Women’s Running Collective

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

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

  1. 4d ago

    “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

  2. 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

  3. 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 💛

  4. 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

  5. Aug 31

    Sydney Marathon 2026: What Nobody Tells You About Race Day, Recovery & the Running Community

    Sydney Marathon Road Trip Recap: Glitter, Unicorns, Big Feelings & Post-Marathon Recovery | Women’s Running Collective 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. Timestamps 00:00 – Thank You, ASICS & We're Road-Tripping Home 00:29 – Sydney Marathon Road Trip Recap 01:11 – Sydney Marathon Highlights & 40,000 Runners 02:33 – Why We Didn't Run the Marathon This Year 03:18 – Getting Ready to Be the WRC Sparkle Squad ✨ 05:17 – The Glitter Station & All the Feelings 06:01 – Why the Start Line Can Feel So Vulnerable 09:11 – Our Run Club Cheer Zone 11:00 – Inflatable Unicorns & Some VERY Big Wins 🦄 13:53 – Sydney Marathon Logistics & Crowd Vibes 17:00 – The Runner Moments We Won't Forget 19:51 – Seeing the Marathon From the Sidelines 20:53 – Sharing the Road With the Elites 21:42 – Why Cheering Is One of the Best Parts of Running 22:16 – There Are So Many Ways to Be a Runner 23:28 – Post-Marathon Recovery: What Your Body Needs 27:35 – When Should You Run Again? 29:48 – Women, Hormones & Fuelling After a Marathon 32:22 – Your Permission Slip to REST 33:56 – Sisterhood, Vulnerability & Why We Run 36:42 – ASICS NOVABLAST™ 6 Ad 37:19 – Weekly Recommendations & Wrap Up 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. ✨

  6. Aug 24

    How to Get Back Into Running: Why is getting started again so dang hard?

    Getting Back Into Running: Run Club Nerves, Running Too Hard & Finding Your Mojo | Women’s Running Collective 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. 💛 Timestamps 00:00 ASICS Thanks and Welcome 00:26 Déjà Vu Intro Bloopers 00:39 Weekly Runs and Gym Catchup 01:34 Crowded Sydney Running Paths 03:22 Wild Bear Attack Story 04:19 Pilates and Early Wakeup 05:41 Half Marathon Prep Talk 06:21 Why We Train in Secret 09:37 10 Minute Rule to Start 10:38 Prep Night Before 11:44 Mel Robbins Five Second Rule 12:32 Book a Running Date 14:14 Ditch the Watch Pressure 17:13 Create Your Minimum Run 21:07 Change Routine and Routes 21:56 Mood Boosting Playlist Tip 22:48 Go Song Playlists 23:56 Strava Comparison Detox 24:51 Goals Beyond Speed 26:08 Feel Ratings Never Miss Twice 28:56 Seven Day Mindset Reset 31:13 Shoe Sponsor Break 31:44 Running Jokes Segment 33:00 Backyard Ultra Record 34:54 Recommendations And Recos 38:10 Comeback Mistakes And Wrap  xo Hayles and Jussie WRC

  7. Aug 17

    When the Flying Fudge Are We Supposed to Run? Fitting Running Into Real Life

    How to Fit Running Into Real Life: Busy Weeks, Mum Guilt & Short Runs That Count | Women’s Running Collective 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. 💛 Timestamps 00:00 – Thank You, ASICS 00:16 – Welcome to the WRC 00:38 – Weekly Running Catch-Up 01:34 – Running With Kids 02:42 – Why We're Talking About Busy Lives & Running 03:55 – WRC Community Tips for Finding More Time 06:26 – Stop Waiting for the Perfect Conditions 07:46 – Put Your Runs in the Calendar 09:43 – Protect Your Anchor Run 10:33 – Make Your Mornings Easier 12:08 – Making the Most of Mini Runs 14:59 – Short & Easy Runs Still Count 15:57 – The Dream Week, Normal Week & Survival Week 17:28 – Let Go of the Guilt 18:27 – Mum Guilt & Running Guilt 19:34 – Ask for Your Time 20:01 – Running Friends & Accountability 21:04 – Give Yourself Grace 21:30 – Our 10 Ride-or-Die Running Rules 22:36 – ASICS NOVABLAST™ 6 Sponsor Break 23:13 – Sunshine Coast Marathon Bandit Drama 27:19 – Would You Rather: Running Edition 30:41 – Weekly Recommendations 33:15 – Wrap Up & Thanks 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.

  8. Aug 10

    Can We Please Stop Saying “Just Run More”? Dr Charissa Ho on Training, Recovery & Running for Life

    Dr Charissa Ho on Holistic Training, Running Longevity & Life as a Mum of Six | Women’s Running Collective 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. Timestamps 00:00 – Thank You, ASICS! 00:22 –  Hayles & Jussie chitty chat 00:36 – Post-City2Surf Catch-Up 01:17 – Surfing vs Running: Which Is More Fun? 02:13 – What We're Doing in Training 04:09 – Our City2Surf Joy Run 05:52 – The Bondi Exit Chaos 😂 07:00 – Meet Dr Charissa Ho 08:29 – Fast Four Questions 10:36 – That Time Charissa Ran a Shakeout With Kipchoge 12:43 – Why the "One Percenters" Actually Matter 13:48 – Stop Telling Runners to Just Run More 15:47 – How Motherhood Has Changed Training 17:11 – Ambition Without the Guilt 19:23 – Important Health Checks for Female Runners 20:47 – RED-S, Under-Fuelling & Stress Injuries 22:39 – The Running Longevity Blueprint 25:33 – Three Habits That Actually Matter 27:54 – How Running Changed Charissa's Life 30:21 – Rapid-Fire Runner Picks 32:03 – Sydney Marathon Hype! 33:03 – Wrap Up & Where to Follow Charissa 33:51 – ASICS NOVABLAST™ 6 Ad 34:31 – Weekly Snack & Gear Recommendations Jussies recco of PURE electrolyte. Hayleys Recco of Health Lab protein balls 37:21 – Where We'll Be Cheering at Sydney Marathon 39:06 – Final Thanks & Disclaimer Follow Dr Charissa 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

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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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