Women’s Running Collective
A new podcast for all women who run. Any pace and at any point in their running journey
A new podcast for all women who run. Any pace and at any point in their running journey
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Episodes

57 minutes ago
57 minutes ago
41 min
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
57 minutes ago
41 min

Aug 17, 2026
Aug 17, 2026
33 min
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, ASICS00:16 – Welcome to the WRC00:38 – Weekly Running Catch-Up01:34 – Running With Kids02:42 – Why We're Talking About Busy Lives & Running03:55 – WRC Community Tips for Finding More Time06:26 – Stop Waiting for the Perfect Conditions07:46 – Put Your Runs in the Calendar09:43 – Protect Your Anchor Run10:33 – Make Your Mornings Easier12:08 – Making the Most of Mini Runs14:59 – Short & Easy Runs Still Count15:57 – The Dream Week, Normal Week & Survival Week17:28 – Let Go of the Guilt18:27 – Mum Guilt & Running Guilt19:34 – Ask for Your Time20:01 – Running Friends & Accountability21:04 – Give Yourself Grace21:30 – Our 10 Ride-or-Die Running Rules22:36 – ASICS NOVABLAST™ 6 Sponsor Break23:13 – Sunshine Coast Marathon Bandit Drama27:19 – Would You Rather: Running Edition30:41 – Weekly Recommendations33:15 – 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.
Aug 17, 2026
33 min

Aug 10, 2026
Aug 10, 2026
40 min
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 chat00:36 – Post-City2Surf Catch-Up01:17 – Surfing vs Running: Which Is More Fun?02:13 – What We're Doing in Training04:09 – Our City2Surf Joy Run05:52 – The Bondi Exit Chaos 😂07:00 – Meet Dr Charissa Ho08:29 – Fast Four Questions10:36 – That Time Charissa Ran a Shakeout With Kipchoge12:43 – Why the "One Percenters" Actually Matter13:48 – Stop Telling Runners to Just Run More15:47 – How Motherhood Has Changed Training17:11 – Ambition Without the Guilt19:23 – Important Health Checks for Female Runners20:47 – RED-S, Under-Fuelling & Stress Injuries22:39 – The Running Longevity Blueprint25:33 – Three Habits That Actually Matter27:54 – How Running Changed Charissa's Life30:21 – Rapid-Fire Runner Picks32:03 – Sydney Marathon Hype!33:03 – Wrap Up & Where to Follow Charissa33:51 – ASICS NOVABLAST™ 6 Ad34:31 – 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
Aug 10, 2026
40 min

Aug 3, 2026
Aug 3, 2026
42 min
Sydney Marathon 2026 Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Race Day | Women's Running Collective
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are getting excited because Sydney Marathon is almost here! Whether you're tackling your first marathon or chasing a shiny new PB, this episode is your ultimate race week survival guide.
Before diving into all things Sydney Marathon, the girls catch up on recent racing, training and share a few very honest (and very funny!) stories about the glamorous realities of being female runners, including pelvic floors, Harbour 10 mishaps and why carrying spare shorts might not be the worst idea.
From there, they break down everything you need to know before marathon weekend. They cover the course, start times, aid stations, pacers, race morning logistics, the expo, carb loading, transport, bag drop, sustainability initiatives and the brand-new Motion Festival taking over Circular Quay.
If you're feeling nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or all three....this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel calm, prepared and ready to enjoy one of the most iconic marathons in the world.
This episode is proudly sponsored by ASICS and the new GEL-KAYANO™ 33 the shoe designed to deliver soft, stable comfort on every run.
Timestamps
00:00 – ASICS Sponsor Shoutout00:34 – Podcast Catch-Up & Banter01:18 – Race Day TMI Stories (Yes… we went there 😂)04:43 – Weekly Training Recap07:46 – Sydney Marathon Hype Begins10:08 – Why is a Marathon 42.195km?12:08 – Start Times, Corrals & Getting to the Start12:44 – Course Highlights: Harbour Bridge to the Opera House17:17 – Elevation, Pacers & Aid Stations19:11 – Sydney Marathon Sustainability Initiatives21:51 – Easy Ways You Can Make Race Day Greener22:15 – Simple Eco-Friendly Running Habits23:16 – Sydney Marathon Expo Survival Guide26:25 – Carb Loading Without Overthinking It27:26 – Race Morning Tips & Staying Warm at the Start29:31 – Race Day Checklist: Don't Forget These!31:40 – Finish Line Plans & Post-Race Recovery33:56 – Motion Festival: Why You Should Check It Out35:10 – Mindset, Community & Enjoying Every Kilometre38:35 – ASICS Sponsor Wrap39:24 – Weekly Recommendations42:14 – Wrap Up
If you're running Sydney Marathon this year, we are so excited for you! Remember, you've already done the hard work. Trust your training, soak up the atmosphere, thank the volunteers, high-five the crowds and don't forget to look around. Running across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House is something you'll never forget.
If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left us a review and shared it with a friend who's racing Sydney. Every listen helps us continue building a supportive community where every woman feels welcome, no matter her pace or experience.
We'll see you next week... and if you're racing Sydney, we'll see you on the sidelines cheering you all the way to the finish line!
XO WRC Hayles and Jussie
Aug 3, 2026
42 min

