Women’s Running Collective

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

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

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

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

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 threshold training around goal race pace became the cornerstone of their preparation, the importance of keeping easy runs genuinely easy, and how consistency always beats perfection.

The girls chat about trusting their coach, resisting the temptation to "make up" missed sessions, and why a well-executed taper left them feeling fresh, confident and ready to race.

They also break down the exact negative-split race strategy they followed, how they practised their fueling well before race day, and why controlling the controllables helped keep nerves at bay. Plus, they share the positive self-talk that carried them through the toughest moments and helped make the race one they genuinely enjoyed.

As always, they finish with their weekly recommendations and a thank you to ASICS for sponsoring this episode.

In this episode:
00:00 – Thanks to ASICS & the new GEL-KAYANO™ 33

00:36 – Welcome back & post-Gold Coast catch-up

01:32 – How the body is feeling after race week

02:53 – Why we're breaking down our PBs

05:45 – Setting realistic goals for Gold Coast

06:58 – Trusting our coach & training specifically for the event

07:33 – Why threshold training around race pace was a game changer

09:17 – Keeping easy runs easy (and why it matters)

10:57 – Consistency beats perfection every time

12:55 – Why we never "made up" missed sessions

13:43 – Trusting the taper and arriving fresh

15:13 – Our negative-split race plan explained

18:13 – Fueling, gels & race morning preparation

19:19 – Controlling the controllables on race day

20:51 – The positive self-talk that got us through

22:38 – Our biggest lessons from running PBs

24:09 – ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 33 sponsor break

24:58 – Weekly recommendations GoodR BEATG

27:54 – Wrap-up & see you next week!

If you're training for your next half marathon or chasing a new PB, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you train smarter, race with confidence, and actually enjoy the experience.

Follow the Women's Running Collective for weekly running tips, inspiring conversations and plenty of laughs with Hayles and Jussie.