Episode Details

Balancing Olympic Training, Motherhood, and Real Life

Podcast: The Women’s Running Collective

In this episode, co-hosts Hayley and Justine dive into the beautiful chaos of balancing running with family life, travel, and the occasional illness.

Justine shares highlights from her tropical training runs in Fiji — including a few unexpected animal encounters — while Hayley reflects on the ups and downs of parenting through sick days.

Then, they welcome an incredible guest: Lisa Weightman — elite marathoner, four-time Olympian, Commonwealth and World Champs medallist, mum, wife, and all-round inspiration. Lisa opens up about what it really takes to juggle high-performance sport with a busy home and work life.

She shares:

• Practical training tips

• Her approach to recovery

• How to manage setbacks

• The importance of rest (even when life doesn’t slow down)

Plus, Lisa answers rapid-fire questions, including her favorite pre-race meal, racing mindset, and the unexpected truths of elite running.

Also in this episode:

• A shoutout to listener Dawn, who’s fundraising for the Heart Foundation

• Cheers for everyone who took part in the City2Surf run

• A sneak peek at the brand new Women’s Running Collective website

• Personal recommendations to fuel your next long run or rest day

• 00:00 – Introduction

• 00:29 – Weekly running check-in

• 01:29 – Justine’s Fiji running adventures

• 03:42 – Training challenges and long run updates

• 06:56 – Interview with Lisa Weightman begins

• 14:21 – Lisa’s running journey + top advice

• 24:47 – Weekend training insights

• 25:07 – Marathon mileage + mindset

• 25:43 – Balancing motherhood and running

• 26:20 – Lisa’s training habits & superstitions

• 27:20 – Advice for female runners

• 28:42 – Pre-race meals & hydration tips

• 30:02 – Juggling elite running & a professional career

• 35:59 – Coping with nerves and pressure

• 41:07 – Encouragement for new runners

• 41:58 – Surprising facts about elite runners

• 43:13 – Sydney Marathon chat

• 44:23 – Rapid fire with Lisa

• 47:34 – Shoutouts & community updates

• 50:35 – Closing thoughts + new website launch

• Link to the jumper Hayley bangs on about https://au.gympluscoffee.com/products/snap-polar-fleece-in-lime-sorbet-ss25
•