Women’s Running Collective

Sports Bras 101: Fit, Support Levels & Running Comfort with Nike's Anna Burdekin

Sports Bras 101: Fit, Support Levels & Running Comfort with Nike's Anna Burdekin
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie kick things off with a hilarious recap of a rainy Sydney drive, Vivid crowds, and another big week of training as they continue preparing for the Gold Coast Marathon.
The girls chat through race-pace long runs, interval sessions, threshold workouts and navigating training around some wild weather before diving into a topic every female runner can benefit from: sports bras.
Joining the podcast is Nike EKIN Anna Burdekin, one of Nike's internal product experts and storytellers. Anna is passionate about bra innovation and helping women find the right sports bra for their body, sport and goals.
Together they unpack why sports bras can be so confusing to shop for, the science behind breast movement while running, how the wrong bra can impact comfort, posture and even performance, and the simple fit checks every woman should know before heading out the door.
Anna also shares Nike's support-level system, common mistakes women make when buying bras, and her top picks for runners looking for high and ultra-high support.
Plus, Hayles and Jussie recap the biggest takeaways, share a listener message about comparison and self-kindness, and give an update on their Gold Coast Marathon preparations.
Timestamps
00:00 Podcast Kickoff
00:54 Sydney Drive Chaos
03:16 Weekly Running Recap
05:09 Boobs To Bras Segue
05:28 Meet Anna Burdekin
07:20 Why Sports Bras Are So Hard To Shop For
09:50 The Most Common Bra Mistakes Women Make
13:11 The Science Of Breast Bounce
14:49 Pain, Posture & Performance Impacts
18:06 Five Steps To Fitting A Sports Bra Properly
21:22 Understanding Support Levels
23:06 Small Cup Sizes, Cycles & Changing Needs
25:42 The Marathon Bounce Math
27:20 How Breast Movement Can Affect Your Stride
28:17 Bra Technology & Nike Research
30:20 Why The Right Support Helps Women Stay Active
31:49 Anna's Nike Bra Recommendations: Swift & Rival
33:52 Community, Confidence & Personal Stories
35:55 Hayles & Jussie's Bra Fit Checklist Recap
37:34 Athlete Box Recommendation (Use Code: WOMENRUN15) https://www.theathletebox.com.au/
39:59 Gold Coast Marathon Training Update
40:53 Listener Message: Comparison, Progress & Giving Yourself Grace
43:43 Final Community Send-Off
Whether you're training for your first 5K or your next marathon, this episode is packed with practical advice that could completely change the way you think about sports bras and running comfort.

How To Make Race Day extra FUN

Hayles and Jussie are recording straight from their hotel room at the Marriott Circular Quay in Sydney after approximately 47 failed intro attempts and far too much laughing over absolutely nothing. The girls recap a big week of Gold Coast Half Marathon training including long runs with race pace efforts, interval sessions, sub-threshold workouts, and a rainy Vivid run around Circular Quay dodging umbrellas.
They also chat about birthday celebrations, Hayley finally getting her dream backyard sauna, and why race weekends should be about more than just chasing PBs. The episode dives into all the ways to make running events feel more fun, memorable, social, and joyful....from glitter planning and matching outfits to VIP race upgrades, playlists, post-race recovery plans, and embracing the chaos of race weekends with your friends.
Plus: executive lounge hotel hacks, toaster and microwave race prep stories, marathon FaceTime calls, mid-race dancing, airplane arms, and the importance of rewarding yourself for the training journey.
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome To The Women’s Running Collective01:32 Sydney Hotel Room Chaos & Failed Intros03:18 Gold Coast Half Marathon Training Recap05:26 Long Run Race Pace Efforts07:10 Vivid Run Around Circular Quay09:08 Hayley’s Backyard Sauna Recovery Era11:18 Birthday Celebrations & Recovery Week Vibes13:07 Sydney Course Weekend & Upcoming Long Run15:10 Romeo + Juliet vs Off Campus Debate16:44 Why Running Events Should Feel Fun18:25 Choosing The Right Race & Destination20:32 Training Enough To Actually Enjoy Race Day22:14 Temu Glitter Planning & Race Accessories24:09 Running Tours & Travel Groups27:03 Organising Your Race Weekend Crew29:18 Nutrition Practice & Race Morning Prep31:52 Why Hayley Packed A Microwave To UTA34:26 Woolworths Orders, Toasters & Race Hacks36:15 Matching Outfits, Braids & Race Nails39:08 Fun Race Games & Shared Playlists41:22 Complimenting Other Runners & Course Energy43:10 Costumes, Themes & Lorax Race Fits45:17 Recovery Bookings & Post-Race Dinner Plans47:42 Gold Coast Marathon VIP Gold Pass Chat50:03 Medal Monday & Post-Race Walking Tours52:14 Finish Lines Not Finish Times54:08 Playlists, FaceTiming Mid-Marathon & Recording Memories57:01 Staying An Extra Night After The Race59:18 Reward Yourself For The Training Journey01:01:26 Airplane Arms, Mid-Run Dancing & Singing Out Loud01:04:10 Compliments, Smiling & Reading The Signs01:06:12 Running Farts & Other Essential Race Advice01:08:15 Hotel Robes, Executive Lounges & Recovery Snacks01:11:02 Current Book Recommendations & Off Campus Obsession01:14:05 Final Thoughts & Happy Running

