Women’s Running Collective

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

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. ✨

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

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.

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