Women’s Running Collective

Show Notes: Episode 4 Season 3 – Brooke Staff: From not running to a marathon in 12 months 
Welcome to the Women’s Running Collective podcast! In today’s episode, we’re joined by the incredible Brooke Staff, a mum, a color enthusiast, and a total boundary-pusher who has gone on a truly inspiring journey from weighing 120kg to completing her first ultra marathon, marathon, numerous half marathons, 10ks, and countless park runs—all in just 18 months.
Brooke's journey isn’t just about the distance she’s run or the weight she’s lost. It's about showing up for herself every single day and becoming 1% better. Her story is proof that with dedication, resilience, and a little bit of dancing along the way, anything is possible.
In this episode, we dive into:
Brooke’s transformation from 120kg to an ultra marathoner
The mindset that kept her going, even when the journey got tough
Why she’s more focused on inspiring others than on the numbers or results
The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone
How running has not only changed her life but also positively impacted those around her
And, of course, her experience running the Sydney Marathon and the community of women runners she now inspires.
Brooke's story is raw, real, and incredibly motivating. If you’ve been thinking about taking that first step in your own running journey or pushing yourself past a plateau, this episode is for you.
 
Connect with Brooke:Instagram: www.instagram.com/run.brookie.run
Join the Women's Running Collective Community:Follow us on social media: @womensrunning_collectiveShare your running journey with us using #WomensRunningCollective
We hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired and ready to lace up your shoes and take that next step—whether it’s your first 5km or your next ultra. Enjoy!

Setting Running Goals & Overcoming Obstacles: Kicking Off 2025
 
In this episode of the Women's Running Collective, Hayley and Justine welcome listeners to their new podcast setup and share their running experiences from the past week. They delve into favourite running gear from 2024, memorable race moments, and challenging times, especially relating to their UTA (Ultra-Trail Australia) journey. The hosts discuss their running goals for 2025, including Hayley's aim to run her first marathon and Justine's numerous race plans. The episode also features insights from James Clear's 'Atomic Habits,' focusing on the importance of small increments, habit stacking, and building a runner's identity. Recommendations include the V Dot running calculator app and the concept of showing up, inspired by the Ned Brockman audiobook.
 
00:00 Welcome to the Women's Running Collective
00:14 New Setup Excitement
01:06 Weekly Running Recap
02:39 Running with a Coach
06:30 Reflecting on 2024
06:41 Favourite Running Gear of 2024
10:59 Best Races of the Year
13:52 Memorable Running Moments
18:52 Running Goals for 2025
20:26 Creating Vision Boards
21:17 Running Goals and Challenges
23:12 Insights from Atomic Habits
29:57 Implementing Habit Stacking
36:31 Recommendations and Tips
41:59 Conclusion and Community Engagement
 

Breaking the Runk: Conquering Running Slumps
 
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of the Women's Running Collective! Hosts Hayley and Justine discuss their recent runs, including a beautiful run in Byron and tackling the infamous lighthouse. They address the phenomenon of a 'running funk,' affectionately dubbed a 'runk,' sharing personal experiences and practical tips to overcome it. From switching up routines and setting new goals, to the importance of finding a running buddy and taking breaks, they cover it all. Justine also recommends some entertaining content like the Christmas Office Party movie and the new season of Sprint on Netflix for a good laugh and inspiration. Join them as they crack the runk and motivate more women to enjoy running!
00:00 Welcome to the Women's Running Collective
00:43 Weekly Running Updates
02:30 Dealing with the Running Funk
05:21 Tips to Overcome the Running Funk
17:53 Recommendations and Wrap-Up
 

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 3 of the Women’s Running Collective!This week, we’re back after a little podcast hiatus—and we have a lot to catch up on! Between sick kids, trips to Hamilton Island, and Jussie’s recent adventure running the New York Marathon, life has been a whirlwind. We apologise for our inconsistent posting schedule, but we’re so glad to be back and sharing all the exciting things happening in our running world!
In this episode, Jussie shares her incredible experience running the New York Marathon—the highs, the lows, the emotional rollercoaster, and everything in between. It’s a deep dive into what it’s like to run one of the world’s most iconic races, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it!
Karmen’s Recommendation:She’s been snacking on LCM Bars lately
Jussie’s Recommendation:Jussie is giving a shoutout to something that made her marathon experience even better—Brown Bagging. Wait, what? Not what you think! Listen in to find out exactly what “brown bagging” is all about and why it might just change your race-day strategy forever. (Hint: It’s NOT poo in a bag!)
Hayley’s Strava Hack:Have you ever wanted to give everyone kudos after a group run without having to go one by one? Well, Hayley has a Strava hack that will change your life! If you’re running with a group, simply shake your phone, and it will automatically give everyone in your group kudos. Yep, you heard that right—super easy and super fun!
As always, thank you for joining us on this journey. We love hearing from you, so be sure to connect with us on social media or drop us a message with your thoughts, feedback, or any marathon tips you might have!
Links & Resources:
Follow us on Instagram: @WomensRunningCollective
EMAIL us at womensrunningcollective@outlook.com
TIKTOK @womensrunningcollective
Thank you for being part of the Women’s Running Collective! We hope you enjoy the episode and we promise to work on being more consistent with our podcast releases. Until next time, keep running, keep striving, and keep inspiring each other!

