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Fast 5K Training. Form Tweaks (relaxing your underarms, WHAT?) & Chasing Big Goals
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 the moment but pay off big time. We also talk about the real benefits of 5K training: fitter hearts, stronger minds, and that unbeatable feeling of progress. Plus, we dive into how we’re approaching lactate threshold training without needing a science degree, the importance of rest and recovery, and our favourite running-form cues. And of course, we wrap up with our personal 5K goals and how we’re feeling heading into race day. Here’s how the episode flows: 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:12 Welcome to the Women's Running Collective 01:09 Weekly Running Recap 04:09 Training for a Fast 5K 09:06 Benefits of 5K Training 13:11 Understanding Lactate Threshold 19:14 Understanding Threshold Pace 19:54 Lactic Threshold Training Insights 20:28 Session Structures + Why Rest Matters 22:30 Tips for Improving Your 5K 24:35 Running Form & Technique 28:06 Strength Training & Recovery 31:53 Setting and Achieving 5K Goals 35:03 Final Thoughts & Encouragement If you’re chasing a faster 5K or just want to feel more confident in your training this episode is your new running buddy. Link to Hayleys Recco of the LORNA JANE LIGHT SPEED RUN SHORTS
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No Bounce, No Chafe: Our Ultimate Running Bra & Undie Chat
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, very honest dive into women’s running essentials: sports bras that don’t bounce into next week, undies that don’t roll where they shouldn’t, and all the little tips we’ve learned to avoid chafing, irritation, and the dreaded running-induced thrush. We also share our favourite running gear right now, including the Under Armour Infinity Bra, Stax Classic Crop, and Lorna Jane’s Feel Naked G-string, plus a few hygiene and care hacks to keep your gear (and you!) feeling fresh. And of course, we sprinkle in plenty of laughs, love for the running community, and shoutouts including We Run Foundation and Elite Supplements Australia. If you’re a woman who runs, wants to run, or just loves listening to runners talk way too passionately about bras and undies… this one’s for you. Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Welcome & Weekend Chats 00:30 – Weekly Running Recap 01:03 – Lindy’s 5K PB (we screamed) 03:02 – Hayles’ Birthday 3K TT 04:25 – Training Adjustments & Sessions 05:25 – Shoutout to Jess Hull 05:55 – Running Bras: What Actually Works 16:46 – The Undies Intervention 18:18 – Our Go-To Running Undies 19:30 – Fabrics, Fits & Chafe-Free Tips 20:46 – Thrush, Hygiene & Real Talk 27:39 – Gear Recs & Shoutouts 31:22 – Running Fuel Needs & Challenges 32:49 – Final Thoughts Links BRAS Under Armour Bra Nimble In Tempo Bra Staz Classic Crop Nandex Gbangers Lorna Jane gstring Lorna Jane gstring no2 Kmart (Jussies faves) Elite Supplements We Run Foundation
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The Power of Resilience: Brooke McIntosh’s Record-Breaking Run Around Australia
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 connection. This episode also features practical running advice, including Brooke’s gear recommendations and the importance of tuning into one's body. To conclude, the hosts highlight heartwarming listener stories and share their weekly running recommendations. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:24 Weekly Running Recap 02:30 Interview with Brooke McIntosh 04:04 Brooke's Running Journey 11:20 Mental and Physical Challenges 21:08 Daily Routine on the Road 27:26 Building a Supportive Team 28:10 Healing Through Running 28:30 Overcoming Eating Disorders 30:31 Fueling the Body for Performance 32:23 The Importance of Quality Nutrition 34:37 Harnessing the Power of the Mind 37:10 Inspiring the Next Generation of Runners 38:42 The Role of Community in Healing 40:49 Gear Recommendations for Runners 45:56 Listener Spotlight and Recommendations https://brookemcintosh.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/brookemcintosh__/ Des Linden the Next Chapter- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuPVzH3HN8I Des books https://www.penguin.com.au/books/choosing-to-run-9780593186657
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Plan Your Best Running Year Yet
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 with practical tips on goal setting, race planning, and how to mix up your runs with speed, recovery, and tune-up races all while keeping the fun in running. Whether you’re chasing your first 5K or planning a marathon season, this episode is your roadmap for a strong, happy, and sustainable year of running. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective 00:16 – Pants Off Friday: The story behind the name 01:01 – Listener shoutout: Terry’s story 02:41 – Running guilt and weekly recap 06:07 – Planning your running calendar for the year 08:12 – How to plan your race season 14:15 – Why speed training matters 18:49 – Tune-up races explained 22:01 – Goal setting & timelines 24:06 – Structuring your training blocks 25:44 – How to stay flexible with your training 26:47 – The power of community and support 31:04 – Race recs and fun 33:39 – Wrap-up and good vibes only
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Run Stronger, Not Harder: Simple Strength Training for Women
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, lunges, deadlifts, planks, glute bridges, and calf raises, plus practical advice on how to structure reps, sets, and supersets without overcomplicating things. Of course, it wouldn’t be a WRC episode without some laughs this time, about running hair care and an unexpectedly iconic Big W post-run robe recommendation. Whether you’re new to the gym or looking to level up your strength, this one’s all about helping you move better, feel stronger, and run longer. 🏃‍♀️✨ Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction and Greetings 00:33 — Weekly Running Recap 00:59 — Training Sessions Breakdown 05:18 — Funny Running Stories 07:15 — Why Strength Training Matters for Runners 18:25 — Understanding Reps and Sets 18:57 — What’s a Superset 20:01 — Squats: The Foundation Move 21:45 — Lunges: Stability + Balance 23:34 — Deadlifts: Building a Strong Backside 25:16 — Planks: Core Control for Better Running Form 27:12 — Glute Bridges: Powering Hip Extension 28:25 — Calf Raises: Don’t Skip These! 31:12 — Practical Tips & Routine Recommendations 35:04 — Wrap-Up & Community Chat Hayleys robe recco BIG W $30 robe (worth every cent)
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