Women’s Running Collective

Marathon training is about so much more than just running the kilometres! From fuelling and recovery to booking massages, stocking up on nutrition and making sure you’ve actually got enough clean running gear, there’s a LOT to think about before the training block even begins. 😂

In this episode, Hayles and Jussie wrap up their chat about preparing for marathon training and share their biggest recommendation: get organised before the chaos begins!

Hayles has already started ticking things off her pre-marathon checklist, including booking regular massages, ordering contact lenses and adding all her running nutrition to cart. She’s also planning a Dinner Ladies order to make life a little easier once training ramps up. Because apparently, training for a marathon requires a full logistical operation!

The girls also encourage anyone planning their first marathon to listen to and share this episode with a friend. There are so many things first-time marathoners might not realise they need to prepare for, and getting ahead of the game can make the whole experience a little less overwhelming.

And of course, there’s the BIG question… which marathon are Hayles and Jussie training for? They’re keeping their lips sealed for now, but if you think you know, jump into their DMs with your guess!

Also they reflect on mixed feedback from the Melbourne Marathon, note Eliud Kipchoge breaking the course record at 41, and congratulate Izzy Batt-Doyle for breaking the Australian and Oceania women’s marathon record in Chicago (2:20:38, sixth). 

In this episode:

Our recommendation: Share this episode with anyone thinking about running their first marathon. Trust us, future them will thank you!

Happy running, legends! 💛

Follow along with Hayles and Jussie at @womensrunningcollective and join the conversation. We’d love to hear your pre-marathon rituals  especially the slightly unhinged ones!

Every pace, every distance, every runner. You’re welcome here.

The Women’s Running Collective Hayles & Jussie

This week on the Women’s Running Collective podcast, Hayles and Jussie are back with a listener Q&A episode covering everything from running progress and finding the right running coach to first marathon training, race-day tips, running with a pram and choosing a protein powder.

After a very tired week, Hayles has taken a full week off running, while Jussie has been putting in the work with some tough threshold sessions, a 20K run and parkrun on the horizon.

The girls chat honestly about their own running journeys, getting faster after having kids and whether pace progression actually matters. They also share how they work with their running coach Josh using Intervals and what to look for when choosing an accredited and insured running coach.

Thinking about running your first marathon? This episode is packed with practical advice, from building your long runs and practising your race-day fuelling to starting slower than you think, walking aid stations, respecting the taper and having a Plan B (and C!).

They also answer a listener question about running prams, including what to look for in a running pram and how to safely get started with run-walk intervals.

Plus, the girls tackle protein powder, their current running and lifestyle recommendations, and the things they’re loving this week.

This episode is proudly supported by the ASICS Rise & Shine collection.

00:00 Sponsor Cold Open

Uncle Toby’s Chewy Muesli Bars — an easy option to have in your running bag when you want something different from a traditional gel.

Harlie + Harper — because running doesn't mean you have to give up the cute stuff.

Rhode Glazing Mist — a post-run skincare favourite.

The Post-Run Car Bag — our essential stash of everything you might need after a sweaty run, because sometimes the car is basically your second wardrobe.

The Women’s Running Collective is a podcast and community created by women, for women, where every pace, every distance and every runner is welcome.

Hosted by Hayles and Jussie, WRC is all about honest conversations, practical running advice, inspiring women and making running feel more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive.

Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a PB, preparing for your first marathon or simply trying to get out the door this week you belong here. XO WRC

Not every race is a PB. Sometimes it’s not even remotely close. 😂

In this episode, Hayles and Jussie chat about what happens when a race goes completely sideways — and how to deal with the disappointment when you've trained hard, had a goal in mind, and things just don't go to plan.

After a slightly delayed episode and a recap of the latest training (including hills, parkrun and Jussie pushing Hayles and the pram!), we get into the very real topic of bad races.

Hayles shares the full story of a particularly brutal half marathon in wet and windy conditions, where she felt unwell, struggled with chafing and nausea, eventually vomited and needed some serious help getting back to the hotel. Not exactly the race-day experience she'd planned! 😅

We talk about the things runners simply can't control — weather, sleep, stress, illness, hormonal fluctuations, gut issues and course conditions — and why sometimes the smartest thing you can do is change the goal halfway through.

We chat about when to push through, when to slow down, when a walk break can actually be the smart choice, and when you absolutely need to stop for medical reasons.

Plus, why you should never let one bad race convince you that you're a bad runner.

We share some of our own worst-race lessons, talk about the importance of giving yourself time before making emotional decisions, and break down how to objectively look back at a race including asking yourself what actually went RIGHT.

Because one race is one day.