Podcast Notes: Women’s Running Collective – “What We Wish We Knew Before We Started Running”
Welcome to another episode of the Women’s Running Collective podcast! In today’s episode, we’ll dive into the lessons we’ve learned from running and what we wish we knew when we started. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, these insights might just resonate with you!
Key Topics:
How Much We Needed to LearnWhen we first started running, we didn’t realize just how much there was to learn—about training, techniques, pacing, and how to listen to our bodies. The journey of running is not just physical; it’s a steep learning curve that teaches us resilience, adaptability, and patience. 
The Community and Friendship FactorOne of the biggest surprises was how running connected us with so many amazing people. From joining running groups to making lifelong friends on training runs, we discovered that running is more than just a sport—it’s a community.
The True Cost of RunningWe underestimated how much running can cost, not just in terms of gear, but with entry fees for races, travel, and accessories. It’s easy to spend money on new shoes, clothing, and other running essentials, so budgeting for running can be important if you’re serious about the sport.
Running Doesn’t Have to HurtOne of the biggest misconceptions we had was that running should always be painful or uncomfortable. But with proper form, appropriate pacing, and a focus on injury prevention, running can actually be enjoyable and pain-free.
Running is AddictiveOnce you start seeing progress, running has a way of becoming addictive. The high from a runner's rush, the sense of accomplishment after a long run, and the challenge of hitting new goals can all become irresistible.
It’s Never Too Late to Start RunningFor those thinking it's too late to pick up running, know this: it’s never too late! Starting running at any age comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s never too late to begin, set goals, and enjoy the benefits.
The Importance of Rest and RecoveryOne lesson we learned the hard way is how crucial rest and recovery are. Overtraining can lead to injuries and burnout. Prioritizing rest, foam rolling, stretching, and sleep is as important as the training itself.
How Much Your Fuel Intake IncreasesRunning long distances requires fueling the body properly. We quickly realized that the more we ran, the more we needed to pay attention to our nutrition and hydration. Keeping up your energy and aiding recovery is key to running well and staying healthy.
Success Doesn’t Come OvernightWhether it's hitting a new PR, completing a race, or simply making running a regular habit, success takes time. Progress is a gradual process, and consistency is everything. The key is to trust the process and celebrate small wins along the way.
Recommendations:
Jussie’s Pick:
Archies Footwear – These super-comfy, supportive sandals are perfect for recovery days and keeping your feet happy after long runs. Check them out here.
Hayley’s Pick:
One Running – A brand that understands runners’ needs with their high-quality gear. Visit their site for great running apparel and essentials: One Running.
Karmen’s Pick:
Quad Lock Phone Case – For those who love to listen to music or track their runs, this secure phone case is a must-have. Check out the best way to carry your phone while running: Quad Lock.
Final Thoughts:
Running is a journey that comes with ups and downs, but it’s also filled with triumphs and moments of joy. Remember to be kind to yourself, celebrate every milestone, and stay connected to the community that supports you.
Thanks for joining us for this episode of the Women’s Running Collective podcast. Happy running! xo Hayles, Jussie and Karmen
 
 
 
 
 

Show Notes: Episode 9, Season 2 - LIVE from The Sydney Marathon
In this exciting episode, we bring you the latest from the iconic Sydney Marathon! We sit down with the inspiring Nina Ajaj, an advocate for encouraging more Muslim women to take up running in Western Sydney. Nina shares her personal journey, the challenges and rewards of starting a running routine, and the impact her advocacy is having in empowering women in her community.
Also, as always, we dive into our usual running recommendations, tips, and chat. Whether you're preparing for a marathon or just getting started, we've got something for every runner!
Episode Highlights:
Interview with Nina Ajaj on her mission to make running more inclusive for Muslim women in Western Sydney.
Nina's personal running journey and how it led her to become an advocate for change.
The benefits of running for both physical and mental health.
Practical advice for those thinking about starting their own running journey.
Our regular running recommendations: gear, training tips, and nutrition for runners.
Tune in for a dose of inspiration and motivation, plus all the latest from The Sydney Marathon!
Follow us on instagram @womensrunning_collective 
 

Women’s Running Collective S2 Episode 9: Abundance Mindset for Running
Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the transformative power of an abundance mindset in running. Join us as we discuss how to shift from a scarcity mentality to one that fosters confidence and positivity, empowering you to reach your running goals.
Key Topics:
Understanding Mindsets:
Abundance Mindset: The belief that there is enough success, happiness, and resources for everyone, encouraging a positive outlook.
Scarcity Mindset: The belief in limited resources, leading to feelings of inadequacy and fear of not measuring up.
Impact on Running:
How a scarcity mindset can create anxiety and self-doubt, holding runners back from
achieving their potential.
The importance of self-worth and belief in one’s abilities for overcoming challenges.
Cultivating an Abundance Mindset:
Practice 1: Fuel Your Body and MindProper nutrition boosts both physical and mental performance. Remember to celebrate the fuel you provide for your body!
Practice 2: Focus on GratitudeShift your thoughts from scarcity to appreciation. Notice what’s going well during your runs, and cultivate gratitude for your running journey.
Practice 3: Embrace Easy RunsIncorporating more easy runs can enhance your confidence and enjoyment, reinforcing the belief that you have enough within you to succeed.
Sponsor Highlight: Discover PILLAR Triple Magnesium for improved sleep and recovery. Use code WRC15 for 15% off your first purchase at pillarperformance.shop.
Additional Discounts:
SPARMS: 20% off first purchase with code WRC20 at https://au.sparms.com/
LSKD: 15% off with code WRC-AMB. Check out their new running collection!
Join Us: Tune in to shift your running mindset and embrace the abundance around you! 
 

