Podcast: Women’s Running Collective

In this inspiring episode, Hayley and Justine catch up on their recent running experiences—from dealing with pesky injuries to braving the winter chill in Sydney. They dive into the art of setting meaningful running goals using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), with Hayley sharing her personal passion for goal planning and how it fuels her motivation.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they explore the emotional connection women often have with goal setting, and how it differs from men’s approaches. They also introduce the powerful concept of manifestation—and how visualizing success can play a key role in achieving it.

Whether you’re planning your first 5K, eyeing a marathon, or simply looking to realign your mindset, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt reflections. Plus, they wrap up with some great suggestions for creating vision boards and a shout-out to Fractal’s latest running gear.

00:00 – Intro & friendly banter

00:32 – Weekly running check-ins

01:13 – Injuries, setbacks & support from running groups

03:51 – Why goal setting matters

05:20 – Deep dive into the SMART goals method

08:24 – Sharing personal goals and what drives them

12:42 – How to set marathon-specific goals

13:18 – Finding joy through running

14:06 – Trail vs. marathon running: different vibes

14:50 – Questions every runner should ask themselves

17:27 – Harnessing the power of manifestation

23:54 – Vision boards and intentional goal visualization

25:22 – Gear picks & wrap-up

https://wearefractel.com/collections/apparel 

🎧 Tune in for practical tips, thoughtful reflections, and a boost of motivation for your running journey.

Hosts: Hayley & Justine

In this uplifting and empowering episode, Hayley and Justine sit down with Gemma O’Neill, a self-proclaimed non-runner turned 1/2 marathoner, whose story is as courageous as it is inspiring.

Gemma shares her unexpected leap into running, her transition from swimming to pounding the pavement, and how she’s now training for the Big Five Marathon in South Africa — one of the toughest and most scenic races in the world. And she’s not just running for herself: Gemma is racing through the wild to beat brain cancer, raising funds and awareness through her support of Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer.

00:13 – Meet Gemma: From “I don’t run” to training for a marathon

01:21 – Why brain cancer research is deeply personal for her

02:37 – All about the wild and challenging Big Five Marathon

02:58 – How swimming shaped her mindset for running

03:35 – Emotional highs, lows, and learning curves of marathon training

06:55 – Essential running gear and strategies that made a difference

07:57 – Laugh-out-loud running stories (including “The Vomit Incident” at 19:26)

13:34 – Training with a family and why support means everything

15:01 – The surprisingly hard parts of running no one talks about

16:24 – Real talk on fueling, gels, and why tissues matter (20:17)

22:22 – Why running with friends changes everything

27:48 – The simple, joyful truth about why she runs

31:02 – Gemma’s heartfelt advice for anyone thinking about starting

33:49 – How listeners can support brain cancer research and Gemma’s mission

“I never saw myself as a runner — but this journey has shown me I’m stronger than I thought. And I’m not doing this just for me.”

Gemma is fundraising for Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, a charity funding critical research into one of the most underfunded yet deadly cancers in Australia.

Carries website Caries beanies for brain cancer

https://www.cb4bcbig5.com/

Subscribe, share, and rate the show to help more women find their strength through running.

or follow us on instagram @womensrunning_collective

Women's Running Collective

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of the Women's Running Collective Podcast, host Jussie is joined by two of Australia's most admired trail runners — Lucy Bartholomew and Jess Jason — for a live recording at Ultra-Trail Australia.

Lucy shares her journey from running her first ultra at just 16 to becoming a beloved figure in the trail community, while Jess opens up about transitioning from road to trail running and finding her stride in the wild. The conversation covers mindset, motivation, gear must-haves, recovery tips, and personal experiences — including the realities of training around the menstrual cycle and balancing life beyond the trails.

Expect laughs, real talk, and inspiration in every minute — plus a fun audience Q&A and a Shokz giveaway to wrap things up.

Whether you're a seasoned ultra runner or just lining up for your first trail, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and ready to hit the trails (OR ROAD)!

00:00 – Introduction and Warm Welcome

00:31 – Introducing the Podcast and Sponsors SHOKZ

00:59 – Meet the Guests: Lucy Bartholomew & Jess Jason

02:54 – Quickfire Questions: Running Gear & Favorite Trails

04:25 – Funniest Running Stories

08:41 – Challenges and Breakthroughs in Trail Running

11:05 – Evolving Relationship with Running

13:34 – Mindset and Motivation

20:30 – Embracing the Flow: Rest and Recovery

21:06 – Essential Gear for the Trail

22:20 – Advice for New Runners

24:57 – Reflecting on Personal Running Journeys

27:11 – Audience Q&A: Getting into Trail Running

30:47 – Managing Life and Training

33:42 – Pre-Race Nerves and Excitement

37:02 – Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Giveaways

Follow Lucy Bartholomew on Instagram

Follow Jess Jason on Instagram

Learn more about Shokz

Explore Ultra-Trail Australia

Join the Women's Running Collective community