Jul 27, 2026
Jul 27, 2026
44 min
TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach Georgia Weir on Smarter Training, Easy Runs & Finding Your Running Crew
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are recording straight from the sauna after racing the Harbour 10 in Sydney. Fresh off the finish line, they chat about how the race unfolded, why the 10K might just be one of the toughest distances to race, and debate whether they'd rather tackle a 5K, half marathon or even another marathon.
They also reflect on a fantastic weekend in Sydney before introducing this week's special guest, Georgia Weir. Head Coach of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, founder of Deadly Runners, and a proud First Nations woman who is using running to create lasting change in communities across Australia.
Georgia shares her incredible running journey, why she believes training doesn't need to be complicated, and how consistency, not perfection is the key to becoming a stronger runner. We dive into choosing the right coach, why easy runs are so important, the dangers of comparing yourself on social media, and how finding your running community can completely transform your experience with the sport.
After the interview, Hayles and Jussie wrap up with their favourite weekly recommendations including a glitter hair hack that's perfect for race day, a cosy magnesium tea ritual that's become a winter staple, and a recap of their Harbour 10 experience, post-race brunch and what's coming up next.
Timestamps
00:00 – Harbour 10 Recovery in the Sauna00:12 – Harbour 10 Race Recap00:28 – Is the 10K the Hardest Distance?01:03 – Introducing Georgia Weir01:45 – Why Georgia Inspires Us02:11 – Interview Begins
02:20 – Meet Georgia Weir02:43 – Quick Fire Questions02:50 – Favourite Shoes & Running Gear03:50 – Favourite Races & Running Memories04:53 – Funniest Running Mishaps06:03 – Keep Running Simple06:34 – Why Georgia Loves Coaching07:19 – The Story Behind Deadly Runners08:51 – How to Choose the Right Coach09:37 – Can AI Replace a Running Coach?12:29 – The Biggest Challenges Women Face in Training13:55 – Why Easy Runs Matter (The 80/20 Rule)16:21 – TikTok Training Trends & Common Mistakes18:35 – Strava, Social Media & Comparison19:26 – The Non-Negotiables for Better Running21:30 – Fuel, Sleep & Recovery22:42 – Why the Sydney Marathon Means So Much24:47 – The Emotions of Marathon Day25:41 – What's Next for Georgia?26:44 – Canadian Death Race Adventure28:10 – Coaching the TCS Sydney Marathon Team29:11 – Rapid Fire Questions30:51 – Georgia's Advice for Every New Runner32:25 – Find Your Running Crew
33:45 – Post Interview Catch-Up33:58 – Glitter Gel Hair Hack35:55 – Warm Magnesium Tea Before Bed37:05 – What's Next.37:26 – Harbour 10 Race Recap & Pacing Strategy39:25 – Finish Line, Results & Age Group Placings40:18 – Race Day Outfits, Glitter & Good Vibes41:04 – Post-Race Brunch & Bagels41:42 – Listener Shoutouts & Wrap Up
Spotlight hair glitter
OUR fave magnesium Pillar RASPBERRY
Connect with Georgia
@georgiaweir83
@deadlyrunners
If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left us a review and shared it with a friend. Every listen helps us continue building a community where every woman feels welcome, supported and inspired to run no matter your pace or experience.
Until next week... keep showing up, keep having fun, and remember you belong here. xo Hayles and Jussie
Jul 27, 2026
44 min

