to my children that doing fitness and healthy lifestyle is the best you can do to yourself. And you know, they are really, really like like become familiar now with me. It's like part of my routine, and they know that like, oh, mom is not here today because she's in the gym. Oh, and my older daughter, she's like, oh, I gotta look after Rory because mom's going to the gym. So with that, it helped them see what what I do as my like part of my routine.

Joshie 23:27

I was just gonna ask, have either of them started to show an interest in movement or running themselves?

Jovelia 23:32

Yes. Um, my my daughter, my oldest one, she's 16. So one day she was like, Mom, um, can I come to the gym with you? I said, of course. And um, yeah, so we signed her up and then um she really loved it. I think she's she's really amazed what I do at the gym, like because she hasn't seen me like lifting or uh squatting heavy bubbles, and then she sometimes I catch her watching me, like she looks like she's amazed, and she was like, Oh, whoa, mom, that was good. I said, And then I think since then, and even like her friends from school, because sometimes there's like students go to my gym as well, it's like, oh, I saw your mom, your mom's back is amazing. And I think hearing that, it like you know, when she hears that, she feels like, oh, my mom is amazing. Like, you know, she exercised, so I think I gotta start doing exercise too. So yeah, it's it's so nice to see her, you know, having that decision to come to me or come to the gym with me. And um I and I like it that he she can see that that how I prior prioritize health and fitness, even with eating food as well, and she's really adapting that. Like she starts eating healthy, and if she's got friends over, she's like, that's my cheat day, mom. I eat this food. But so that's okay. And also at like at home when I do food shopping, I don't buy like chips or anything, and she knows that. And when she feels like eating them, I was like, oh well, you go to the shop, walk to the shop and get that. So yeah, she'll do that as well.

Joshie 25:19

That must be amazing, Javelli, to see that you know your children are I guess following your lead. Um are you proud of yourself for for what that looks like?

Jovelia 25:31

I think when my children copies me or whatever they copy me, I'll be very proud because I am showing them the like you know, the better version of myself and what what should we do to our everyday like you know, routine where we prioritize our fitness and health. And um, yeah, even my little girl, every time I come back from my running, I would be stretching on the floor and she would join me. She will get her mat and put it on and stretch with me, and she knows all my stretches. So it's amazing to see them like, you know, doing the same thing, and you know, started that at a young age.

Joshie 26:20

So let's actually talk about your running journey, Javelia, which I understand started pretty simply. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, you spontaneously decided to jump on a treadmill one day with a very simple goal to run eight kilometers in one hour.

Jovelia 26:35

Yes. So yes, um, it was it was one day I went to the gym and I saw this lady. Yeah, I think I've mentioned it to you before. I saw this lady running so fast on a treadmill, and she was there for a long time, and I was just impressed. I was like, how did she do that? I couldn't even run, like I couldn't even run 50 meters or 100 meters. So, yeah, the following day I was I was like, I won't try that. So I went and jumped in on the on the treadmill, and I started running, or maybe I'll call it jogging. So yeah, I started running really slow and I thought I'll just keep it steady because I know when I start running fast, I was like, that's it, 100 meters, 50 meters done. But anyway, yeah, so I started running really slow and I kept going. I was like, I was there, and then I realized I was there for like an hour, so I've done like eight kilometers for an hour. And I was like, oh my god, that was really good. And I really enjoyed it. That's when I started, I thought, oh, I might just start doing this, like doing for a run. And then suddenly, you know, come back home the following day. I just went outside and got for a run, and I did five kilometers for like how long was that four 40 minutes? And I was really, really happy. I was like, I can actually do this. Oh yeah, I was like, I couldn't believe that I actually like did that. I was like, what just happened then? Like, you know, it's running is hard. I don't know, but I did it. So yeah, I was happy. It was the start then. And I I actually liked it.

Joshie 28:18

So it's um unusual. Most people when they start running, they think it sucks and they hate it.

Jovelia 28:24

Yeah, I know. Well, sometimes I hate running, but at the end, you know, you you love it and really enjoy it. I enjoy it most of the time.

Joshie 28:34

Yeah. And so I didn't realize it was that recently, just last year.

Jovelia 28:39

Um Yeah, because I started racing last year as well, and it was April, my first race. So yeah, it was yeah, it was new to me.

Joshie 28:49

Uh so can you recall what changes you noticed in you when when you started running?

