Women’s Running Collective

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 feel...

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 practic...

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...

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...

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...

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...

How We Ran Half Marathon PBs (and Actually Enjoyed It): Gold Coast Race Strategy, Taper, Fueling & Mindset

What does it actually take to run a half marathon PB... and still cross the finish line smiling?

This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie unpack the training, mindset and race-day strategies that helped them both achieve personal bests at the Gold Coast Half Marathon—without blowing up or suffering through the final kilometres.

After a quick catch-up on life after Gold Coast, they dive into the lessons from their 12-week training block, including why th...

Gold Coast Half Marathon Recap, Race Weekend Highlights & Behind the Scenes with ASICS  Marketing GM Tomoko Koda | Women's Running Collective

This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are recording straight from the sauna after an unforgettable Gold Coast Marathon weekend!

The girls recap everything—from travelling to the Gold Coast, the ASICS shakeout run, and race expo, to race morning nerves, pacing strategy, and what it felt like chasing a negative split through the Gold Coast Half Marathon. They share the highs, the tough moments, the music that got them through, and celebrate an inc...

Pacing 101: How to Pace Your Race Like a Pro | Half Marathon, Marathon & 10K Race-Day Strategy

This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are officially one week out from the Gold Coast Half Marathon! They chat all things taper week, from feeling a little flat and restless to trusting the training after months of hard work.

This episode is a deep dive into one of the biggest factors that can make or break your race... pacing.

Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, learning how to pace yourself...

Tapering for Race Day: How to Trust Your Training, Beat the Taper Crazies & Arrive Ready to Race | Women's Running Collective

This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are deep in Gold Coast Half Marathon preparation and officially entering taper mode. They chat through a big week of training, including a challenging long run featuring two race-pace efforts, a tough Mona Fartlek session, and the reality of managing tired legs, niggles, and pre-race nerves.

The girls dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of running: the taper. How much should you cut back? Are...

Building Running Resilience: How to Stay Mentally Strong When Running Gets Hard

This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are back in the backyard studio (fuelled by snacks courtesy of Hayley’s mum and Rob!) chatting all things resilience. The girls kick things off with a Gold Coast Half Marathon training update, including interval sessions, rolling hills, race-pace workouts, and the reality of training through life’s curveballs.

Hayley shares a challenging week dealing with period-related fatigue, migraines, and the early signs of shin splints, leading to some smart training adjustments and a reminder that...

International Running Day, 100K Downloads & Why Running Makes You Glow (with Olympian Jemima Montag)

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are celebrating two big milestones — International Running Day and hitting 100,000 podcast downloads! 🎉

The girls chat all things Gold Coast Half Marathon training, including a spicy race-pace session, the joys of deload week, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your running is actually slow down.

They also dive into the science behind ASICS' new "Get the Glow" campaign, exploring why movement can leave us feeling happier, more confide...

Sports Bras 101: Fit, Support Levels & Running Comfort with Nike's Anna Burdekin

This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie kick things off with a hilarious recap of a rainy Sydney drive, Vivid crowds, and another big week of training as they continue preparing for the Gold Coast Marathon.

The girls chat through race-pace long runs, interval sessions, threshold workouts and navigating training around some wild weather before diving into a topic every female runner can benefit from: sports bras.

Joining the podcast is Nike EKIN Anna Burdekin, one of Nike's internal product experts...

Hayles and Jussie are recording straight from their hotel room at the Marriott Circular Quay in Sydney after approximately 47 failed intro attempts and far too much laughing over absolutely nothing. The girls recap a big week of Gold Coast Half Marathon training including long runs with race pace efforts, interval sessions, sub-threshold workouts, and a rainy Vivid run around Circular Quay dodging umbrellas.

They also chat about birthday celebrations, Hayley finally getting her dream backyard sauna, and why race weekends should be about more than just chasing PBs. The episode dives into all the ways to make...

Fueling for Women Runners: Avoid Under-Fueling, Support Hormones & Recover Better (with Nicole from Total Balance Nutrition) | Women’s Running Collective

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles takes the mic solo while Jussie is away and chats through a huge week of Gold Coast Half Marathon training 💛

From a tough 5 x 6-minute workout session to swim squad, easy runs with Nat, and a long run featuring race-pace intervals, Hayles shares the highs, struggles, and little wins of training during a busy season of life. She also gives some massive shout-outs to friends who tackled Ultra-Trail Austral...