Women’s Running Collective - Season 2, Episode 7: ALL the Different Running Sessions
Episode Overview: In this episode, we dive into the various types of running sessions that can enhance your training and performance. From base runs to fartlek training, we break down the benefits and techniques for each session type. We also discuss our typical running schedules.
Key Topics Covered:
Base Runs:
Understanding the importance of building endurance.
Tips for maintaining a steady pace.
Hills:
How hill training can improve strength and speed.
Strategies for tackling uphill and downhill runs.
Speed Intervals:
What speed work looks like and its role in race prep.
How to effectively incorporate intervals into your routine.
Tempo Runs/Threshold:
The benefits of running at your lactate threshold.
Structuring a tempo run for optimal performance.
Long Runs:
Planning long runs for marathon training.
Key considerations for pacing and recovery.
Fartlek Training:
How to implement this fun, unstructured speed play into your training.
Examples of fartlek workouts.
Personal Running Schedules:
Insights into our weekly training routines and how we balance various session types.
Recommendations:
Hayley: Use the lap button on your Garmin for intervals (bottom right button).
Jussie: Consider going up a shoe size when training for a marathon.
Karmen: Save up for a running holiday—it's a great way to motivate your training!
Special Thanks:
A big shoutout to our episode sponsor, Pillar Performance! For top-notch performance supplements, head over to Pillar Performance and enjoy 15% off your first purchase with the code WRC15. Thank you for supporting our podcast!
Connect with Us:
Don’t forget to follow us on social media and join the conversation about your running experiences!

Episode Notes: Women's Running Collective - Season 2, Episode 6
Welcome to Episode 6 of Season 2 of the Women’s Running Collective podcast!
This Week's Highlights:
Our Running Week:
We start this episode by sharing our own running experiences from the past week. Tune in to hear about our highs, lows, and everything in between as we continue to push ourselves and stay motivated.
Interview with Fran Hurndall:
We are thrilled to have the incredible Fran Hurndall on the show. Fran is embarking on an extraordinary journey, running from Perth to Sydney—covering a staggering 3,800 km in just 34 days. Her mission? To raise awareness about domestic violence and support the charities Rise Up and Share the Dignity. Fran’s determination and dedication are truly inspiring, and we delve into her preparation, challenges, and the impact she hopes to make with her epic run.
We let you know about our Sydney Marathon plans and also give you an update on our Tahiti trip. 
Here is a link for more information https://www.weexploredtahiti.com/trips/moorea-marathon
 
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:
A big shoutout to our episode sponsor, Pillar Performance! If you’re looking for top-notch performance supplements, head over to Pillar Performance and enjoy 15% off your first purchase with the code WRC15. Thank you for supporting our podcast!
Don’t miss this episode packed with inspiring stories, personal updates, and all the latest in the running world. As always, thank you for listening and being part of our running community!
Connect with Us:
Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Share your thoughts and feedback with us; we love hearing from you!
Stay motivated and Happy running!

Episode 15 - Season 2: Women's Running Collective
Welcome to Episode 15 of Season 2 of the Women’s Running Collective podcast! This episode is sponsored by Pillar Sports Nutrition. If you want to experience top-notch sports nutrition, head over to Pillar Performance and use the code WRC15 to get 15% off your order!
In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Millie, the founder of She Runs Club. Millie shares her journey of creating a supportive community for female runners and the passion that fueled her venture. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, her story is sure to motivate and empower you.
We also have some exciting announcements! We’re thrilled to reveal our upcoming adventure to Tahiti. Join us as we run the Moorea Marathon and soak in the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise. For more details and to sign up, check out We Explore Tahiti's Moorea Marathon trip.
And don’t miss out on our presence at the Sydney Marathon! We’ll be cheering you on from our designated cheer zone, fueled by the delicious treats from FUNDAY sweets. Join us on Sunday, September 15th at the corner of College St and William St for an unforgettable race day experience.
Tune in for all this and more in today’s episode. Lace up your running shoes and let’s get inspired together!
Links & References:
Pillar Sports Nutrition – Use code WRC15 for 15% off
We Explore Tahiti - Moorea Marathon Trip
Sydney Marathon – Cheer zone details at College St & William St, September 15th
Also don't forget to follow us on insta @womensrunning_collective and TikTok @womensrunningcollective or contact us via email womensrunningcollective@outlook.com