Jessica Stenson On Goal Setting & Marathon Training As A Mum
As a professional long-distance runner, physiotherapist and mother, Jessica Stenson (née Trengove) wears many hats. Born in South Australia, Sportitude is proud to follow her journey as she competes in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Marathon on Saturday 30th July 2022.
Having participated in sports like athletics, school cross country, basketball, netball and tennis as a child, Jess is a vibrant example that an active childhood can set the foundations of a healthy adulthood.
With her enthusiasm for sports inspired by her siblings Abbie and Jack, as well as her sporting heroes gold medallist Susie O’Neill and 5,000m Australian runner Benita Willis, Jess achieved her childhood dream of becoming an Olympian. She competed in the 2012 London Olympics and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics in marathon, and is a two-time Commonwealth Games medallist.
As a marathon runner, Jess is passionate about the power of goal setting and has a strong appreciation for her support network including her family, her training group Team Tempo and coach Adam Didyk who has guided her to achieve her athletic goals since 2008.
In 2019 Jess and her husband Dylan set out on the new and rewarding challenge of starting a family. By no means did this shift in priorities put a permanent halt to her running career – with Jess proving that being a mother and marathoner is possible, with each role strengthening the other.
Throughout her pregnancy Jess continued training with lower intensity exercise with a focus on wholesome nutrition, recovery and positivity – three facets that are just as critical during the ‘marathon’ of pregnancy as they are in marathon training.
“Sport teaches resilience; an adapted mode of thinking that improves our capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Sport has also taught me to look after my body and mind by prioritising quality nutrition, consistent sleep, positive self-talk and open communication. ”
In November 2019 Jess and her husband Dylan welcomed son Billy to their family. Jess applied the mental strategies from her marathon training into the challenges of postpartum as her body recovered from a caesarean section, drawing similarities between the two.
With the new addition to the family the priority, she focused on flexibility in her goals. She was eager to make a comeback to her sport, with her eyes set on the April Hamburg Marathon in six months’ time and motherhood giving her a new strength and perspective. She transitioned back into jogging 5 weeks after childbirth, respecting her body by gradually and steadily increasing pace.
“I find the process of writing down a challenge that makes my eyes light up and then mapping out a plan to achieve it very motivating. More importantly though I love the sense of satisfaction that comes from ticking off the ‘small steps’ and seeing progress. This was important, as the process of preparing for a Marathon within six months of giving birth demanded a high level of trust, motivation, organisation and focus.”
Like many of us, COVID-19 put Jess off track of her 2020 goals, with the marathon being cancelled, alongside the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. With the intense emotional build-up of marathon preparation – a storm of excitement and anticipation - suddenly replaced with this chaotic and emotionally draining turn of events, she held onto positivity, prioritising her mental health.
“Now more than ever, resilience is key. When a vision we have for the future is suddenly clouded, it is important to step outside of the chaos to gain a clearer picture.”
After overcoming the hurdles of a bone stress injury that caused her to miss out on the Tokyo Olympic Games, her determination was rewarded. She completed the October 17 Perth Marathon in 2021 – a challenging 42.2km distance - at a time of 2:25:15. This was the fourth fastest marathon time ever by an Australian female athlete and it was achieved during her first marathon as a mum. At 34 years old Jess had beaten her personal best, reducing it by over 40 seconds.
Jess has real-world experience in the ability of sport and motherhood to build resilience. She is passionate about sharing her insight on the benefits of physical activity to body and mind, with a particular interest in supporting women to be active during pregnancy and to empower fellow mums to get back into running safely postpartum.
With the 2022 Commonwealth Games only a few weeks away, we’re thrilled to cheer for Jess and watch her cross the finish line wearing green and gold with pride once again.
The Birmingham Marathon will be her first Commonwealth Games since becoming a mum, and her first marathon that son Billy will be there to watch her compete. Jess will be lining up on the starting line next to two other Australian mums and high performance athletes - Sinead Diver, mother of 2 and Eloise Wellings, mother of 2.
Fellow South Australian long-distance runner Isobel Batt-Doyle and co-founder of RunAsOne will be joining Jess in representing Australia in the Birmingham Commonwealth Games on the 3rd of August in the Women's 10,000m.
__________
Looking for motivation to stay on track of your marathon training or running journey? Jessica Stenson shared her personal insight with Sportitude on her experience as an athlete and a mum.
1. What’s your #1 goal setting and motivation tip for runners?
Write down your ultimate goal / dream and why it is meaningful to you. Once that is established, write down some shorter-term goals and daily processes that will help you to measure your progress and stay motivated. Find a team of people to train / work with, who motivate you to be the best version of yourself.
2. What’s your top advice for balancing marathon training, recovery and parenthood as you approach your first Commonwealth Games since the birth of Billy?
Compartmentalise. The ability to quickly shift focus and absorb the moment you are in is important. Time is precious so when I am out training, I try to make the most of every minute and the feeling of freedom that I feel when I run. When I arrive home, I refuel and then switch into Mum mode. I make a more conscious effort to ensure that my recovery runs are true recovery runs than I used to as I don't have as much downtime during the day. I love that I don't spend as much time thinking about my training anymore but instead, just get out there and get it done to the best of my ability.
3. How has being a mum built your resilience and determination as a marathon runner?
My perspective on life has naturally grown since becoming a mum and with more life experience. I am more excited rather than daunted by high pressure moments as a result.
4. Bonus question: What running shoes are you wearing at the Commonwealth Games?
The new Asics METASPEED SKY+ - I loved them from the very first moment I pulled them on!
Sportitude would like to give a huge thank you to Jess for sharing her advice and experience with us as she prepares for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Marathon to be held on the 30th of July 2022.
Follow Jessica Stenson’s journey through her blog and instagram to stay updated on her athletic achievements and share your support.
Happy running!