Women’s Running Collective

Trail VS Road, The Great Running Debate.

Road vs Trail: The Great Running Debate | Episode 71
In Episode 71 of the Women’s Running Collective podcast, Hayles and Jussie dive into one of the biggest questions in the running world: road running vs trail running. From weekly training recaps to the realities of balancing running with hormones, family life and busy schedules, this episode is relatable, honest and full of laughs.
The girls break down the pros and cons of trail running and road running, chatting everything from terrain, gear and accessibility to mindset, personality types and mental engagement. Whether you love the calm of the trails or the simplicity of the road, this episode will have you nodding along and possibly questioning your running identity.
They also touch on the challenges and risks of trail running, the sense of competition and community it brings, and whether trail running really is “calm” or just a little bit chaotic. The episode wraps up with an exciting ASICS competition announcement, community updates and Hayles’ weekly recommendations.
A must-listen for runners of all levels whether you’re trail curious, road loyal, or somewhere in between.
00:00 Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective00:27 Weekend running recap01:00 Training highlights and challenges01:23 Upcoming events and personal updates04:16 Road running vs trail running: the great debate06:38 Benefits of trail running07:19 Advantages of road running11:40 Running personality types19:10 Trail running: calm or chaotic?20:10 Risks and challenges of trail running20:45 Competition, community and connection on the trails24:19 Trail running gear, fashion and practicality26:37 Accessibility and convenience: road vs trail29:49 ASICS competition, recommendations and wrap-up
Hayles’ Recommendations This Week
✨ Krumbled Salted Caramel Beauty Biteshttps://krumbledfoods.com/products/salted-caramel-beauty-bites
✨ Edenvale Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cuvéehttps://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/308942/edenvale-non-alcoholic-wine-sparkling-cuvee

Lou Kelly (The Exercise Engineer): Building Strong, Happy & Healthy Women

Episode 70: Training Chats, Strong Women & a Very Special Guest Lou Kelly
Episode 70 is here and it’s a GOOD one. This week we’re chatting all things training, recovery, mindset and welcoming an incredible guest into the WRC space running coach Lou Kelly.
We kick things off with a real-life catch-up on our own running weeks (public holiday miles, spicy intervals and the juggle of training around life), before diving into why recovery, hydration and listening to your body actually matter more than you think.
Then we’re joined by Lou Kelly former civil engineer turned full-time running coach who shares her journey into the running world, her passion for helping women get stronger, and why strength training isn’t optional if you want to run for life. We chat biomechanics, common issues women face when running, setting realistic goals and building habits that actually stick.
This episode is packed with practical takeaways, empowering reminders and plenty of “oh wow, I needed to hear that” moments. Whether you’re new to running or deep into a training block, this one’s for you.
⏱ Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective00:19 – Weekly running recap & how training has been feeling01:11 – Training insights, reflections & real talk03:43 – Exciting news & upcoming goals04:59 – Special guest introduction: Lou Kelly06:42 – Rapid fire questions with Lou13:15 – Lou’s journey from civil engineer to running coach17:15 – Strength training & why it’s so important for women21:51 – Biomechanical issues & running form tips27:05 – Compassion in coaching (and with yourself)29:00 – Building sustainable habits that last32:12 – Setting realistic, achievable goals39:38 – Positive reinforcement, self-talk & mindset43:10 – Final thoughts, takeaways & recommendations
🎙 Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts and as always, thank you for being part of this beautiful community. 💛 You can find LOU KELLY HERE 
Hayleys LULULEMON scrunchie recco 
Genevieve Gregson YOUTUBE
Andy Buchanan YOUTUBE
 

Half Marathon Training for Women: What We Wish We Knew Before Our First + Pacing, Fueling & What Actually Matters

Women’s Running Collective PodcastEpisode 69: Training for Your First Half Marathon
Episode 69
In this episode, Hayles & Jussie kick things off with a catch-up on the week that was, including a fun trip to Sydney for the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 launch… and a not-so-fun run-in with an aggressive runner at Centennial Park (because apparently even runners need etiquette reminders 🙃).
From there, we dive deep into everything you need to know about training for your first half marathon. Whether you’re eyeing the start line for the first time or just want to feel more confident in your training, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and reassurance that you’re doing better than you think.
We chat fueling (yes, carbs are your friend), pacing, easy runs, hills, recovery, cross-training, and why the right shoes can genuinely change your running life. We also talk about the magic of running with friends, setting realistic goals, and remembering why you started in the first place.
As always, there are a few laughs, a few tangents, and some very real moments because training isn’t perfect, and neither are we.
If you’re training for your first half marathon (or thinking about it), this one’s for you 💕
 