Jovelia 28:55

Oh Josh, I think uh running gives me confidence. Like, I mean, you know, it gives me freedom like going out there and give gives me freedom to think and also you know, like I have my alone time as a mother. Like, you know, we have that mental load in the house, so many things to do in the house, and sometimes going for a run just gives me that freedom of like peace and just me. And I really enjoyed it. And I think since then I just I thought I'll just carry on and just keep going and just keep running. And then um I really like it because it's it's like not just I'm exercising or you know, being active, but at the same time it gives me peace of mind.

Joshie 29:54

And so as if you haven't already been through enough Javelia, you sort of started running last year and started attending events, and your life once again came to another standstill earlier this year. You lost another brother. Um, I mean, gosh. Um I don't even begin to know how to ask how how things were for you.

Jovelia 30:20

Yeah, you know what? Um yeah, my brother passed away uh in February this year, and I have a race. Yeah, he passed away four weeks before my race when I was doing that 25 kilometers run. And um that was that was really hard. I think it was the hardest time, and at the same time it was the hardest it yeah, it I just couldn't I just could not understand like why for the third time, but you know what, when I did run like heel, I feel like that was my hardest race I've ever been, and it was just I just that time I thought I might just pull up, like just cancel my running because I don't think I could do it. But anyways, you know, I thought, you know, I think I can do this. I will probably do this to honor my my brother and do it for him. So and physically I wasn't feeling really well then, you know. I wasn't feeling good. Physically, I have I have my period that time. I just I just I just want to be on the couch and not do anything. But yeah, on the race day, it wasn't expected as well, because you know, I didn't have I I didn't research about what's the cause like, where is it gonna be? It was just that day that I look up everything. I was like, okay, it's my race day today, I'll go. So I put all my my gear on and everything. I went in there, I got there, I was like, oh God, this is like full of heels, soft sand and grape. And I was like, oh my god. And then that that time too, Josh, it was too windy, like windy. So I was like, oh my god, it was so dusty and everything. So yeah, I started running. I was like, I can do this, I'll do it. So I did it. I started running, and after I think about 10, after 10 kilometers, I was like, oh my god, I don't think I can do this. I just that time I just want to stop and just turn around and that's it, go home. But I thought the race then was uh it started at 6 p.m.

Joshie 32:57

Okay.

Jovelia 32:59

But then yeah, I started running and then I thought I I don't think I could I could do this. So I thought I I thought I don't want to give up. I'll just keep going. So anyway, I kept going and then suddenly it got dark and I didn't have a torch then.

Joshie 33:16

Oh there were there many people around though, or were you kind of just having to find your way in the yeah?

Jovelia 33:25

Yeah, there were people around with their torch on, so I'm kind of like following them with a light, not from my own because I didn't have any. So it was really hard. Like I feel like I was lost that night, to be honest. I feel like, oh my god, where am I?

Joshie 33:42

Your mind must have been all over the place.

Jovelia 33:44

Oh, it was I think I think it was carrying that pain from what happened to my brother. It was kind of like mentally and physically, I wasn't really really prepared to run.

Joshie 33:58

Okay.

Jovelia 33:59

Like I wasn't really ready to do that race that day. And um, but yeah, I pulled myself up and I thought, you know what, I will do it from my brother. And even though that's beautiful. Even though it was so high, Josh, like I just couldn't describe it. Like, I just really want to like stop and done, but I kept going in the dark, in the wind, and all these hills and grey board and this terrain, like slippery, and yeah, it was it was the hardest race I've been, I think. I did not expect it that, but you know what, Josh? I did it, I finished it, and I was just so proud of myself that I did that, you know?

Joshie 34:53

It's incredible.

Jovelia 34:54

Yeah, because I cried as well, and I was like, like, who am I? I feel like I'm I'm really lost. Like, even that the finish line, I didn't mean no, I'm finished. So when I and I was following this lady, this lady, like ahead of me, I was she was like, Yeah, we've done it. I was like, oh, it's finished? I said, I thought, oh, is it finished? I was like, oh my god, I didn't even know I didn't even check my watch how many kilometers I was. It was just like it was just the hardest night ever.

Joshie 35:26

Wow. Do you feel like you were like robbed of a moment to to celebrate crossing the finish line?

Jovelia 35:33

Oh, I think so. I think so. It was it was just too it was just too much that night, I guess. I will never forget that night though.

Joshie 35:45

So I know it was relatively recently, Javeli, but looking back on it now, how do you feel when you think about what you were able to overcome with not only just showing up but finishing that race?

