Women’s Running Collective

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

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

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 
 

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? 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

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

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/
 

Training Smarter, Not Harder: Hills, Recovery & Running Myths (Women’s Running Collective Ep. 76)
In this episode of the Women’s Running Collective, Hayles and Jussie catch up on the week that was from Jussie’s hill-heavy training as she builds towards UTA 50K, to Hayles sharing how special their International Women’s Day community run was, raising funds for a local oncology unit and women’s shelter.
From there, the conversation shifts into something we see all the time in the running world  the pressure to do more. More kilometres, more sessions, more intensity. Hayles and Jussie chat about why sometimes the smartest thing you can do as a runner is actually train smarter, not harder.
They talk about the influence of social media, the pressure that can come from Strava comparisons, and training apps that sometimes push unrealistic mileage without considering real life things like injuries, work, family life, or even menstrual cycles.
The girls then dive into some of the most common running myths they hear from the community like the idea that more kilometres always equals better performance, that you need to run every day to improve, or that strength training will make you bulky. They also chat about misconceptions around running ruining your joints, needing a certain body type to be a runner, or thinking you need expensive gear to get started.
To wrap it all together, Hayles and Jussie break down what they believe are the four key pillars of training well: consistency, speed and hill work, strength training, and rest. Along the way they chat about adding strides, fartlek sessions, cross training, and making sure you’re fuelling and recovering properly.
The episode also features sponsor mentions for the ASICS Superblast 3, plus their weekly recommendations including recovery sessions, planning for the Gold Coast races, and a lifesaver for busy weeks: The Dinner Ladies.
Timestamps
00:00 Sponsor and cold open00:29 Meet the hosts01:10 Jazzy UTA training week03:16 Haley community run recap05:50 Why train smarter06:24 Social media pressure and apps10:57 Misconception more is better13:24 Rest days and recovery14:06 Easy miles and zone two15:27 Cross training and warmups18:02 Strength and joint myths18:52 Gear body type and weight loss22:14 Post Run Refuel22:50 Pillar One Consistency24:52 Hills And Speedwork26:58 Strides For Form30:10 Fartlek Speed Play31:11 Pillar Three Strength32:55 Pillar Four Rest34:45 Extra Tips Cross Training36:13 Live Episode Preview37:32 ASICS Superblast Ad38:53 Recommendations Segment43:16 Wrap Up And Thanks

International Women’s Day: Trailblazing Women Who Changed Running (Plus UTA Training, Superblast 3 & Weekly Recos)
 
THANKYOU to our very first legit sponsor ASICS AUSTRALIA
Hayles and Jussie are back on the mic for another episode of the Women’s Running Collective and kicking things off with a little life catch-up. Jussie has just returned from Europe where she managed to squeeze in runs through Vienna in the snow, a run through Istanbul, and even a bit of skiing along the way.
Back home, the girls chat through their latest training block down in Forster from Sandhills sessions to sub-threshold reps, ladders and hill work as Jussie continues building strength for UTA.
They also dive into the difference between running in the cold vs the heat (and which one they’d choose), before sharing the excitement around their International Women’s Day community 3K/5K event which sold out super quickly and will raise funds for a local women’s shelter and oncology ward.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Hayles and Jussie highlight some of the incredible women who helped shape the sport we all love today.
From Kathrine Switzer’s iconic Boston Marathon moment in 1967, Bobbi Gibb running Boston unofficially in 1966, Joan Benoit winning Olympic marathon gold in 1984 just weeks after knee surgery, Alice Moore’s incredible Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra finish, and the powerful “New York Six” protest in 1972 that helped fight for equality in women’s distance running.
They also chat about the ASICS Superblast 3, share their weekly recommendations (including a Disney love story, “Fun Clothes Friday”), and wrap things up with a practical tip for runners about menstrual cups via PutACupInIt.com.
As always a mix of running chat, community vibes, and a few laughs along the way.
Timestamps
00:00 Sponsor Intro Superblast 300:21 Welcome Back Banter01:31 Travel Runs Snow And Skiing02:48 Cold Vs Heat Running03:49 Training Week Recap06:47 International Womens Day Event07:52 Pioneers Of Womens Running08:19 Kathrine Switzer Boston 196709:55 Bobbi Gibb Boston 196611:12 Joan Benoit Olympic Gold12:24 Alice Moore Ultra Success14:59 New York Six Protest 197218:21 IWD Reflections And Wrap19:40 Midroll Superblast 3 Details21:10 Weekly Recommendations23:20 Period Running Cup Tip24:57 Final Sponsor Thanks Outro SUPERBLAST 3

🎙 Women’s Running Collective Podcast
Elite Runner Insights + ASICS Superblast 3 Review
With Leanne Pompeani, Jemma Pollard & Izzy Batt-Doyle
Hayley hosts the Women’s Running Collective solo this week (while Jussie is off travelling ✈️), bringing you a special episode recorded at the ASICS Superblast 3 launch in Sydney.
Across the episode, Hayley shares short, powerful interviews with three of Australia’s elite female runners Leanne Pompeani, Jemma Pollard, and Isobel Batt-Doyle diving into performance, mindset, resilience and what it truly takes to compete at the top.
Leanne opens up about her move into marathoning, highlights from the 2025 Sydney Marathon, a scary heatstroke collapse at World Cross Country, and her sights set firmly on Olympic qualification in 2028.
Jemma celebrates her blistering 51.73 PB in the 400m, reflects on competing at the World Championships in Japan, and walks us through what a training week looks like balancing track sessions, gym work and cross-training.
Izzy shares her shift toward the marathon and road racing, her high-mileage Boston build, why recovery is non-negotiable, and offers powerful advice about avoiding comparison in the age of Strava and social media.
Hayley also discusses Ironman’s recent ban on personal recording devices in races — and whether major running events could follow suit — before giving her honest Superblast 3 review and previewing the upcoming Women’s Running Collective International Women’s Day charity event.
⏱ Episode Breakdown
00:00 Welcome & solo host setup01:29 Meet Leanne Pompeani03:08 Leanne Quickfire05:48 Marathon mindset06:28 Goals & life as an elite07:42 Superblast 3 first impressions08:23 Meet Jemma Pollard09:51 Jemma Quickfire11:35 Training structure & finding joy12:55 Izzy tease13:30 Izzy’s rise to elite level15:12 Quickfire questions17:22 Boston marathon training week18:27 Recovery & longevity19:16 Growing up in a running family20:17 Advice for new runners20:45 Superblast 3 chat23:03 Ironman race camera ban debate25:57 Full Superblast 3 review29:10 International Women’s Day charity event31:31 Sign off & thanks
👟 Product Feature
Hayley shares her thoughts on the ASICS Superblast 3 from first-run impressions to how it performs across easy runs, workouts and longer efforts.
🌸 Community Spotlight
Details on the upcoming Women’s Running Collective International Women’s Day event, where all proceeds will support local women’s charities.