Women’s Running Collective

Womens Running Collective

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

  1. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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. ✨

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. Aug 3

    Sydney Marathon 2026: The Ultimate Race Week Survival Guide | Tips, Expo, Course & Race Day

    Sydney Marathon 2026 Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Race Day | Women's Running Collective This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are getting excited because Sydney Marathon is almost here! Whether you're tackling your first marathon or chasing a shiny new PB, this episode is your ultimate race week survival guide. Before diving into all things Sydney Marathon, the girls catch up on recent racing, training and share a few very honest (and very funny!) stories about the glamorous realities of being female runners, including pelvic floors, Harbour 10 mishaps and why carrying spare shorts might not be the worst idea. From there, they break down everything you need to know before marathon weekend. They cover the course, start times, aid stations, pacers, race morning logistics, the expo, carb loading, transport, bag drop, sustainability initiatives and the brand-new Motion Festival taking over Circular Quay. If you're feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or all three....this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel calm, prepared and ready to enjoy one of the most iconic marathons in the world. This episode is proudly sponsored by ASICS and the new GEL-KAYANO™ 33 the shoe designed to deliver soft, stable comfort on every run. Timestamps 00:00 – ASICS Sponsor Shoutout 00:34 – Podcast Catch-Up & Banter 01:18 – Race Day TMI Stories (Yes… we went there 😂) 04:43 – Weekly Training Recap 07:46 – Sydney Marathon Hype Begins 10:08 – Why is a Marathon 42.195km? 12:08 – Start Times, Corrals & Getting to the Start 12:44 – Course Highlights: Harbour Bridge to the Opera House 17:17 – Elevation, Pacers & Aid Stations 19:11 – Sydney Marathon Sustainability Initiatives 21:51 – Easy Ways You Can Make Race Day Greener 22:15 – Simple Eco-Friendly Running Habits 23:16 – Sydney Marathon Expo Survival Guide 26:25 – Carb Loading Without Overthinking It 27:26 – Race Morning Tips & Staying Warm at the Start 29:31 – Race Day Checklist: Don't Forget These! 31:40 – Finish Line Plans & Post-Race Recovery 33:56 – Motion Festival: Why You Should Check It Out 35:10 – Mindset, Community & Enjoying Every Kilometre 38:35 – ASICS Sponsor Wrap 39:24 – Weekly Recommendations 42:14 – Wrap Up If you're running Sydney Marathon this year, we are so excited for you! Remember, you've already done the hard work. Trust your training, soak up the atmosphere, thank the volunteers, high-five the crowds and don't forget to look around. Running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House is something you'll never forget. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left us a review and shared it with a friend who's racing Sydney. Every listen helps us continue building a supportive community where every woman feels welcome, no matter her pace or experience. We'll see you next week... and if you're racing Sydney, we'll see you on the sidelines cheering you all the way to the finish line!    XO WRC Hayles and Jussie

  7. Jul 27

    Georgia Weir: The Marathon Training Secrets Every Runner Should Know | Sydney Marathon Head Coach

    TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach Georgia Weir on Smarter Training, Easy Runs & Finding Your Running Crew This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are recording straight from the sauna after racing the Harbour 10 in Sydney. Fresh off the finish line, they chat about how the race unfolded, why the 10K might just be one of the toughest distances to race, and debate whether they'd rather tackle a 5K, half marathon or even another marathon. They also reflect on a fantastic weekend in Sydney before introducing this week's special guest, Georgia Weir. Head Coach of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, founder of Deadly Runners, and a proud First Nations woman who is using running to create lasting change in communities across Australia. Georgia shares her incredible running journey, why she believes training doesn't need to be complicated, and how consistency, not perfection is the key to becoming a stronger runner. We dive into choosing the right coach, why easy runs are so important, the dangers of comparing yourself on social media, and how finding your running community can completely transform your experience with the sport. After the interview, Hayles and Jussie wrap up with their favourite weekly recommendations including a glitter hair hack that's perfect for race day, a cosy magnesium tea ritual that's become a winter staple, and a recap of their Harbour 10 experience, post-race brunch and what's coming up next. Timestamps 00:00 – Harbour 10 Recovery in the Sauna 00:12 – Harbour 10 Race Recap 00:28 – Is the 10K the Hardest Distance? 01:03 – Introducing Georgia Weir 01:45 – Why Georgia Inspires Us 02:11 – Interview Begins 02:20 – Meet Georgia Weir 02:43 – Quick Fire Questions 02:50 – Favourite Shoes & Running Gear 03:50 – Favourite Races & Running Memories 04:53 – Funniest Running Mishaps 06:03 – Keep Running Simple 06:34 – Why Georgia Loves Coaching 07:19 – The Story Behind Deadly Runners 08:51 – How to Choose the Right Coach 09:37 – Can AI Replace a Running Coach? 12:29 – The Biggest Challenges Women Face in Training 13:55 – Why Easy Runs Matter (The 80/20 Rule) 16:21 – TikTok Training Trends & Common Mistakes 18:35 – Strava, Social Media & Comparison 19:26 – The Non-Negotiables for Better Running 21:30 – Fuel, Sleep & Recovery 22:42 – Why the Sydney Marathon Means So Much 24:47 – The Emotions of Marathon Day 25:41 – What's Next for Georgia? 26:44 – Canadian Death Race Adventure 28:10 – Coaching the TCS Sydney Marathon Team 29:11 – Rapid Fire Questions 30:51 – Georgia's Advice for Every New Runner 32:25 – Find Your Running Crew 33:45 – Post Interview Catch-Up 33:58 – Glitter Gel Hair Hack 35:55 – Warm Magnesium Tea Before Bed 37:05 – What's Next. 37:26 – Harbour 10 Race Recap & Pacing Strategy 39:25 – Finish Line, Results & Age Group Placings 40:18 – Race Day Outfits, Glitter & Good Vibes 41:04 – Post-Race Brunch & Bagels 41:42 – Listener Shoutouts & Wrap Up   Spotlight hair glitter  OUR fave magnesium Pillar RASPBERRY Connect with Georgia @georgiaweir83 @deadlyrunners  If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left us a review and shared it with a friend. Every listen helps us continue building a community where every woman feels welcome, supported and inspired to run no matter your pace or experience. Until next week... keep showing up, keep having fun, and remember you belong here.  xo Hayles and Jussie

  8. Jul 19

    Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle Reveals Her Training, Mindset & Secrets to Becoming a Better Runner

    Izzi Batt-Doyle on Elite Training, Running Community & Starting Slow | Women’s Running Collective This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie sit down with one of Australia's most accomplished distance runners, Izzi Batt-Doyle. A two-time Olympian, Australian record holder and national champion, Izzi shares the journey that's taken her from Little Athletics to competing on the biggest stage in world athletics. We chat about what life really looks like as an elite runner from double training days, key sessions and strength work, to managing race nerves, trusting your preparation and balancing the highs and lows of the sport. Izzi also opens up about why she and Riley founded RunAsOne Coaching, building an inclusive running community, navigating comparison on social media, and why consistency will always beat perfection. Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration and reminders that every runner starts somewhere. This episode is proudly sponsored by ASICS and the new GEL-KAYANO™ 33. Timestamps 00:00 – ASICS Sponsor Shoutout 00:29 – Meet Izzi Batt-Doyle 03:33 – From Little Athletics to the Olympics 06:35 – What an Elite Training Week Really Looks Like 10:05 – Why Izzi Started RunAsOne Coaching 11:40 – Race Nerves and Handling Pressure 13:29 – Pacing Strategies and Pre-Race Routine 15:39 – The Reality Behind Social Media Highlights 17:54 – Staying Motivated Through the Tough Days 19:50 – Mental Toughness, Positive Self-Talk and Racing Mindset 22:24 – Dealing with Comparison Online 23:18 – Why Consistency Always Wins 24:29 – The Incredible Growth of Women's Running 26:07 – Izzi's Advice for New Runners 26:49 – Upcoming Races and What's Next 28:20 – Quick Fire Questions 31:26 – A Message to Anyone Running Their First Race 33:31 – Why Community Makes Running So Special 35:28 – ASICS Sponsor Wrap 37:02 – Hayles & Jussie's Weekly Catch Up 38:59 – Behind the Scenes Sign Off Connect with Izzi Follow Izzi's journey: @izzibattdoyle RunAsOne Coaching: @runasonecoaching IZZI's YOUTUBE If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left a review and shared it with a friend. Every listen helps us continue building a supportive community where every woman feels welcome, no matter her pace or experience. Until next week... keep showing up, keep having fun

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

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