It doesn't erase your training, your progress or everything you've achieved as a runner. 💛

Plus, we share our current running recommendations, answer listener questions and say a big thank you to everyone we've met out on the run — especially those of you who come up and say hello at races. We LOVE meeting you!

00:00 Sponsor and Warmup

00:27 Podcast Intro and Delay

01:22 Weekly Running Recap

03:03 Race Went Sideways

04:23 It Happens to Anyone

06:59 What You Can't Control

09:11 Shift Your Race Goals

10:14 Know When to Stop

11:55 Reset Mid-Race Mindset

15:28 Walk Breaks Are Smart

16:44 Post-Race Decisions

18:04 Objective Race Review

19:39 Runner Identity Reset

22:27 Worst Race Lessons

24:16 Race Horror Story

29:37 ASICS Rise and Shine

30:54 Fun Goals and Rest

31:35 Gear and Gut Recos NUTRA NATURALS SUPER GUT

33:56 Listener Questions and Thanks

35:08 Wrap Up and Sponsor

Thank you to ASICS and the Rise and Shine Collection

Because sometimes the race doesn't go to plan.

And that's okay.

You're still a runner. 💛

See you on the next start line!

Hayles & Jussie

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, we’re talking about something we reckon every runner should be doing strength training! 💪🏼🏃‍♀️

Hayles and Jussie kick things off with a chaotic morning run involving multiple snake encounters (because apparently that’s just normal now 😂), before catching up on the week’s training.

There’s a Mona Fartlek, a tough progression run and Jussie’s hot and very hilly Gloucester Mountain Man trail race where her team managed to take out the women’s title! 🏆

Then we get into the big topic: why strength training matters so much for runners, particularly women as we get older.

We chat about how strength training can support muscle and bone health, running economy, resilience and longevity and tackle one of the biggest myths we hear from women:

“But I don’t want to get bulky!”

We’re breaking down why lifting weights won’t suddenly turn you into the Hulk, how to actually approach strength training as a runner, and the exercises worth prioritising.

Think squats, deadlifts and hinges, single-leg work, calves, upper body and trunk strength  plus how heavy you should actually be lifting and why progressive overload matters.

We also talk about how to fit strength training into an already VERY busy running week, including our simple approach of two 30–40 minute sessions a week, how to schedule your gym sessions around harder running days, and what to do when you have absolutely no time.

Plus, we get into DOMS, fuelling and recovery, why protein AND carbs matter, and Jussie shares her very achievable 20-minute strength session.

And because we couldn’t possibly have an episode without a little chaos, we finish with running jokes, our weekly recommendations and a VERY exciting community surprise involving marathon tickets hidden inside a cake. 🎂🏃‍♀️

If you’ve been putting off strength training, this is your sign to start.

You don’t need to spend hours in the gym.

You don’t need a complicated program.

And you definitely don’t need to become a gym bro.

You just need to start getting stronger. 💛

00:00 Sponsor and Intro

00:30 Morning Runs and Snake Scares

02:13 Treadmill TV Talk

03:07 Weekly Training Recap

05:53 Why Strength Training Matters

10:57 Weights Won’t Make You Bulky

13:25 Injury Prevention and Resilience

15:17 Women Aging and Longevity

17:35 What to Train in the Gym

18:55 Calves and Upper Body Basics

20:03 Trunk Strength Basics

20:30 Elite Workout Inspiration

21:08 How Heavy To Lift

22:18 Avoiding DOMS Pitfalls

23:11 No Time Gym Plan

24:51 Scheduling Around Runs

27:09 Fuel Recover Adapt

27:51 20 Minute Jussie Session

28:40 Strength Training Mindset

29:28 Take Home Challenge

31:02 ASICS Rise And Shine

32:10 Running Jokes Break

33:31 Recommendations Segment

36:53 Community Ticket Surprise

38:37 Final Thanks And Signoff

Thanks for listening, supporting the podcast and being part of our little running community. 💛

Hayleys reco Kmart family calender

Jussies recco LSKD frilly socks

Hayles & Jussie

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, we’re talking marathon pacing, party buses and why running definitely doesn’t have to be serious all the time. 🎉🏃‍♀️

Hayles and Jussie kick things off with a training update as they prepare for a half marathon, including intervals, tempo runs and the joys of trying to fit training into real life.

Then we’re joined by the fabulous Bec aka The Party Pacer — a sponsored marathon pacer who has built a reputation for bringing fun, encouragement and serious good vibes to the start line.

Bec takes us behind the scenes of what it actually means to be a pacer, from the responsibility of hitting a target time to keeping a group of runners motivated when things get VERY uncomfortable.

She shares how her love of “party pace” began through Parkrun, her mental health journey and a simple belief that running should be fun and welcoming for everyone.