Time Stamps
00:00 – Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective00:32 – Celebrating Episode 69 🎉01:07 – Running adventures in Sydney & the ASICS launch02:19 – A not-so-kind runner encounter (and why kindness matters)06:29 – Current training sessions & new goals10:17 – Gold Coast Half Marathon prep11:11 – Half marathon training tips for beginners24:19 – Why proper running shoes really matter27:55 – First marathon memories & questionable grooming choices28:22 – Grossie McGross face & glue mishaps (you’ll have to listen 😂)29:21 – Lessons we learned the hard way in marathon training30:54 – Fueling: what, when, and why it matters32:50 – Recovery, rest days & listening to your body41:38 – Setting realistic and achievable race day goals48:52 – Key components of half marathon training50:30 – Final thoughts, recommendations & wrap-up
 
See you next week xo Hayles and Jussie

Setting Yourself Up for a Successful Year of Running (Women’s Training, Habits & Mindset)

Starting the Year Strong: Setting Yourself Up for Running Success in 2026
Women’s Running Collective Podcast
Welcome to our first episode of 2026 🎉 and a little moment to pause, reflect, and set the tone for the year ahead. In this episode, Hayles and Jussie celebrate three years of the Women’s Running Collective podcast (Well kinda) more like we are in our third year, share a big holiday catch-up, and chat about easing back into running after the festive season.
This one is all about starting the year strong (without going too hard, too soon). We talk goal setting, finding your “why,” building habits that actually stick, and redefining what success in running really looks like especially as women balancing real life.
Whether you’re training for something specific or just hoping to feel good moving your body again, this episode is full of gentle motivation, practical tips, and honest reflections to help you start 2026 feeling confident and supported.
⏱️ Episode Time Stamps
00:00 – Nostalgic Infomercials & Childhood MemoriesA light-hearted start as we head down memory lane.
00:14 – Welcome to the Women’s Running CollectiveKicking off 2026 together and welcoming listeners into a new year.
00:29 – Reflecting on the Past YearA little look back at what 2025 taught us — on and off the run.
00:56 – Holiday Highlights & Family TimeFestive season chats, rest, and finding joy outside of training.
01:25 – Running Adventures & Parkrun StoriesEasy runs, family parkruns, and easing back into routine.
02:21 – Starting the Year with a Positive MindsetWhy January doesn’t have to mean pressure, punishment, or perfection.
08:00 – Setting Goals & Finding Your ‘Why’How to set meaningful, achievable goals that actually motivate you.
15:04 – Planning for a Successful Year of RunningStructure, flexibility, and allowing space for life to happen.
20:08 – Reflecting on Last Year’s Deload WeeksWhy rest weeks matter more than you think.
20:31 – The Importance of Strength & Mobility TrainingSupporting your running with strength, mobility, and longevity in mind.
22:39 – Fueling Like a RunnerWhy eating enough is part of training (and not optional).
25:34 – The Power of Running with a CommunityHow connection keeps us consistent and lifts us on hard days.
28:21 – Measuring Success DifferentlyMoving beyond PBs and redefining what “progress” looks like.
32:51 – Vision Boards & Atomic HabitsLayering small habits, building momentum, and dreaming big (without burnout).
34:06 – Final Thoughts & RecommendationsEncouragement for the year ahead and a reminder: you’re doing better than you think.
Hayley reccomended
@Total.balance.nutrition Nicole Miller (nutritionist)
AND this podcast about habit stacking
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SJytDQlco71aFzzTIt2vV?si=aNe5ZeWvSui1Jz2AT9y-UA
💛 Key Takeaways
You don’t need to “start over” — just start where you are
Easy runs, rest, and strength matter
Success isn’t just pace or distance
Community makes running better
Small habits add up in big ways
If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s easing back into running this year, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming in 2026 🏃‍♀️✨
 
XO Hayles and Jussie

Unscripted Holiday Chaos with Zero running advice: Women’s Running Collective Bonus Episode

Unscripted Laughs & Holiday Chaos: Women’s Running Collective Bonus Episode
This bonus episode is exactly what happens when Hayles and Jussie hit record with no plan, no script, and zero self-control and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
To wrap up the year, we’re bringing you a light-hearted, laugh-out-loud episode full of running-related Would You Rather questions, cheeky confessions, embarrassing moments, and the kind of chaotic banter that usually happens off-mic. There’s not a whole lot of running advice in this one — but there is plenty of joy, silliness, and end-of-year energy.
Perfect listening if you’re out for an easy run, folding laundry, driving to a Christmas catch-up, or just need something that feels like chatting with your running mates. Thanks for being part of our community this one’s just for fun 💫
In this episode we cover:
Unfiltered running banter
Ridiculous runner questions we all get asked
Would You Rather: Running Edition
Confessions, chaos, and Christmas vibes
Time Stamps00:00 Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective00:15 The chaos begins (no turning back)00:39 Banter, laughs, and funny stories01:22 Would You Rather: Running Edition08:19 Quirky questions & runner confessions16:35 Hilarious (and relatable) running stories17:39 The most annoying questions runners get19:29 Would You Rather: Running Edition (round two)20:22 Random questions & fun facts23:59 Confessions and embarrassing moments29:55 Christmas gifts, gratitude & wrapping up the year
 

