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 Spotlight 00:24 Welcome Back Banter 01:11 Holiday Chaos Setup 02:14 Running Off Routine 04:00 Gold Coast Training Starts 05:15 Relaxed Episode Agenda 05:50 Is Running Too Pricey 08:33 Gear Hype And Reality 11:21 Do We Need Goals 15:36 Goal Pressure And Mindset 17:48 Small Goals Count 18:10 Small Goals Mindset 18:41 Running Without An Audience 19:35 Strava Kudos And Comparison 22:03 Internal Vs External Validation 23:59 Running In The Nineties 26:51 Why We Started Running 29:40 Skateboarding Lifestyle Talk 30:48 Listener Questions Recap 31:05 ASICS Superblast 3 Ad 32:02 Winter Gear Recommendations 33:27 Scrunch Bum Leggings Dilemma 34:23 Shoutouts And Wrap Up