Women’s Running Collective

Womens Running Collective
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Running
  • Weekly

A new podcast for all women who run. Any pace and at any point in their running journey

  1. 5d ago

    Running Terms Explained: VO₂ Max, Lactate Threshold, Bonking & More!

    Tokyo Marathon 2027 Goals + Running Lingo 101 🏃‍♀️ Hayles and Jussie are officially running the Tokyo Marathon in 2027 and have their eyes on a big goal: chasing a Boston Qualifier for 2028! And, of course, Disneyland is firmly locked in as the C goal. 😂 They’re kicking off their 20-week training block with a look at week one, chatting easy runs, hill repeats, intervals, strength sessions, a 16K long run and the little habits that can make a big difference to recovery. Then it’s time to break down some of those running terms that can sound a little intimidating. What actually is lactate threshold? What does VO₂ max tell us? And what is running economy? Hayles and Jussie explain what these terms mean, how they relate to performance, and why you absolutely don't need to understand every running metric to be a runner. They also get into negative splits, chafing (because running isn't always glamorous), bonking versus hitting the wall, and why fuelling properly matters so much. Plus, a chat about RED-S and the risks of under-fuelling. As always, there are plenty of real-life running stories, recommendations and a few things you can try yourself. And they wrap up with an invitation to join them for a free, women-only 5K track night at Homebush! Whether you're chasing a PB, training for your first race or just trying to figure out what everyone means when they say VO₂ max, this one's for you. 💛 In this episode 00:00 Welcome and Catch Up 00:40 Tokyo 2027 Announcement 01:25 Chasing a Boston Qualifier 04:04 Training Block Week One 05:14 Sleep and Recovery Check 06:07 Running Jargon Explained 08:22 Lactate Threshold Basics 13:15 VO₂ Max and Fitness Myths 16:33 Running Economy Secrets 19:05 Negative Splits and Pacing 22:03 Chafing War Stories 24:05 Preventing Chafe Tips 25:08 Bonking Explained 29:09 Fueling and RED-S 30:08 Bonk Myths and Kona Collapse 32:03 Wrap-Up and Quick Recap 33:29 Quick-Fire Definitions 34:44 Recommendations Break 34:55 Vagisil for Runners 36:22 Physio and Strength Plan 38:30 Monday Treadmill Habit 39:36 Women’s Track Night Invite 40:51 Final Sign-Off Come run with us! 💛 Follow the Women’s Running Collective for more honest conversations, running tips and community for women at every pace and every stage of their running journey.

  2. Oct 19

    Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Running? Community, Confidence, and the Runner’s High

    Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Running? Community, Confidence, and the Runner’s High  By Hayles & Jussie | Women’s Running Collective Podcast Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with running? And why does it feel like running clubs are popping up on every corner?  This week, Hayles and Jussie are asking the big questions.... in between a rough week of questionable sleep, unexpected ailments, missed runs and trying to get their lives together before marathon training kicks off. Oh, and Jussi is counting down to the end of netball! But seriously, what is it about running that has so many of us hooked? From the post-COVID running boom to the rise of run clubs, we unpack why running has become so much more than putting one foot in front of the other. It’s about finding your people, making genuine friendships as an adult, getting out of your own head and remembering who you are outside of being a mum, a partner or an employee. We chat about why running is one of the most accessible forms of movement, how run clubs are helping women feel less lonely, and why you absolutely do not need to be fast, fit or particularly outgoing to find your place in the running community. We also get into the science behind the runner’s high, why running can feel so addictive, the role of Strava and social media in making running the thing to do, and when that healthy obsession can start to become a little too much. Because in a world that’s increasingly online, overstimulating and, let’s be honest, a bit cooked, running gives us something wonderfully real: time away from our screens, a shared challenge, a sense of achievement and connection with people who just get it. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a run-club regular, a solo plodder or someone still trying to convince yourself to get out the door, this episode is a reminder that running doesn’t have to be about pace, distance or performance. Sometimes, it’s about finding your people and finding a little bit of yourself along the way. ❤️ Plus: we share one of our current running recommendations, ELYTE hydration powder, before wrapping up. In this episode Why running has exploded in popularity since COVID How running can be accessible, affordable and easy to fit into busy lives Why run clubs are about so much more than running Making friends as an adult (yes, it really can be that simple!) Finding an identity beyond motherhood, work and everyone else’s expectations The mental health benefits of moving your body and taking a break from screens What actually happens in your brain when you experience the runner’s high Running, dopamine and why we keep coming back for more The influence of Strava, social media and the marathon boom When running becomes pressure instead of pleasure Why belonging might be one of the best things running gives us Timestamps 00:00 — Cold Open Banter 00:03 — Podcast Intro Chaos 00:30 — Sleep, Periods and Ailments 00:52 — Running Week Recap 02:05 — Long Run Plans & Netball Ends 02:24 — Today’s Big Question 03:13 — Why Running Is Everywhere 05:06 — Accessible for Busy Women 06:08 — COVID, Social Media & Run Clubs 08:03 — From Solo Sport to Social 08:51 — Run Clubs Fight Loneliness 11:12 — Instant Friends & a Safe Space 13:05 — Women Beyond Their Roles 14:07 — The Ingredients of a Great Run Club 15:17 — The Titanic Tangent  16:27 — The Unexpected Impact of Running 17:17 — Craving the Real in an AI World 17:55 — Running as a Reset 19:29 — Authenticity & Real Connection 20:22 — Runner’s High vs Surf High 21:57 — The Brain Chemistry Behind the Addiction 25:42 — When Running Becomes Too Much 27:20 — Runner Identity & Belonging 29:16 — Why Women Love Running 31:58 — Strava, Social Media & the Marathon Boom 34:00 — Recommendations & Wrap-Up Come for the running, stay for the community.  Follow Women’s Running Collective for more honest conversations about running, women’s health, confidence and finding your people. And if you’ve ever made a friend on a run, found your headspace on a hard day, or accidentally signed up for a race because everyone else was doing it… this one’s for you.

  3. Oct 12

    Before You Run a Marathon or any race really, LISTEN TO THIS!

    WRC Show Notes | Marathon Training: Get Organised Before the Chaos Begins! 🏃‍♀️ 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: Why getting organised before marathon training starts is so important. The pre-training checklist already underway. Booking massages and preparing your recovery routine. Stocking up on running nutrition and the essentials. Making life easier outside of running with a little meal-planning help. Why first-time marathoners should prepare for more than just the kilometres. The mystery marathon… can you guess where the girls are heading? Our recommendation: Share this episode with anyone thinking about running their first marathon. Trust us, future them will thank you! Timestamps 00:00 Sponsor and Setup 00:17 Podcast Intro and Banter 00:46 Weekly Running Recap 01:24 ASICS Mental Health Run 02:41 Parkrun PB and Lego Drama 05:25 Marathon Announcement 05:54 Melbourne Marathon News 07:00 Izzy Record Breaker 08:54 Marathon Prep Mindset 13:05 Calendar and Life Planning 15:23 Period and Symptom Tracking 18:40 Fueling and Gear Checklist 21:22 Shoes and Race Day Picks 23:51 Book Health Appointments 25:55 Bloodwork Wakeup Call 26:50 Health Checks First 27:02 Strength Training Basics 28:33 Get Family Onboard 31:05 Sleep Like It Matters 33:27 Plan Long Run Routes 35:20 Reality Check Fitness 37:16 Build Support Crew 40:03 Practice Morning Routine 41:29 Learn To Say No 43:35 Goals Beyond Finish Time 44:58 Remember Your Why 47:32 Checklist Recap 49:22 ASICS Rise And Shine 50:30 Recommendations And Wrap   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.