Training With Your Cycle: 5K Time Trials, RED-S & Female Running with Lydia O’Donnell

Time Trials, Training with Your Cycle & Tackling Taboos with Lydia O’Donnell
The Women’s Running Collective Podcast
This week on the pod, Hayles and Jussie are back with a big catch-up on life, running, and those 5K time trials 😮‍💨. We chat all things pacing, nerves, race-day lessons, and why time trials are just as much a mental workout as a physical one. Spoiler: mistakes were made, lessons were learned, and growth is happening.
We also squeeze in some festive chaos, post-run reflections, and plenty of laughs before sitting down with our incredible guest, Lydia O’Donnell is the co-founder of Femmi.
Lydia is a former elite marathoner and Nike Pacific Running Coach who’s now leading the charge in changing how women train. We talk openly about disordered eating, RED-S, menstrual cycle education, and why so many women have been training against their bodies for years without even realising it. Lydia shares how aligning her training with her cycle completely changed her performance, health, and relationship with running — and how Femmi is helping other women do the same.
This episode is powerful, educational, and honestly a must-listen for any woman who runs (or wants to).
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective00:20 Christmas vibes, festive chaos & recent run trials00:40 The 5K time trial – pacing, prep & post-run emotions08:47 What we learned (the hard way) & race-day reflections11:21 Christmas party shenanigans13:48 Meet Lydia O’Donnell, co-founder of Femmi22:55 Big dreams, elite running & chasing athletic goals23:16 Lydia’s journey into Nike & the world of high-performance sport23:45 Using sport to inspire and empower others24:27 Gender barriers in running and high-performance environments25:32 Coaching women & creating better opportunities26:31 Founding Femmi and challenging outdated training models26:58 Personal struggles, RED-S & reconnecting with her body30:19 Why menstrual cycle education matters for runners32:30 How Femmi is empowering female runners43:43 Mindset, confidence & visualisation techniques48:33 The power of community and shared experiences52:40 Final thoughts, recommendations & wrapping up
Femmi Instagram 
FEMMI 
Lydia Instagram
SHOKZ OPENDOT ONE
Accelerate 3" High-Rise Running Short
If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or disconnected from your body as a runner — this one’s for you. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with a run friend, and let us know what hit home 🤍🏃‍♀️

Running Year Spotify Wrapped: Best Shoes, Races, Gear & Lessons for Women Runners

Women’s Running Collective, Episode 64
2025 Year in Review: Our Runs, Fails, Faves & Festive Chaos
In our final episode of the year, Hayles and Jussie sit down with a peppermint tea, hot choccy (or something stronger…) and unpack everything that made 2025 iconic, chaotic, emotional, and very, very sweaty.
From the highs of Sydney and London Marathons to the lows of period disasters mid-run, this one is basically our Spotify Wrapped but Runner Girl Edition. We cover our top shoes, clothing, books, guests, training blocks, hilarious fails, plus a new Christmas movie you’ll absolutely want to watch.
Whether you’re here for motivation, pure entertainment, or to feel better about your own questionable running choices this episode has it all.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 — Introduction & BanterThe festive chaos begins.
00:05 — Welcome to the Women’s Running CollectiveFinal ep of the year energy!
00:42 — Reflecting on the Year: Our Spotify WrappedYes, Taylor Swift makes an appearance.
01:03 — Weekly Running RecapSilly season training: heroic or horrendous?
02:52 — Running Gear ReviewsWhat stayed, what slayed, and what got returned.
07:07 — Top Running Shoes of the YearOur holy grails of 2025.(Want a full list for Instagram? Just say the word!)
11:56 — Favourite Running ClothingShorts that don’t chafe. Bras that actually support. The winners.
18:00 — Best Running SongsCue the playlist: the beats that carried our legs this year.
21:28 — Top Running Books & PodcastsThe ones that inspired, educated, and stopped us doomscrolling.
26:14 — Proudest Runs & Funniest FailsFrom big PBs to big… embarrassments.
29:31 — Period Horror StoryIt always happens on the long run.
30:53 — Menstrual Cup WoesSay a prayer.
31:53 — Top Three Running Events of the YearOur favourite races vibes, views, medals and all.
33:58 — Most Unhinged Running DecisionsWould we do them again? Absolutely.
35:04 — Running Playlist WrappedThe bangers that defined 2025.
37:10 — Regrettable PurchasesMoney was spent. Lessons were learned.
39:49 — Iconic Guest ConversationsOur most powerful, helpful, hilarious guests of the year.
44:31 — Community HighlightsShouting out YOU — the girlies who make WRC what it is.
51:54 — Charity Spots for Sydney MarathonWhere to sign up, how to join, and why you should. APPLY to be a charity runner here https://sm26.grassrootz.com/batyr
53:57 — Christmas Break & What’s Coming in 2026Big plans. Big dreams. 
🎄 Year-End Recommendations from the Ep
Top Shoes 
Hayley 
Tempo - Superblast 2 
Race shoes - New Balance sc elites V4 
Everyday running shoes - Nike Vomero 18plus 
Jussie 
Jussi- superblast 2  
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo 
ASICS Kayano 
Shoe you’d save in a house fire – NEW super blast or Vomeros, Jussi Vomeros 
Top Running Songs
Perfect for your Year-End WRC Wrapped playlist.
Best running songs 
Hayley -Taylor swift I can do it with a broken heart & life of a showgirl 
Hayley - Benson boon - beautiful things 
Hayley and Jussie – Unwritten Natasha Beddingfield 
Jussie- Queen don’t stop me now 
Jussie – APT & Pink Pony Club 
Book & Podcast Picks
Running books - Hayles
"Born to run" 
"Choosing to run" Des linden 
"In the long run" Emma Mugglestone 
Podcasts - Jussie
Just the gist 
I catch killers 
Do you fucking mind- alexis fernandez 
Movie Recommendation
Two Christmas ones hehe - Merry Xmas and Champage Problems (YOU ARE WELCOME)  XO Hayles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Eat Better, Run Better: Women’s Fueling Explained with Dietitian's Kia and Laura