Women’s Running Nutrition: How to Fuel Properly for Running & Recovery with Nicole Miller

Fueling for Women Runners: Avoid Under-Fueling, Support Hormones & Recover Better (with Nicole from Total Balance Nutrition) | Women’s Running Collective
This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles takes the mic solo while Jussie is away and chats through a huge week of Gold Coast Half Marathon training 💛
From a tough 5 x 6-minute workout session to swim squad, easy runs with Nat, and a long run featuring race-pace intervals, Hayles shares the highs, struggles, and little wins of training during a busy season of life. She also gives some massive shout-outs to friends who tackled Ultra-Trail Australia, including podium finishes and incredible age-group performances.
Then Hayles welcomes back Nicole from Total Balance Nutrition — Performance Dietitian, Exercise & Sports Scientist, ultra runner, and one of our favourite guests from the early days of the podcast.
Nicole shares her journey from competitive swimming into endurance sports and nutrition, including completing the brutal Buffalo Stampede multi-stage ultra race. The conversation then dives deep into one of the biggest issues facing women runners: under-fueling.
Nicole explains the importance of carbohydrates, protein, fats, iron, calcium and vitamin D for women runners, and discusses the warning signs of low energy availability and RED-S, how under-fueling can impact hormones and menstrual cycles, and why proper recovery nutrition matters so much for performance and long-term health.
The girls also chat practical pre-run fueling, post-run recovery, social media comparison, and the pressure many women feel around body image and eating while training.
This episode is packed with practical advice and important conversations every woman runner needs to hear 💛
Timestamps
00:00 Solo Intro and Updates00:33 Gold Coast Training Week02:16 Race Pace Long Run02:48 UTA Weekend Shoutouts04:49 Meet Nicole Again07:38 Nicole Origin Story09:36 Ultra Stage Race Prep12:01 Key Nutrients for Women14:15 Under Fueling Warning Signs19:53 Cycles Hormones and RED-S25:01 Daily Nutrition First28:42 Pre Run Carbs That Work30:23 Fueling Beyond The Run32:30 Post Run Three Rs35:31 Are You Underfueling39:52 Three Tips For New Runners42:30 Social Media Comparison Trap43:26 Wrap Up And Recommendations
Izzy Bat Doyal Boston Marathon - YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRANETml7gs
 
