Listener Q&A: Running Progress, Finding a Coach, First Marathon Tips, Running Prams & Protein Powder
The Women’s Running Collective Hayles & Jussie
This week on the Women’s Running Collective podcast, Hayles and Jussie are back with a listener Q&A episode covering everything from running progress and finding the right running coach to first marathon training, race-day tips, running with a pram and choosing a protein powder.
After a very tired week, Hayles has taken a full week off running, while Jussie has been putting in the work with some tough threshold sessions, a 20K run and parkrun on the horizon.
The girls chat honestly about their own running journeys, getting faster after having kids and whether pace progression actually matters. They also share how they work with their running coach Josh using Intervals and what to look for when choosing an accredited and insured running coach.
Thinking about running your first marathon? This episode is packed with practical advice, from building your long runs and practising your race-day fuelling to starting slower than you think, walking aid stations, respecting the taper and having a Plan B (and C!).
They also answer a listener question about running prams, including what to look for in a running pram and how to safely get started with run-walk intervals.
Plus, the girls tackle protein powder, their current running and lifestyle recommendations, and the things they’re loving this week.
This episode is proudly supported by the ASICS Rise & Shine collection.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Sponsor Cold Open
00:18 Welcome Back Friday
00:39 Tired Week Catchup
01:20 Hayley Takes a Rest Week
02:19 Jussie’s Training Update
04:11 Listener Questions Are Back!
04:40 Our Running Journeys & Finding Your Pace
12:48 How to Find a Running Coach
16:42 First Marathon Training & Preparation Tips
20:04 Race Day Dress Rehearsal
20:25 Chafing-Proof Running Gear
21:16 Don’t Try Anything New on Race Day
21:29 Taper Madness
21:56 Have a Plan B & Plan C
22:14 How to Chunk the Marathon Distance
22:54 Mindset, Pace & Comparing Yourself
23:59 Soak Up the Race-Day Atmosphere
24:37 Best Running Prams
26:36 How to Start Running With a Pram
29:02 Protein Powder: What to Look For
32:36 ASICS Rise & Shine
33:44 Weekly Recos & Wrap
🏃♀️ IN THIS EPISODE
- Running progress after having kids
- How your pace can change over time
- Taking rest weeks and listening to your body
- How to find a running coach
- What to look for in an accredited and insured coach
- Training for your first marathon
- How to approach your long runs
- Practising marathon fuelling before race day
- Why you should start your marathon slower than you think
- Walking the aid stations
- Race-day preparation and dress rehearsals
- Preventing chafing on race day
- Why you should never try something completely new on race day
- Surviving the marathon taper
- Having a Plan B and Plan C
- Breaking the marathon into smaller chunks
- Dealing with comparison and race-day nerves
- Enjoying the atmosphere and experience
- Choosing a running pram
- How to safely start running with a pram
- What to look for in a running pram
- Protein powder basics and what to look for
- Our current running and lifestyle favourites
🏃♀️ OUR WEEKLY RECS
Uncle Toby’s Chewy Muesli Bars — an easy option to have in your running bag when you want something different from a traditional gel.
Harlie + Harper — because running doesn't mean you have to give up the cute stuff.
Rhode Glazing Mist — a post-run skincare favourite.
The Post-Run Car Bag — our essential stash of everything you might need after a sweaty run, because sometimes the car is basically your second wardrobe.
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S RUNNING COLLECTIVE
The Women’s Running Collective is a podcast and community created by women, for women, where every pace, every distance and every runner is welcome.
Hosted by Hayles and Jussie, WRC is all about honest conversations, practical running advice, inspiring women and making running feel more accessible, enjoyable and inclusive.
Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a PB, preparing for your first marathon or simply trying to get out the door this week you belong here. XO WRC
