Women’s Running Collective

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) accountability segment.

The girls then dive into “things only female runners understand” and honestly, if you know, you know. From pre-run toilet anxiety, sports bra battles, and planning your life around hair wash days… to safety strategies, choosing between shorts or tights, navigating period runs, chafing, and mapping your run based on toilet locations it’s all in there.

They also touch on a couple of conversations happening in the running world right now, including the backlash around Nike’s Boston Marathon signage and a clip from an Australian running podcast that sparked discussion around how women are spoken about in sport. It’s an honest chat about respect, inclusion, and the kind of running community we actually want to be part of.

They wrap things up with a few recommendations, including some running content they’ve been loving lately, plus recent gear purchases.

Timestamps
00:00 Cold Open Setup
00:13 Podcast Welcome
00:40 Gold Coast Training Check In
01:51 Family Run Highlights
03:21 Wheel of Misfortune Returns
04:13 Anzac Day Run Story
06:19 Spinning the Wheel Tease
07:02 Female Runner Truths Intro
07:49 Toilet Anxiety Talk
08:30 Sports Bra Struggles
09:15 Hair Wash Run Planning
10:30 Safety and Self Defense
11:56 Shorts Versus Tights Debate
13:13 Period Run Strategy
14:48 Wedgie and Sweat Panic
15:34 Outfit Support and Toilets
15:59 Perfect Shorts and Ponytail
16:38 Runner Mishaps
16:51 Awkward Runner Hellos
17:19 Post Run Hunger
18:04 Main Character Energy
18:53 Phone On Runs
19:34 Playlist Peak Moments
19:50 Magpie Season Fears
20:59 Safe Routes Math
21:36 Gear Fails And Chafing
23:18 Nike Boston Sign Drama
26:43 Podcast Misogyny Callout
32:05 Recs Rewards And Wrap

Hayleys Youtube recco links https://www.youtube.com/@_Clayton_Young_ 

https://www.youtube.com/@micawoodruns

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 walk/run community supporting those affected by cancer. What started during Josie’s own treatment has grown into something truly special 💛

The main chat dives into why running can feel really hard sometimes and how to actually deal with it without spiralling. From recovery and fueling to sleep, stress, and running too fast (we’ve all been there), this episode is your reminder that a bad run doesn’t mean you’re a bad runner.

We finish up with weekly recs, life chats, and a fun new accountability system for our training block (it may or may not involve a bit of chaos 👀🎡).

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Lycra Cold Open
00:14 Podcast Welcome
01:09 Running Week Updates
02:07 Threshold Run Toilet Dash 🚨
05:36 Gold Coast Half Training Begins
06:08 Cancer Movement Shoutout 💛
07:33 Weekly Quotes Segment
09:07 Why Runs Feel Awful
10:51 Recovery Matters Most
14:23 Warm Up Properly
16:53 Mix Up Your Training
17:31 Mix Up Training Continued
18:42 Fueling Basics
18:51 Fueling Real Stories
22:05 Heat And Humidity Struggles
23:15 Easy Runs Should Be Easy
25:23 Sleep, Stress & Illness
26:27 Instagram Reality Check
28:01 Stop Blaming Yourself
28:46 Weekly Recommendations
31:18 Rewards Training Plan 🎡
32:07 Wrap Up And Community

Nicole the nutritionist we mentioned in this weeks ep

https://www.instagram.com/total.balance.nutrition/?hl=en

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, with plenty of honest chat around where they’re both at, including Jussie being on the fence about UTA this year, with the reality of logistics, travel and cost all playing a part.

The episode dives into some big (and very relatable) conversations:

Is running becoming too expensive?
From race entries to accommodation, travel, shoes and gear. The girls unpack how a “free sport” can quickly add up, and the balance between what you need vs what you think you need.

Do we actually need goals?
They chat about the pressure goals can bring, and whether it’s okay to just run for the sake of it. Not every season needs to be about PBs sometimes it’s just about showing up.

Would you still run if no one could see?
A really honest conversation about Strava, Instagram, validation and comparison and coming back to your “why” when it comes to running.

There’s also plenty of classic WRC moments a throwback to running in the 90s, a random skateboarding chat, listener questions, and a very funny scrunch-bum tights situation that you’ll definitely relate to.

The girls also shout out runners from the Canberra and Hobart Marathons, including a huge PB from Sarah Hartley 👏 and chat briefly about the ASICS Superblast 3 before sharing some winter gear recommendations.

As always — it’s real, relaxed, and a reminder that running doesn’t have to look a certain way to count.