Pure Gel orange 
 

Western States Golden Ticket + Ultra Running Mindset Tips with Holly Ranson

Episode 86: Holly Ranson Returns Western States Golden Ticket, 24-Hour Worlds Update & Ultra Mindset Tips | Women’s Running Collective
This week on the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie recap another hilarious Wheel of Misfortune punishment which somehow ended in a full hair and makeup makeover before heading out for a run 😂
The girls also chat through their deload week, including a spicy 5K time trial, a 16km long run, and the reality of trying to stay motivated during easier training weeks.
Then they welcome back one of their favourite guests, ultra runner Holly Ranson. Holly shares a huge update following her incredible performance at the 24 Hour World Championships in France, where she hit her goals, set a world record and an 11km PB… but somehow still came second after another athlete broke the record by four kilometres.
The episode dives into Holly earning her Western States Golden Ticket after Tarawera rolled down, why Western States is such an iconic race, and how she’s preparing for one of the biggest ultra events in the world. They also chat about mindset coaching, handling pressure, sponsorships, crew selection, fueling, heat training, and the mental side of ultra running.
Hayles and Jussie also touch on the wild Cocodona 250-mile race, the rise of women in ultra running, and Rachel’s incredible overall win.
A super inspiring episode for anyone curious about trail running, ultra mindset, or chasing big scary goals 💛
Timestamps
00:00 Episode 86 Kickoff00:28 Wheel Misfortune Recap02:04 Deload Week Training03:35 5K Time Trial Wins04:41 Long Run And DNMs05:08 Meet Holly Ranson06:50 24 Hour Worlds Update09:43 Western States Entry11:45 Why Western States Matters13:24 Training And Heat Prep14:15 New Sponsor Fraktal15:17 Crew Pacer And Finish17:27 Golden Hour Finishline17:47 UTA Race Hype18:49 Why Trail Ultras19:40 From Sailing To Trails21:16 Chasing Sponsors21:50 Cocodona Womens Breakthrough23:07 Mindset Coach Toolbox24:40 Pressure And Decisions28:02 Fueling And Carbs29:55 Follow The Journey31:15 Fractal Gear Drop32:06 Cocodona Recap34:19 Weekly Recommendations36:57 Wrap Up Next Episode

How Women Can Build Confidence in Running (with 9x Marathoner Natalie Moore)

Marathon Mindset for Women Runners (with Natalie Moore) + Night Run Motivation & Gold Coast Half Training | Women’s Running Collective
This week on the pod, Hayles and Jussie are deep in their Gold Coast Half Marathon training block and share a full recap of their week from easy runs and sub-threshold sessions to a super fun night at the Nike Pegasus 42 launch at Sydney Motorsport Park.
They also take on a late-night run session that was equal parts tough and fun  powered by Taylor Swift, new shoes, and a few mindset tricks to get them through. There’s plenty of real-life chaos too (of course), plus a look ahead to a well-earned recovery day and an upcoming 16km run.
The girls are then joined by Natalie Moore, nine-time marathoner and mindset coach, for a powerful and honest chat about what it really takes to go from “I’m not a runner” to running multiple marathons.
Natalie shares how women can shift their mindset, build belief, and take action even when doubt, fear, or guilt shows up. They dive into finding your “why,” embracing being a beginner, letting go of perfection, and navigating the mental barriers that so many women face when it comes to running and backing themselves.
It’s a super relatable and motivating episode for anyone wanting to start running, level up, or simply believe in themselves a little more.
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the Collective00:31 Gold Coast Half Training Week00:53 Nike Pegasus Launch Night01:49 Late Night Speed Session03:40 Taylor Swift Pace Hacks06:25 Bugs Bins and Better Moods08:14 Recovery Day Burpees Setup08:52 Meet Natalie Moore09:56 Quick Fire Questions11:50 From Non Runner to Marathoner13:42 Mindset Shift and Finding Why15:50 Beginner Mindset and Social Media17:14 Embracing Beginner Energy18:33 Progress Over Perfection20:05 Marathon Surprise Factor21:08 Life Lessons From Running22:53 Running Changed My Career24:43 How To Start Running27:01 Mindset Hurdles For Women29:49 Finding Nat And Resources31:13 Recommendations And Quotes36:54 Final Wrap And Farewell
Hayles Recco - Auxiliary 2.0 Jacket
Links to Natalie https://www.instagram.com/be_moore_nat/
Natalies book Marathon Mindset

