For many of us, running a marathon is a bucket-list goal, but for Jess, it’s a way of life. Recently finishing 13th at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jess made her third Olympic appearance, following London 2012
and Rio 2016. She’s also a Commonwealth Games gold medalist
from 2022 and has two bronze medals from the 2014 and 2018 Games. Alongside her Olympic and Commonwealth success, Jess has achieved victories in major marathons around the world, including the Melbourne
and Gold Coast Marathons. Her journey is an inspiring testament to hard work and perseverance.
From Naracoorte to the World Stage
Jess's journey began in the small country town of
Naracoorte
in South Australia. While she initially juggled multiple sports, it was running that eventually became her focus. "I thought netball was probably my favourite sport at the time," Jess recalls. But at the age of 21, she decided to see how far she could take running. With the encouragement of her coach, Adam, she began to focus on marathon running. By 24, she had qualified for the London 2012 Olympics, marking the start of an incredible career.
The Road to Paris 2024
The journey to Paris 2024 was not without its challenges. Jess had to overcome an appeal and the complexities of balancing training with motherhood. "Each marathon teaches you so much," she says. "I felt so calm out there and was able to execute my plan." Her 13th place finish and first Australian to finish in Paris was a testament to her resilience and dedication.
Balancing Act: Training and Motherhood
One of the most remarkable aspects of Jess's journey is how she manages to balance her rigorous training schedule with being a mum. "There'd been some various challenges in the lead up," she explains. "I sort of was able to block that noise out and just focus on the opportunity and the great team I had around me." Jess's husband and family played a crucial role in supporting her, allowing her to focus on her training and perform at her best.
Training Tips and Mental Preparation
For aspiring runners, Jess offers valuable advice on training and mental preparation. "Consistency is really important," she emphasizes. "You need to be patient and just start at a pretty low intensity, getting that base work in." She also highlights the importance of mental preparation, noting that much of it is done during training. "You learn strategies in training to help you through moments of boredom on a long run, on your own," she says.
The Importance of a Supportive Community
Jess also underscores the importance of having a supportive community. Whether it's her training squad, coaches, family, friends or the general running community, the people around her have been instrumental in her success. "I feel like I'm a part of a big team and a lot of teams," she says. "We genuinely care about each other and what we're all doing."
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Jess aims to target another marathon and set a new personal best time. "We've got so many women out there showing that you can just keep layering the training," she says. Her journey is far from over, and her story continues to inspire runners and non-runners alike.
We are incredibly grateful to have had such an amazing athlete like Jess Stenson on the
D8 Training Podcast. Her determination and success are truly inspiring, especially for women, as she continues to set new benchmarks in her field. Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode with Jess
here to hear her incredible journey, training routines, and advice for aspiring runners. You can also follow her remarkable journey on
Facebook or
Instagram!