Women's Running Collective: Fueling & Nutrition for Female Runners with Laura and Kia  Episode 63
Welcome back runners! Episode 63 is here and WOW is it a good one. This week, Hayles and Jussie catch up on their latest training sessions including some interval goodness, a spicy little pyramid set, and the usual rollercoaster of running adventures (plus a few setbacks, because we keep it real around here 😅).
But the real magic of this episode? Our chat with the incredible Laura and Kia, two sports dietitians who specialise in female performance nutrition. These women are the real deal, and we pick their brains on everything we wish we knew when we first started running.
Think:✨ How to actually fuel enough✨ Why blood tests matter (more than we realised!)✨ Protein, carbs & timing your meals✨ Nutrition through your menstrual cycle✨ Common mistakes most female runners make✨ How to support your hormones, your training AND your overall wellbeing
It’s one of those episodes where you walk away feeling smarter, empowered, and honestly a bit relieved because fueling doesn’t have to be complicated, and they explain it in such a simple, practical way.
Grab your coffee and join us for one of our most informative episodes yet. 💛👟
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Introduction and Casual Banter00:25 – Weekly Running Recap02:08 – Functional Running Adventures04:07 – Funny Instagram Account Spotlight08:10 – Interview with Sports Dietitians20:20 – Foundations of Nutrition for Female Runners21:16 – Importance of Regular Blood Tests22:02 – Protein Intake and Meal Structure23:38 – Pre and Post-Run Nutrition Strategies24:54 – Nutrition Adjustments During Menstrual Cycle26:59 – Common Nutrition Challenges for Female Runners29:03 – Carbohydrate Needs Based on Training Intensity30:55 – Fueling Strategies During Long Runs33:42 – Iron Deficiency and Body Image Issues34:15 – Personalised Nutrition Plans + Their Business Plug37:46 – Casual Chat and Recommendations 
 
Her Dietitian website
 
Her_dietitian

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 Banter00:12 Welcome to the Women's Running Collective01:09 Weekly Running Recap04:09 Training for a Fast 5K09:06 Benefits of 5K Training13:11 Understanding Lactate Threshold19:14 Understanding Threshold Pace19:54 Lactic Threshold Training Insights20:28 Session Structures + Why Rest Matters22:30 Tips for Improving Your 5K24:35 Running Form & Technique28:06 Strength Training & Recovery31:53 Setting and Achieving 5K Goals35:03 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

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 Chats00:30 – Weekly Running Recap01:03 – Lindy’s 5K PB (we screamed)03:02 – Hayles’ Birthday 3K TT04:25 – Training Adjustments & Sessions05:25 – Shoutout to Jess Hull05:55 – Running Bras: What Actually Works16:46 – The Undies Intervention18:18 – Our Go-To Running Undies19:30 – Fabrics, Fits & Chafe-Free Tips20:46 – Thrush, Hygiene & Real Talk27:39 – Gear Recs & Shoutouts31:22 – Running Fuel Needs & Challenges32:49 – 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