We chat about her favourite running shoes, memorable races including Rome and Gold Coast, the pressure around PBs and metrics, and why heading out too fast is one of the biggest pacing mistakes runners make.

Bec also explains how she uses run/walk intervals, mantras and a bit of pack mentality to get runners through the pain cave — and why sometimes having a group around you can completely change your mindset.

Plus, she shares some hilarious pacing stories, what it’s really like to be responsible for a pace group, how you can become a pacer yourself, and the most important reminder of all:

You don't have to be fast to be a runner.

Whether you’re chasing a marathon PB, trying to get through your first 5K, or simply here for the party bus, this episode is for you. 💛

00:00 Sponsor and Welcome

00:27 Half Marathon Prep Chat

00:43 Intervals and Tempo Recap

01:42 Running Personalities

02:45 Meet the Party Pacer

04:51 Bec Joins the Show

05:16 Quick Fire Favorites

07:43 Origin of Party Pace

09:40 Party Pacer vs Regular

10:56 Pacing Job and Precision

12:09 Motivation in the Pain Cave

17:34 Pack Mentality and Community

19:09 PB Pressure and Metrics

21:49 Funny Pacing Moments

23:12 Common Pacing Mistakes

24:28 Race Start Pacing Tips

25:08 Finding Your Pace Groove

26:24 Fitness vs Mental Game

28:15 Lessons From Strangers

29:36 Making Races Welcoming

31:36 How To Become A Pacer

35:18 Rapid Fire Runner Qs

38:31 Anyone Can Be A Runner

40:34 ASICS Rise And Shine

41:41 Weekly Recommendations

42:00 Safety Device SAYF

44:05 Seamless Undies Review

46:41 Wrap Up And Goodbye

As always, thanks for listening, supporting the pod and being part of our little running community.

Hayles & Jussie

Are we running to get fitter… or are we secretly running away from everything else going on in our lives? 

In this episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie unpack the very real reasons women run and how those reasons can change throughout different seasons of life.

They kick things off with a catch-up on a tough training week, including 10 x 400m reps and a threshold/tempo session, plus weekend plans involving a 5K time trial, Parkrun and, of course, a very important hair appointment.

Then things get a little deeper.

We ask whether we're actually running for fitness… or whether sometimes we're running away from stress, motherhood, anxiety, responsibilities and the general chaos of life.

Jussie shares a particularly chaotic parenting story involving an escape through a window, and we chat about why we started running in the first place — from postpartum recovery and anxiety relief to reclaiming our identity, finding friendship and building community.

Because running isn't always about getting faster.

Sometimes, the run you need most has absolutely nothing to do with your training plan.

We break down 10 different types of runs women really need, including:

🏃‍♀️ The sanity run

We also get into mum guilt, vulnerability, friendship, confidence and the weirdly powerful role running can play in helping us feel like ourselves again.

Plus, we finish with a quick-fire Would You Rather: Running Edition, an ASICS Rise & Shine collection ad break, and our weekly recommendations.

LSKD Fusion 2.0 Sports Bra + Flow Tank

00:00 Sponsor and Cold Open

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are back in the car, road-tripping from Sydney to Forster after one HUGE Sydney Marathon weekend. 

The girls recap an incredible weekend at the TCS Sydney Marathon, now in its second year as an Abbott World Marathon Major, with 40,000 runners taking on the streets of Sydney.

They chat about the race itself, including Periz Gebrichige’s winning 2:18:31, Ellie Pashley finishing as the first Australian in 2:28:28, and all the moments that made this year's marathon so special.

But this year, Hayles and Jussie weren't on the start line—they had a very important job to do: cheer! 😂

The girls joined the start line as the WRC Sparkle Squad, covering runners in glitter, handing out hugs and reminding everyone that they were capable of getting to that finish line. They chat about the emotion of the start line, the vulnerability that comes with taking on a marathon and why sometimes a little glitter and encouragement can mean so much.

Then it was time to head to the 40K run club cheer zone… dressed as giant inflatable unicorns. 🦄✨

They share some of their favourite runner moments, including one runner who stopped mid-race to give them a hug, and celebrate a Campbelltown Joggers runner who won a 2027 TCS London Marathon entry.

They also chat about the Sydney Marathon experience as a whole, improvements to the logistics, the incredible crowds, what it's like sharing the course with elite athletes and why there are so many different ways to experience a marathon.

Then things get a little more serious as they dive into post-marathon recovery—what your body actually needs after 42.2km, why fuelling doesn't stop when you cross the finish line, the importance of sleep and rest, when to start running again and why gentle movement can be your best friend in those first few days.

They also talk about women, hormones and fuelling, and give you permission to take a proper break after a big race.

