Women’s Running Collective

Running Is About So Much More Than Fitness  | Tokyo Marathon Training Updates + Our Ride-or-Die Running Gear
This week, Hayles and Jussie are back for another WRC catch-up, chatting all things Tokyo Marathon training, the highs and lows of marathon prep, and the things running has given us that have absolutely nothing to do with fitness.

We’re into week two of training, and things are starting to get real! Hayles tackles a tough fartlek session with a special guest appearance from listener Kristy, including five six-minute tempo efforts, while there's an upcoming long run with some shorter surges thrown in. We also chat sick days, sleep scores, recovery and the very important business of keeping track of our good toenails. 

We get into the madness of marathon entries and why getting a spot in some of the world's biggest races can feel like winning the lottery. From ballot systems to first-come-first-served entries and Boston qualifying buffers, there's plenty to unpack.

But the big conversation this week is about what running gives us beyond getting fitter.

We share some of the biggest lessons running has taught us: realising we're capable of so much more than we think, finding the courage to do things before we feel confident, learning that hard things can still be really good things, and giving ourselves permission to take up space as women and mums.

We also talk about consistency over perfection, why you don't need to compare your running journey to anyone else's, and how running can change the way you see yourself both on and off the road.

And because we can never resist a good gear chat, we finish with some of our ride-or-die running essentials from shoes, socks and shorts to crop tops, running belts, hats, hair ties and sunscreen.

Whether you're training for a marathon, finding your feet as a new runner or just need a reminder of why you started, this episode is a little celebration of everything running can bring into your life. 

In this episode
00:00 Welcome And Catch Up

00:37 Tokyo Training Recap

02:44 Sick Days And Sleep Scores

03:48 Toenails And Marathon Ballots

08:05 Running’s Unexpected Gifts

10:15 More Capable Than You Think

14:24 Courage Before Confidence

18:30 Hard Things Still Fun

19:59 Loving Hard Things

21:22 Discomfort Versus Wrong

22:09 Take Up Space

25:24 Consistency Over Perfection

27:53 Stop Comparing Yourself

31:58 Marathon Gear Favorites

38:03 Wrap Up And Goodbye

As always, we want to hear from you! What is the biggest thing running has given you that has nothing to do with fitness? Send us a DM, we love hearing your stories.

Run together. ❤️

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.

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.

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.

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