Episode 86: Holly Ranson Returns Western States Golden Ticket, 24-Hour Worlds Update & Ultra Mindset Tips | Women’s Running Collective

This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie recap another hilarious Wheel of Misfortune punishment which somehow ended in a full hair and makeup makeover before heading out for a run 😂

The girls also chat through their deload week, including a spicy 5K time trial, a 16km long run, and the reality of trying to stay motivated during easier training weeks.

Then they welcome back one of their favourite guests, ultra runner Holly Ranson. Holly s...

Marathon Mindset for Women Runners (with Natalie Moore) + Night Run Motivation & Gold Coast Half Training | Women’s Running Collective

This week on the pod, Hayles and Jussie are deep in their Gold Coast Half Marathon training block and share a full recap of their week from easy runs and sub-threshold sessions to a super fun night at the Nike Pegasus 42 launch at Sydney Motorsport Park.

They also take on a late-night run session that was equal parts tough and fun  powered by Taylor Swift, new shoes, and a few mindset tricks to get them through. There’s plent...

Things Only Female Runners Understand + Running World Controversies

In this episode, Hayles and Jussie are deep in their Gold Coast Half Marathon training block and for once… it’s actually feeling good. Think threshold sessions, cruisy easy runs, and mixing in cross-training without completely flogging themselves.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a normal week without a bit of chaos. Jussie shares how her long run didn’t quite go to plan after an Anzac Day dawn service turned into chatting, catching up… and somehow a mid-run rum shot which brings back the Wheel of Fortune (or Misfortune...

Why Running Can Suck Sometimes (and What to Do About It)

Women’s Running Collective

This week on the pod, Hayles and Jussie are back with a very real chat about the runs that just… don’t hit 😅

We kick things off with a catch-up on training life. Including a few changes to race plans, the start of Gold Coast Half Marathon prep, and a very close call during a threshold session (yes… a toilet emergency was involved 😂).

We also shout out the incredible One More Step Foundation, founded by Josie Flynn, a Sydney-based w...

Is Running Getting Too Expensive? Goals, Strava, and Starting Gold Coast Half Training | Women’s Running Collective

In this episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are back recording from Hayley’s house thanks to a few technical hiccups and fully in the thick of NSW school holiday chaos.

The girls chat about what running looks like when routines go out the window travelling, juggling kids, and trying to fit it all in when life feels a little all over the place.

It’s also day one of Gold Coast Half Marathon training...

Running Through Winter: How to Get Out the Door, Layer Smart, Stay Safe & Avoid Getting Sick | Women’s Running Collective Ep. 79

In this episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are back chatting all things winter running and let’s just say… it’s been a week.

From chaotic training schedules to freezing mornings in Lithgow (we’re talking below zero 🥶), the girls share what training has looked like lately including hill sessions, Sandhills reps, sub-threshold efforts, and navigating running while travelling.

They dive into the reality of winter running and how to actually get...

Run My Way: NSW Research on Women’s Running Safety + What’s Next

In this episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie take you behind the scenes of a really powerful night at the newly upgraded Sydney Olympic Park track, where they were invited to a female-only track event hosted by the We Run Foundation in collaboration with the NSW Office of Sport and Transport for NSW.

The night centred around the Run My Way program, a three-year initiative focused on understanding and improving safety for women when it comes to running.

...

Training Smarter, Not Harder: Hills, Recovery & Running Myths (Women’s Running Collective Ep. 76)

In this episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie catch up on the week that was from Jussie’s hill-heavy training as she builds towards UTA 50K, to Hayles sharing how special their International Women’s Day community run was, raising funds for a local oncology unit and women’s shelter.

From there, the conversation shifts into something we see all the time in the running world  the pressure to do more. More kilometres, more sessions, more intensity. Hayles and Jussie...

International Women’s Day: Trailblazing Women Who Changed Running (Plus UTA Training, Superblast 3 & Weekly Recos)

THANKYOU to our very first legit sponsor ASICS AUSTRALIA

Hayles and Jussie are back on the mic for another episode of the Women’s Running Collective and kicking things off with a little life catch-up. Jussie has just returned from Europe where she managed to squeeze in runs through Vienna in the snow, a run through Istanbul, and even a bit of skiing along the way.