Jul 19, 2026
Jul 19, 2026
40 min
Izzi Batt-Doyle on Elite Training, Running Community & Starting Slow | Women’s Running Collective
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie sit down with one of Australia's most accomplished distance runners, Izzi Batt-Doyle. A two-time Olympian, Australian record holder and national champion, Izzi shares the journey that's taken her from Little Athletics to competing on the biggest stage in world athletics.
We chat about what life really looks like as an elite runner from double training days, key sessions and strength work, to managing race nerves, trusting your preparation and balancing the highs and lows of the sport. Izzi also opens up about why she and Riley founded RunAsOne Coaching, building an inclusive running community, navigating comparison on social media, and why consistency will always beat perfection.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration and reminders that every runner starts somewhere.
This episode is proudly sponsored by ASICS and the new GEL-KAYANO™ 33.
Timestamps
00:00 – ASICS Sponsor Shoutout00:29 – Meet Izzi Batt-Doyle03:33 – From Little Athletics to the Olympics06:35 – What an Elite Training Week Really Looks Like10:05 – Why Izzi Started RunAsOne Coaching11:40 – Race Nerves and Handling Pressure13:29 – Pacing Strategies and Pre-Race Routine15:39 – The Reality Behind Social Media Highlights17:54 – Staying Motivated Through the Tough Days19:50 – Mental Toughness, Positive Self-Talk and Racing Mindset22:24 – Dealing with Comparison Online23:18 – Why Consistency Always Wins24:29 – The Incredible Growth of Women's Running26:07 – Izzi's Advice for New Runners26:49 – Upcoming Races and What's Next28:20 – Quick Fire Questions31:26 – A Message to Anyone Running Their First Race33:31 – Why Community Makes Running So Special35:28 – ASICS Sponsor Wrap37:02 – Hayles & Jussie's Weekly Catch Up38:59 – Behind the Scenes Sign Off
Connect with Izzi
Follow Izzi's journey:@izzibattdoyle
RunAsOne Coaching:@runasonecoaching
IZZI's YOUTUBE
If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left a review and shared it with a friend. Every listen helps us continue building a supportive community where every woman feels welcome, no matter her pace or experience.
Until next week... keep showing up, keep having fun
Jul 19, 2026
40 min

Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
28 min
How We Ran Half Marathon PBs (and Actually Enjoyed It): Gold Coast Race Strategy, Taper, Fueling & Mindset
What does it actually take to run a half marathon PB... and still cross the finish line smiling?
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie unpack the training, mindset and race-day strategies that helped them both achieve personal bests at the Gold Coast Half Marathon—without blowing up or suffering through the final kilometres.
After a quick catch-up on life after Gold Coast, they dive into the lessons from their 12-week training block, including why threshold training around goal race pace became the cornerstone of their preparation, the importance of keeping easy runs genuinely easy, and how consistency always beats perfection.
The girls chat about trusting their coach, resisting the temptation to "make up" missed sessions, and why a well-executed taper left them feeling fresh, confident and ready to race.
They also break down the exact negative-split race strategy they followed, how they practised their fueling well before race day, and why controlling the controllables helped keep nerves at bay. Plus, they share the positive self-talk that carried them through the toughest moments and helped make the race one they genuinely enjoyed.
As always, they finish with their weekly recommendations and a thank you to ASICS for sponsoring this episode.
In this episode:
00:00 – Thanks to ASICS & the new GEL-KAYANO™ 33
00:36 – Welcome back & post-Gold Coast catch-up
01:32 – How the body is feeling after race week
02:53 – Why we're breaking down our PBs
05:45 – Setting realistic goals for Gold Coast
06:58 – Trusting our coach & training specifically for the event
07:33 – Why threshold training around race pace was a game changer
09:17 – Keeping easy runs easy (and why it matters)
10:57 – Consistency beats perfection every time
12:55 – Why we never "made up" missed sessions
13:43 – Trusting the taper and arriving fresh
15:13 – Our negative-split race plan explained
18:13 – Fueling, gels & race morning preparation
19:19 – Controlling the controllables on race day
20:51 – The positive self-talk that got us through
22:38 – Our biggest lessons from running PBs
24:09 – ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 33 sponsor break
24:58 – Weekly recommendations GoodR BEATG
27:54 – Wrap-up & see you next week!
If you're training for your next half marathon or chasing a new PB, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you train smarter, race with confidence, and actually enjoy the experience.
Follow the Women's Running Collective for weekly running tips, inspiring conversations and plenty of laughs with Hayles and Jussie.
Jul 13, 2026
28 min

Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
50 min
Gold Coast Half Marathon Recap, Race Weekend Highlights & Behind the Scenes with ASICS Marketing GM Tomoko Koda | Women's Running Collective
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are recording straight from the sauna after an unforgettable Gold Coast Marathon weekend!
The girls recap everything—from travelling to the Gold Coast, the ASICS shakeout run, and race expo, to race morning nerves, pacing strategy, and what it felt like chasing a negative split through the Gold Coast Half Marathon. They share the highs, the tough moments, the music that got them through, and celebrate an incredible weekend of personal bests, community, and cheering on some of Australia's best runners.
They also chat about the amazing Gold Pass experience, post-race recovery, and dinner with the ASICS athlete team.
In the second half of the episode, Hayles and Jussie sit down with Tomoko Koda, General Manager of Marketing at ASICS, to chat about the philosophy behind one of the world's most iconic running brands.
Together they discuss the meaning behind "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body), why ASICS continues to prioritise mental wellbeing, the incredible growth of women's running, how the brand is designing specifically for female runners, the importance of community, and what exciting innovations are coming next—including ASICS' very first women-specific running shoe.
In This Episode
00:00 ASICS Sponsor & GEL-KAYANO™ 33 Launch
00:34 Recording From the Sauna: Medal Monday!
02:06 Travelling to the Gold Coast & ASICS Shakeout Run
03:05 Race Expo, Gold Pass & Pre-Race Preparation
05:09 Race Morning Routine & Our Favourite Race Hacks
07:42 Half Marathon Race Strategy & Negative Splitting
10:53 Mid-Race Moments, Music & Cheering on the Elites
15:52 The Final 5K: Digging Deep to the Finish
20:21 Gold Pass Recovery, Food & Finish Line Perks
22:06 Recovery, Ice Baths & Dinner with the ASICS Team
24:20 Supporting Friends Racing the Marathon
25:23 Introducing Tomoko Koda, Head of markerting at ASICS
26:49 The ASICS Philosophy: A Sound Mind in a Sound Body
29:00 Meet Tomoko Koda
29:55 Why Running Is About More Than Performance
30:51 The Campaign That Changed ASICS
32:33 Supporting Mental Wellbeing Through Movement
34:42 The Boom in Women's Running
37:06 How ASICS Designs for Female Runners
38:50 Community, Innovation & What's Next
41:41 Quick Fire Questions
44:11 Tomoko's Advice for New Runners
45:33 ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ 33 Feature
46:22 Sauna Debrief, Recovery & Weekly Recommendations
49:22 Wrapping Up & What's Next for the Women's Running Collective
Whether you raced Gold Coast, have a goal event on the horizon, or simply love hearing what goes on behind one of the biggest running brands in the world, this episode is packed with race-day stories, practical tips, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.
💛 Lace up, press play, and come for a run with us.
Jul 6, 2026
50 min