Because whether you ran 42.2km, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines or spent the day handing out glitter… you were part of the marathon. 💛

This episode is proudly supported by ASICS and the NOVABLAST™ 6.

00:00 – Thank You, ASICS & We're Road-Tripping Home

If you were part of Sydney Marathon this yearwhether you ran it, cheered it, volunteered or simply followed along we hope this episode reminds you just how special the running community can be. 💛

Subscribe, leave us a review and share this episode with your running crew.

Until next week… keep showing up, keep having fun and remember: there's more than one way to be part of the run. ✨

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are talking about getting back into running and all the weird, wonderful and slightly dramatic thoughts that can come with it. 😂

They chat about the pressure we put on ourselves when returning to running, why you don't need to jump straight back into your old pace, and the importance of making running enjoyable rather than turning every run into a punishment.

Jussie shares her very relatable experience of feeling too nervous to return to her local run club after missing a session, while Hayles admits that one of her biggest mistakes was trying to run way too hard every time she had a spare 30 minutes. They unpack why women can be particularly hard on themselves, from obsessing over pace to worrying about how their bodies look while running.

The girls also share some very important running jokes, a huge Backyard Ultra achievement, their latest recommendations including new women's activewear brand Sash Active, and a slightly unconventional idea for motivating yourself to run paying yourself every time you get out the door!

Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you don't need to be the runner you used to be. Just get out there, stop overthinking it and have some fun. 💛

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are talking about something every runner can relate to: how the hell do you actually fit running into real life? 😂

Between work, kids, partners, appointments, the mental load and everything else life throws at us, finding time to run isn't always easy. The girls share their own recent running adventures, including hospital fartleks, gym sessions and Jussie's sunrise run with her son, before getting stuck into the practical ways they—and the WRC community—make running work when life gets busy.

They chat about why you shouldn't wait for the perfect conditions, why putting your runs in the calendar can make all the difference, protecting an "anchor run", getting your kit ready the night before and making the most of those little gaps in the day.

They also talk about why short runs absolutely count, why most runs should probably be easier than you think, and the genius idea of having three different versions of your training week: your dream week, normal week and survival week.

Plus, there's a big conversation about mum guilt, asking for time to run without feeling guilty, using your running friends for accountability and giving yourself a little more grace when life gets in the way.

The girls also unpack the drama surrounding an unregistered runner and e-bikes at the Sunshine Coast Marathon before finishing with a very WRC round of "Would You Rather" and their weekly recommendations.

Because sometimes running isn't about finding more time. It's about making the time you have work for you. 💛

00:00 – Thank You, ASICS

If you've ever looked at your week and thought, "When am I actually supposed to fit my running in?", this one's for you.

Subscribe, leave us a review and send this episode to a busy runner who needs the reminder that a 20-minute run is still a run, an imperfect week is still a training week, and you don't have to feel guilty for making time for something that makes you feel good. 

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are talking about something we probably all need a little more of in our running lives: doing less, but doing it better.

The girls kick things off with a recap of their City2Surf experience, where they decided to take the pressure off, forget about pace and simply run for fun. After a chaotic escape from Bondi (because apparently getting out of Bondi after City2Surf is its own endurance event 😂), they chat about how taking the pressure off can sometimes remind you exactly why you fell in love with running in the first place.

Then they’re joined by the incredible Dr Charissa Ho GP, runner, Sydney Marathon ambassador, Apex Running group leader and mum of six, including triplets. Charissa shares what balancing family, medicine and running actually looks like, and why she doesn't believe the answer to every running goal is simply to run more.

The conversation dives into the "one percenters" of training—but with a twist. Rather than obsessing over tiny marginal gains, Charissa explains why the real foundations of running well and staying healthy are things like fuel, sleep, recovery, strength and looking after your overall health.

They also tackle some really important topics for female runners, including iron levels, bone health, menstrual cycles, RED-S, stress injuries and the impact of under-fuelling and overtraining. Charissa shares practical health checks runners should consider and explains why paying attention to what's happening inside your body can help you build a longer, healthier running journey.

Plus, we chat about motherhood, ambition without guilt, how running can change your life, Sydney Marathon plans and where you can find the WRC crew cheering on runners around the 38km mark at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

This is an episode about training for the long game, not just the next race. 💛

This episode is proudly supported by ASICS and the new NOVABLAST™ 6.

00:00 – Thank You, ASICS!

Hayleys Recco of Health Lab protein balls

39:06 – Final Thanks & Disclaimer

Follow along with Charissa's running, medical and mum-of-six journey and find out more about her work in the running community.

If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love you to subscribe, leave us a review and share it with a running friend. Every listen helps us continue creating a space where women can learn, laugh and feel supported throughout every stage of their running journey.

Until next week... keep showing up, keep having fun