Female Running Truths PLUS Recent Running Controversies

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 Setup00:13 Podcast Welcome00:40 Gold Coast Training Check In01:51 Family Run Highlights03:21 Wheel of Misfortune Returns04:13 Anzac Day Run Story06:19 Spinning the Wheel Tease07:02 Female Runner Truths Intro07:49 Toilet Anxiety Talk08:30 Sports Bra Struggles09:15 Hair Wash Run Planning10:30 Safety and Self Defense11:56 Shorts Versus Tights Debate13:13 Period Run Strategy14:48 Wedgie and Sweat Panic15:34 Outfit Support and Toilets15:59 Perfect Shorts and Ponytail16:38 Runner Mishaps16:51 Awkward Runner Hellos17:19 Post Run Hunger18:04 Main Character Energy18:53 Phone On Runs19:34 Playlist Peak Moments19:50 Magpie Season Fears20:59 Safe Routes Math21:36 Gear Fails And Chafing23:18 Nike Boston Sign Drama26:43 Podcast Misogyny Callout32:05 Recs Rewards And Wrap
Hayleys Youtube recco links https://www.youtube.com/@_Clayton_Young_ 
https://www.youtube.com/@micawoodruns 
 

Bad Runs Happen: Why Running Sucks Sometimes & How To Fix It

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 Open00:14 Podcast Welcome01:09 Running Week Updates02:07 Threshold Run Toilet Dash 🚨05:36 Gold Coast Half Training Begins06:08 Cancer Movement Shoutout 💛07:33 Weekly Quotes Segment09:07 Why Runs Feel Awful10:51 Recovery Matters Most14:23 Warm Up Properly16:53 Mix Up Your Training17:31 Mix Up Training Continued18:42 Fueling Basics18:51 Fueling Real Stories22:05 Heat And Humidity Struggles23:15 Easy Runs Should Be Easy25:23 Sleep, Stress & Illness26:27 Instagram Reality Check28:01 Stop Blaming Yourself28:46 Weekly Recommendations31:18 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? Strava, Goals & Half Marathon Training Talk

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 Spotlight00:24 Welcome Back Banter01:11 Holiday Chaos Setup02:14 Running Off Routine04:00 Gold Coast Training Starts05:15 Relaxed Episode Agenda05:50 Is Running Too Pricey08:33 Gear Hype And Reality11:21 Do We Need Goals15:36 Goal Pressure And Mindset17:48 Small Goals Count18:10 Small Goals Mindset18:41 Running Without An Audience19:35 Strava Kudos And Comparison22:03 Internal Vs External Validation23:59 Running In The Nineties26:51 Why We Started Running29:40 Skateboarding Lifestyle Talk30:48 Listener Questions Recap31:05 ASICS Superblast 3 Ad32:02 Winter Gear Recommendations33:27 Scrunch Bum Leggings Dilemma34:23 Shoutouts And Wrap Up

Winter Running Guide: Stay Safe, Layer Right & Avoid Getting Sick

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 message00:27 Welcome And Catch Up01:16 Jazzy Training Week03:41 Hayles Training Week04:28 Winter Arrives In Lithgow05:38 Cold Cabin Chaos07:04 Winter Running Starts07:43 Get Out Of Bed09:36 Layering Without Overheating11:44 Gloves Beanies Arm Sleeves15:33 Why Winter Running Rocks17:21 Motivation In Winter17:37 Motivation Through Winter18:03 Goals and Self Compassion19:05 Winter Running Safety20:59 Avoiding Winter Illness23:24 Recovery Sleep and HRV24:54 Supplements and Hygiene Basics26:16 Training Flexibility and Missed Sessions29:04 Shoe Spotlight Superblast 330:24 Product Picks and Gear Recs34:48 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

Women’s Running Safety, Why So Many Women Feel Unsafe Running

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 Message00:19 Podcast Welcome00:47 Sydney Track Event Setup03:40 Run My Way Program05:28 Hosts Weekend Recap07:48 Kerry Opening Keynote12:04 Challenges For Women16:03 Research Approach18:47 Survey Key Findings22:37 Runner Voices Montage24:41 Run Harassment Reality25:14 Co-Design Ideas Unpacked26:10 Campaigns Hubs Safe Routes28:20 Women’s Running Collective Stories32:16 Panel Safety Strategies36:19 Joyful Running Community Wins40:19 What’s Next Implementation Plan41:57 Sponsor Shoe Break - This episode was brought to you by ASICS and the Brand NEW SUPERBLAST 343:20 Post-Event Reflections45:22 Recommendations and Wrap Hayley recomends the https://www.lskd.co/products/functional-training-backpack-black
Jussie recomends https://www.werunfoundation.org/