  4. Oct 6

    First Marathon Tips, Finding a Coach & Running With a Pram | Listener Q&A

    Listener Q&A: Running Progress, Finding a Coach, First Marathon Tips, Running Prams & Protein Powder 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. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor Cold Open 00:18 Welcome Back Friday 00:39 Tired Week Catchup 01:20 Hayley Takes a Rest Week 02:19 Jussie’s Training Update 04:11 Listener Questions Are Back! 04:40 Our Running Journeys & Finding Your Pace 12:48 How to Find a Running Coach 16:42 First Marathon Training & Preparation Tips 20:04 Race Day Dress Rehearsal 20:25 Chafing-Proof Running Gear 21:16 Don’t Try Anything New on Race Day 21:29 Taper Madness 21:56 Have a Plan B & Plan C 22:14 How to Chunk the Marathon Distance 22:54 Mindset, Pace & Comparing Yourself 23:59 Soak Up the Race-Day Atmosphere 24:37 Best Running Prams 26:36 How to Start Running With a Pram 29:02 Protein Powder: What to Look For 32:36 ASICS Rise & Shine 33:44 Weekly Recos & Wrap 🏃‍♀️ IN THIS EPISODE Running progress after having kids How your pace can change over time Taking rest weeks and listening to your body How to find a running coach What to look for in an accredited and insured coach Training for your first marathon How to approach your long runs Practising marathon fuelling before race day Why you should start your marathon slower than you think Walking the aid stations Race-day preparation and dress rehearsals Preventing chafing on race day Why you should never try something completely new on race day Surviving the marathon taper Having a Plan B and Plan C Breaking the marathon into smaller chunks Dealing with comparison and race-day nerves Enjoying the atmosphere and experience Choosing a running pram How to safely start running with a pram What to look for in a running pram Protein powder basics and what to look for Our current running and lifestyle favourites 🏃‍♀️ OUR WEEKLY RECS 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. ABOUT THE WOMEN’S RUNNING COLLECTIVE 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

  5. Sep 30

    “I’m Quitting Running” What Happens When a Race Goes Wrong

    What to Do When a Race Doesn’t Go to Plan (And Why a Bad Run Doesn’t Make You a Bad Runner) 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. 💛 In this episode, we chat about: What to do when a race goes completely off the rails Hayles' very wet, windy and VERY miserable half marathon The things you can't control on race day Why your goal can change mid-race When to keep going and when to stop Recognising medical red flags Why walking is sometimes the smartest decision How to reset your mindset when the PB is gone Why you shouldn't make big decisions immediately after a bad race How to objectively review a race Finding the lessons without beating yourself up Why one bad race doesn't define you as a runner Our worst race stories and what they taught us 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 Women's Running Collective

  6. Sep 21

    Why Every Woman Runner Should Strength Train | Stronger, Faster & More Resilient

    Strength Training for Women Runners: Build Resilience, Longevity & Better Running Economy | Women’s Running Collective 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. 💛 Timestamps 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 Women’s Running Collective

  7. Sep 14

    Marathon Pacing Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes | With Bec the Party Pacer

    Party Pace Philosophy: Marathon Pacing Tips with Bec the Party Pacer | Women’s Running Collective 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. 💛 Timestamps 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 Women’s Running Collective 💛

  8. Sep 7

    Are We Running for Fitness… or Running Away From Life? 10 Types of Runs Women Really Need

    Are We Running for Fitness… or Running Away? 10 Types of Runs Women Really Need 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 🔥 The rage run 🧠 The long-run therapy conversation 🌅 The dawn run 👩‍👧 The motherhood identity run 🙈 The avoidance run 💪 The confidence run 🔄 The comeback run 😩 The “when running stops being fun” run ❤️ The joy 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. In this episode: Why women really run Fitness vs running away from life How your reasons for running can change Postpartum running and reclaiming your identity Running as anxiety relief and stress release Why running friendships are so special The different types of runs we need throughout life Mum guilt and making time for yourself Finding confidence through running Coming back after time away What to do when running stops being fun Why sometimes the best run is simply the one that makes you happy Our Recommendations LSKD Fusion 2.0 Sports Bra + Flow Tank Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother Timestamps 00:00 Sponsor and Cold Open 00:20 Meet the Hosts 01:35 Weekly Training Recap 03:28 Fitness or Running Away 04:36 Ezra Window Escape Story 07:06 Why We Started Running 10:45 Running Brings Community 11:23 Ten Types of Runs 11:44 The Sanity Run 15:11 The Rage Run 18:09 Long Run Therapy Talks 21:09 Dawn Run Vulnerability 21:30 Running Friendship Trust 22:11 Motherhood Identity Run 23:26 Mum Guilt Research 24:48 The Avoidance Run 25:51 Confidence Through Running 27:57 The Comeback Run 29:48 When Running Stops Fun 31:34 The Joy Run 33:03 Quickfire Would You Rather 34:17 Rise And Shine Ad Break 35:26 Recommendations And Wrap

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out of 5
8 Ratings

About

A new podcast for all women who run. Any pace and at any point in their running journey

Information

  • Creator
    Womens Running Collective
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Women’s Running Collective

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