Back home, the girls chat through their latest training block down...

🎙 Women’s Running Collective Podcast Elite Runner Insights + ASICS Superblast 3 Review

With Leanne Pompeani, Jemma Pollard & Izzy Batt-Doyle

Hayley hosts the Women’s Running Collective solo this week (while Jussie is off travelling ✈️), bringing you a special episode recorded at the ASICS Superblast 3 launch in Sydney.

Across the episode, Hayley shares short, powerful interviews with three of Australia’s elite female runners Leanne Pompeani, Jemma Pollard, and Isobel Batt-Doyle diving into performance, mindset, resilience and what it truly takes to compete at the top.

Leanne opens up about her move into marathoning, highlights from the 2025...

Episode 73: How to Hack Dopamine to Get Out the Door (Plus: Running in the Snow + A Beautiful Listener Story)

Yes… we re-recorded this one. 😅
After some technical gremlins, Episode 73 is back louder, clearer and possibly even better.

Hayles:
Managing a grumpy back, so it’s been less running and more swimming + strength. A reminder that sometimes “training” doesn’t look like what we planned and that’s okay.

Jussie:
Deep in hill sessions and building elevation for Ultra-Trail Australia 50 under the guidance of coach Josh. Legs = cooked. Confidence = bu...

Episode 72: Busting Negative Self-Talk, Getting Back Into Training & The “so close but not Sub-20” 5K

Okay first things first… yes, we know. The mic situation. 😅

Hayles jumps on at the start to confess to a full technical microphone fail which makes her a little tricky to hear. We debated binning the episode… but decided the convo was too important not to share. Thanks for sticking with us it will be fixed by next week, promise.

And can we just say… 72 episodes?! What is happening. We are so grateful you’re still here with us.

Road vs Trail: The Great Running Debate | Episode 71

In Episode 71 of the Women’s Running Collective podcast, Hayles and Jussie dive into one of the biggest questions in the running world: road running vs trail running. From weekly training recaps to the realities of balancing running with hormones, family life and busy schedules, this episode is relatable, honest and full of laughs.

The girls break down the pros and cons of trail running and road running, chatting everything from terrain, gear and accessibility to mindset, personality types and mental engagement. Whether you love the calm of the tr...

Episode 70: Training Chats, Strong Women & a Very Special Guest Lou Kelly

Episode 70 is here and it’s a GOOD one. This week we’re chatting all things training, recovery, mindset and welcoming an incredible guest into the WRC space running coach Lou Kelly.

We kick things off with a real-life catch-up on our own running weeks (public holiday miles, spicy intervals and the juggle of training around life), before diving into why recovery, hydration and listening to your body actually matter more than you think.

Then we’re joined by Lou Kelly former civil engineer turned...

Women’s Running Collective Podcast
Episode 69: Training for Your First Half Marathon

Episode 69

In this episode, Hayles & Jussie kick things off with a catch-up on the week that was, including a fun trip to Sydney for the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 launch… and a not-so-fun run-in with an aggressive runner at Centennial Park (because apparently even runners need etiquette reminders 🙃).

From there, we dive deep into everything you need to know about training for your first half marathon. Whether you’re eyeing the start line for the first time or just want to feel m...

Starting the Year Strong: Setting Yourself Up for Running Success in 2026

Women’s Running Collective Podcast

Welcome to our first episode of 2026 🎉 and a little moment to pause, reflect, and set the tone for the year ahead. In this episode, Hayles and Jussie celebrate three years of the Women’s Running Collective podcast (Well kinda) more like we are in our third year, share a big holiday catch-up, and chat about easing back into running after the festive season.

This one is all about starting the year strong (without going too hard, too soon). We talk go...

Unscripted Laughs & Holiday Chaos: Women’s Running Collective Bonus Episode

This bonus episode is exactly what happens when Hayles and Jussie hit record with no plan, no script, and zero self-control and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

To wrap up the year, we’re bringing you a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud episode full of running-related Would You Rather questions, cheeky confessions, embarrassing moments, and the kind of chaotic banter that usually happens off-mic. There’s not a whole lot of running advice in this one — but there is plenty of joy, silliness, and end-of-year energy.