Jovelia 35:56

Oh, I I think I feel amazing, you know, it's like no matter what you go through in life, all the ups and downs, you're just gonna have to keep going in life. Like, you know, I didn't choose to be in an abusive relationship. I didn't choose to be like, you know, to be in a country, well, I don't know. But at the end of the day, you know, we can't control this. We have to keep going in life and just look at the bright side of it and just celebrate the victory or whoever you met, good people or nice people. And running really helped me as well overcome these things because it's just give me peace of mind, really. And running really um just give me so much confidence as well. Like I've I've like got out of my comfort zone that I'm like, you know, and there are things that I've done now that I don't think I'll ever do. Like even creating an account for Instagram life, I wasn't that person, Josh. Like I'm very private. I don't post my selfie or anything before. And you know, I've created that and it makes me realize later on, like, you know what? Um, it's actually nice to share my journey and that victory. You know, it's it's nice, all your wins and like all the training she did and looking at it, it makes you proud of yourself. And at the same time, like doing that, I didn't know that I inspired other people. Like even at work, like some of my workmates knows I started running, do some races, and one day they'll just come up to me and saying, Hey Joe, you know what? I I I walk today. I say, Oh, that's amazing. Or next next day someone will say, Oh, Joe, did you know I run 5k this morning? Yeah. I was like, oh, that's amazing. And you know, I feel like I feel like because they see me, what I'm doing, and I feel like I inspire them, or I have some DMs saying, Oh, Joe, you really inspire me. Like, and that feeling makes me feel like I don't feel like cringy posting thing because I know I think at least I inspire one or two people. And um, yeah, so yeah, I've done things that I haven't done before, and even like joining a run club. Yeah, I I don't think like that time I was like, oh my god, should I go? Like, I'm very shy, like I don't want to see so many people and talk to them, but you know, but Josh, I did it, and I think I feel proud. And you know, I meet people running community is amazing, like they're very supportive and just nice people. And yeah, I was just proud of myself that I did that. And one thing as well, I want to I want to join a park run. I never done that before, so that's my goal.

Joshie 39:11

I think I think you're amazing, Javellia. I mean, you're stepping outside your comfort zone, which must be so difficult with what you've been through over the course of you know most of your adult life. I mean, when people hear your story, what are you hoping that they take away from it?

Jovelia 39:28

I think keep running. It does help you a lot, definitely. You just have to start it. Running is hard, but you have to start it and keep going, keep running. And also, you know what? One thing as well, I think prioritize your health. Definitely. If you have family, you have kids, I think it's so important to prioritize your health.

Joshie 39:57

Yeah.

Jovelia 39:58

And you know, make good choices of what you do. Like would you, you know, you you keep moving, be active, eat nourishing food. Because, you know, by doing that, it's you're giving yourself time, you're buying time for yourself for you to be able to spend time, more time with your family, your kids.

Joshie 40:20

Yeah.

Jovelia 40:20

Because I feel like for me, what I've been through with, you know, losing three men of my lives, of my life, and it was so hard. And I feel like the pain in me, I didn't I I don't want my children to feel it. Like, you know, we we all die, you know, life is short, we all die. But for me, I've been I think doing those things, I please it will buy you time to be able to spend time with them.

Joshie 40:50

Yeah.

Jovelia 40:50

With your partner and with your kids, I think for me that's that's very important.

Joshie 40:57

Yeah. And uh Javelia, uh, two things before we finish up. Um firstly, if you can cast your mind back to 2014 to a younger Javelia, the one that's just arrived in Australia, who's feeling a bit unsure of herself, if she could see you today, what do you think she'd say?

Jovelia 41:18

You are strong. You are strong. Like, you know, no matter what what happens in life, you keep going. You don't look back, you leave the past.

Joshie 41:32

That's amazing. Um and Javelli, just finally, what would you say is the biggest lesson that running has taught you about yourself?

Jovelia 41:40

I think um running taught me that it's okay if you are slow in running. It's okay if you don't get a PB. And I think for me running is it's it's more about me. I don't run to compete, but it's more about me that you know, I get better every day and I enjoy running and just have fun when it's race time and just show your medals. And uh yeah, it's more really an enjoying the run instead of looking at others and thinking like, oh, it's better, she's better. I think just focus on you. It's it's all like you versus you, you know.

Joshie 42:33

I think you have such a healthy perspective and a healthy outlook on Monster Gala, which is incredible for everything that you've gone through. You should be really proud of yourself. Um, and you're running journey. Thanks, give me a church.

Jovelia 42:48

Thank you so much, Joe. Really appreciate it.