Timestamps
00:00 Sponsor Spotlight
00:24 Welcome Back Banter
01:11 Holiday Chaos Setup
02:14 Running Off Routine
04:00 Gold Coast Training Starts
05:15 Relaxed Episode Agenda
05:50 Is Running Too Pricey
08:33 Gear Hype And Reality
11:21 Do We Need Goals
15:36 Goal Pressure And Mindset
17:48 Small Goals Count
18:10 Small Goals Mindset
18:41 Running Without An Audience
19:35 Strava Kudos And Comparison
22:03 Internal Vs External Validation
23:59 Running In The Nineties
26:51 Why We Started Running
29:40 Skateboarding Lifestyle Talk
30:48 Listener Questions Recap
31:05 ASICS Superblast 3 Ad
32:02 Winter Gear Recommendations
33:27 Scrunch Bum Leggings Dilemma
34:23 Shoutouts And Wrap Up

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 out the door when it’s cold and dark from setting your gear out the night before (or even sleeping in it 👀) to lowering expectations and focusing on consistency over perfection.

There’s plenty of practical chat around layering properly how to stay warm without overheating, what pieces actually make a difference (hello vests, gloves and arm sleeves), and why dressing for warmer than it is can be a game changer.

Hayles and Jussie also talk about why winter running can actually be so good  from building mental toughness to enjoying those quiet, peaceful mornings and how staying motivated often comes down to community, goals, and giving yourself a bit of grace.

They cover some really important winter safety tips, especially for women running in darker conditions including visibility, route choices, sharing your location, and always trusting your gut.

And because winter = sickness season, they chat through how to avoid getting run down — from getting out of sweaty clothes quickly, fuelling properly, prioritising sleep and recovery, to keeping on top of the simple (but important) hygiene habits. They also touch on supplements like vitamin C, zinc, olive leaf extract and astragalus.

To wrap things up, the girls share their latest product recommendations, including ASICS Superblast 3, Vert powdered gels, and some winter run staples from LSKD.

As always it’s real, relatable and all about helping you feel supported through every season of running.

Timestamps
00:00 SUPERBLAST 3 ASICS sponsor message
00:27 Welcome And Catch Up
01:16 Jazzy Training Week
03:41 Hayles Training Week
04:28 Winter Arrives In Lithgow
05:38 Cold Cabin Chaos
07:04 Winter Running Starts
07:43 Get Out Of Bed
09:36 Layering Without Overheating
11:44 Gloves Beanies Arm Sleeves
15:33 Why Winter Running Rocks
17:21 Motivation In Winter
17:37 Motivation Through Winter
18:03 Goals and Self Compassion
19:05 Winter Running Safety
20:59 Avoiding Winter Illness
23:24 Recovery Sleep and HRV
24:54 Supplements and Hygiene Basics
26:16 Training Flexibility and Missed Sessions
29:04 Shoe Spotlight Superblast 3
30:24 Product Picks and Gear Recs
34:48 Wrap Up and Time Off

 

Links

Hayleys new LSKD running shorts

https://www.lskd.co/products/elite-run-high-rise-7-short-pockets-black

AeroFLX+ Long Sleeve Skimmer Half Zip
https://www.lskd.co/products/aeroflx-long-sleeve-skimmer-half-zip-white-white

 

JUSSIE VERT GEL recco linkhttps://vertnutrition.com.au/products/vert-fuel-powder?srsltid=AfmBOorz75-QFasYZLokxK0EQu209YLAN-dhr1gOzT9kwFiEvaHyISKB

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.

Hayles and Jussie share what it was like being in a space filled with women, running under lights, and hearing directly from researchers, leaders and everyday runners about the very real barriers women face.

The research shared on the night was eye-opening with findings showing that 95% of women consider safety a major factor when choosing where to run, 70% have felt unsafe while running, and 50% have experienced harassment. The girls unpack what this actually means in real life from choosing well-lit routes, running at certain times, sticking to familiar places, and the mental load that comes with it.

They also share some of the stories from women in the community, which are powerful, confronting and incredibly important conversations to be having.

The episode dives into what’s next including proposed initiatives like awareness campaigns, safer running hubs, and better-connected, well-lit running routes — and how these changes could help more women feel confident to get out the door.

Hayles and Jussie also reflect on the importance of community, the power of running together, and how spaces like this where women feel safe, seen and supported are exactly what the running world needs more of.

As always, they wrap things up with their recommendations and a few final thoughts from the event.

Timestamps

00:00 Sponsor Message
00:19 Podcast Welcome
00:47 Sydney Track Event Setup
03:40 Run My Way Program
05:28 Hosts Weekend Recap
07:48 Kerry Opening Keynote
12:04 Challenges For Women
16:03 Research Approach
18:47 Survey Key Findings
22:37 Runner Voices Montage
24:41 Run Harassment Reality
25:14 Co-Design Ideas Unpacked
26:10 Campaigns Hubs Safe Routes
28:20 Women’s Running Collective Stories
32:16 Panel Safety Strategies
36:19 Joyful Running Community Wins
40:19 What’s Next Implementation Plan
41:57 Sponsor Shoe Break - This episode was brought to you by ASICS and the Brand NEW SUPERBLAST 3
43:20 Post-Event Reflections
45:22 Recommendations and Wrap Hayley recomends the https://www.lskd.co/products/functional-training-backpack-black

Jussie recomends https://www.werunfoundation.org/