Jun 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026
39 min
Pacing 101: How to Pace Your Race Like a Pro | Half Marathon, Marathon & 10K Race-Day Strategy
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are officially one week out from the Gold Coast Half Marathon! They chat all things taper week, from feeling a little flat and restless to trusting the training after months of hard work.
This episode is a deep dive into one of the biggest factors that can make or break your race... pacing.
Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PB, learning how to pace yourself properly can be the difference between finishing strong or hitting the dreaded wall.
The girls break down the different pacing strategies, including even splits, negative splits, chunking your race into manageable sections, and pacing by effort when conditions aren't ideal. They also share plenty of personal race stories (including pacing mistakes they've definitely learned from!), practical pacing tips for every race distance, and simple ways to practise pacing during training.
If you've ever gone out too fast, blown up halfway through a race, or wondered what pace you should actually be running... this episode is for you.
In This Episode
00:00 Cold Open & Podcast Banter
00:26 One Week Until Gold Coast!
00:50 Taper Week Check-In: The Emotional Rollercoaster
03:01 Coffee Chat & Race Week Catch-Up
03:49 Why Pacing Matters More Than You Think
04:48 Pacing 101: What Does Good Pacing Actually Mean?
05:54 Race Stories, Hitting the Wall & Lessons Learned
10:54 Why Pacing Feels So Hard on Race Day
12:00 Even Splits Explained
13:01 How to Run a Negative Split
18:20 Chunking Your Race Into Smaller Goals
20:23 When to Pace by Effort Instead of Pace
21:04 RPE, Heat, Hills & Race-Day Conditions
21:59 Pacing Tips for Every Race Distance
22:22 How to Pace a 5K
23:22 How to Pace a 10K
24:53 Half Marathon Pacing Strategy
28:12 Marathon Pacing: The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
29:06 Training Drills to Improve Your Pacing
32:05 Race-Day Pacing Tools, Watches & Pacers
36:48 Weekly Recommendations & Wrap-Up
Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply hoping to cross the finish line smiling, this episode will help you run smarter, pace with confidence, and get the most out of your next race.
XO Hayles and Jussie
Jun 29, 2026
39 min

Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
32 min
Tapering for Race Day: How to Trust Your Training, Beat the Taper Crazies & Arrive Ready to Race | Women's Running Collective
This week on the Women's Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie are deep in Gold Coast Half Marathon preparation and officially entering taper mode. They chat through a big week of training, including a challenging long run featuring two race-pace efforts, a tough Mona Fartlek session, and the reality of managing tired legs, niggles, and pre-race nerves.
The girls dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of running: the taper. How much should you cut back? Are you losing fitness? Why do your legs suddenly feel weird? And why does every runner become convinced they're injured the week before a race?
Hayles and Jussie break down exactly how to taper successfully, why recovery becomes your most important training session, and how to navigate the infamous "taper crazies" so you can arrive at the start line feeling confident, fresh, and ready to run your best.
They also chat race-day mindset, handling tough moments during a race, goal setting, favourite taper-week quotes, and share their weekly recommendations.
In This Episode
00:00 Welcome Back to the Backyard Studio
00:50 Gold Coast Half Marathon Training Update
01:17 Long Run Recap: 6K Easy + Two 6K Race Pace Efforts
02:13 Mona Fartlek Session & Rearranging Training Around Life
03:47 Why Tapering Matters More Than You Think
06:03 What Is a Taper? The Basics Explained
09:20 How to Taper Properly Before Race Day
11:02 Taper Crazies, Recovery & Trusting the Process
14:48 Mental Tapering & Preparing Your Mind for Race Day
17:01 What to Do When Racing Gets Hard
17:30 Mantras, Mindset & Remembering Your Why
18:45 Race Week Essentials: Sleep, Nutrition & Recovery
21:03 Running Playlist Banter
22:51 A Better Way to Set Race Goals
23:43 Our Favourite Taper Quotes
25:00 Race Travel, Event Week Energy & Managing Nerves
27:15 Weekly Recommendations
30:33 Harbour 10K Meet-Up & Community Catch-Up
Jussies Jumper recco ASICS JUMPER
Hayleys Camera recco DJI ACTION 5
Whether you're preparing for your first 5K, a half marathon, or your next marathon, this episode will help you understand how to taper, trust your training, and get to the start line feeling your best.
HARBOUR 10km race we are doing
💛 Remember: The hardest part of tapering isn't running less it's believing you've done enough.
Jun 22, 2026
32 min

Welcome to the Women's Running Collective
🎙️ The Women’s Running Collective Podcast
No matter the pace or distanceIf you are new to running or have been running for years this is the show for you.
Your go-to podcast for women runners of all levels from first-time 5K-ers to seasoned marathoners. Hosted by passionate female runners, we dive into training tips, mindset shifts, injury prevention, nutrition for runners, and real stories from women just like you.
Whether you're run-walking your first kilometre or chasing a PR, this podcast supports your journey with expert advice, body-positive conversations, and inspiration tailored for female runners.
👟Tune in weekly for empowering chats, running motivation, and practical guidance to help you run strong physically and mentally.
Because running is more than just movement it's a mindset, a community, and a celebration of what your body can do.
New episodes every Monday!
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.