Perf...

Time Trials, Training with Your Cycle & Tackling Taboos with Lydia O’Donnell

The Women’s Running Collective Podcast

This week on the pod, Hayles and Jussie are back with a big catch-up on life, running, and those 5K time trials 😮‍💨. We chat all things pacing, nerves, race-day lessons, and why time trials are just as much a mental workout as a physical one. Spoiler: mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and growth is happening.

We also squeeze in some festive chaos, post-run reflections, and plenty of laughs before sitting down with our incredible guest, Lydia O’Donnell is...

Women’s Running Collective, Episode 64 2025 Year in Review: Our Runs, Fails, Faves & Festive Chaos

In our final episode of the year, Hayles and Jussie sit down with a peppermint tea, hot choccy (or something stronger…) and unpack everything that made 2025 iconic, chaotic, emotional, and very, very sweaty.

From the highs of Sydney and London Marathons to the lows of period disasters mid-run, this one is basically our Spotify Wrapped but Runner Girl Edition. We cover our top shoes, clothing, books, guests, training blocks, hilarious fails, plus a new Christmas movie you’ll absolutely want to watch.

Wheth...

Women's Running Collective: Fueling & Nutrition for Female Runners with Laura and Kia  Episode 63

Welcome back runners! Episode 63 is here and WOW is it a good one. This week, Hayles and Jussie catch up on their latest training sessions including some interval goodness, a spicy little pyramid set, and the usual rollercoaster of running adventures (plus a few setbacks, because we keep it real around here 😅).

But the real magic of this episode? Our chat with the incredible Laura and Kia, two sports dietitians who specialise in female performance nutrition. These women are the real deal, and we pick...

Episode 62: Fast 5K Training. Form Tweaks (relaxing your underarms, WHAT?) & Chasing Big Goals

In this week’s episode of the Women’s Running Collective, we’re officially in our fast 5K era and honestly, we are thriving. Join us (Hayles and Jussie!) as we chat through how our training is going, what we’re learning about threshold pace, VO2 max, and all the little tweaks that actually make running feel smoother and faster.

We take you through our weekly training rhythms from easy runs with cheeky strides, to sweaty interval days, to those spicy threshold sessions that hurt in t...

Episode 61 Bras, Undies & 5K Training

Welcome back to the Women's Running Collective podcast! In Episode 61, we’re diving straight into the fun, the real, and the slightly chaotic world of women’s running. This week, we chat about everything from chasing fast 5K goals to the bras and undies that actually make running feel comfortable.

We break down our weekly running adventures, including Lindy’s huge 5K PB (yes, we paced our hearts out!), a birthday 3K time trial, and how we’re tweaking our training sessions to stay strong and injury-free.

Then we take a deep...

Episode 60: Brooke McIntosh - The Fastest Woman to Run Around Australia   In this milestone 60th episode of the Women's Running Collective podcast, hosts Hayles and Jussie catch up on their personal running achievements before sitting down with the remarkable Brooke McIntosh. Brooke shares her inspiring journey as the fastest woman to run around Australia, a feat accomplished to raise awareness for mental health. She delves into her experiences from dealing with past traumas and mental health struggles to discovering the therapeutic power of running and community. Brooke's story is a testament to resilience, joy, and the incredible impact of human c...

Planning Your Year as a Runner - getting ready for 2026 In this episode, Hayles and Jussie kick things off with a laugh (and a slight wardrobe malfunction you’ll see!) before diving into how to plan your running year like a pro.

From setting big race goals to mapping out your training blocks, they chat through how to build a running calendar that keeps you motivated and balanced with enough rest to avoid burnout.

They share real-life stories from listeners, honest chat about running guilt, and their own training plans for the year ahead. You’ll walk away...

Run Stronger, Not Harder: Simple Strength Training for Women

In this week’s episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie chat through their week of training, including some spicy interval sessions like the Mona Fartlek and a pyramid workout as they prep for a fast 5K.

They dive into one of the most important (but often overlooked) parts of running: strength training. From building power and preventing injuries to improving running form, the girls break down exactly why lifting matters and how to start.

Expect step-by-step guidance on staple moves like squats, lung...