There’s a certain stillness that can only be found in motion. For Australian marathon runner and lululemon ambassador Jess Stenson, running has become more than a sport — it’s a moving meditation, and a grounding force.
As she prepares for the Sydney Marathon, the long hours of training are less about the finish line and more about what happens within: the ritual that begins in the early hours of the morning, and the emotional resilience that sharpens with each step forward. In the midst of chaos, running becomes a place to reset. It clears the noise, settles the mind, and brings her back to herself.
Motherhood, too, has only deepened her relationship with movement. These days, Stenson runs with more freedom and flexibility — no longer chasing perfection, but instead tuning in. The pressure to perform has softened into genuine appreciation for what her body can do, and the way running supports her in every other part of life.
Marathon training demands presence. There are no shortcuts, only the decision to show up — again and again. And Stenson does, not just as an athlete, but as someone who has built their way of life around movement. Running is where she reflects and recalibrates — physically, mentally, emotionally.
As a lululemon ambassador, Stenson is part of a community that sees running as something much bigger than pace or distance. Below, she shares with RUSSH the lessons the sport continues to teach her — from the mental tools that carry her through the final kilometres, to the small moments of calm and clarity she weaves into every run.
What drives you to show up, even when you don’t feel like training?
Since a very young age I have been driven to get the most out of myself. Key motivations throughout my career have been to explore my own potential and encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of exercise. It is special to be able to work towards this in partnership with lululemon as an Australian run ambassador. I feel stronger, healthier and happier when I am running on a regular basis but there are naturally times when my motivation wanes. Having clear goals, belief in my training plan, adequate sleep and friends to train with helps me to show up during these times. I remind myself that it is a privilege to be able to get out the door and run amongst nature.
A marathon is one of the hardest feats, both mental and physically. How do you keep pushing when you feel like there’s nothing left in the tank?
Conserving energy is the key during a marathon so when the going gets tough I try to stay as composed as possible. I draw upon past experiences to reassure myself that I am capable of the challenge and try to focus on one task at a time. Whether it be to relax my breathing, collect my drink, adjust my posture, tuck into a pack or fix my gaze on a landmark in the distance, I aim to bring my attention to the present moment rather than the potential outcome. At times I picture the people in my support team to fuel my motivation when my body wants to stop.
Besides the physical benefit of keeping fit, in what other ways does running benefit you?
Running clears my head and connects me with nature and people. It allows me to challenge myself as much as I want to and sends me home feeling energised and empowered for my day. lululemon’s Running Gives campaign reinforces the message that the more you give to running, the more it gives back. I have found that the more I engage in the running community, the more meaningful each experience becomes. I am shown the sheer power that running has to change lives for the better.
What is your favourite thing to run in? Are there any must-haves in your gym bag?
Right now I live in the new Fast and Free™ Light tank and the 8” shorts. The dual-zone Nulux™ fabric gives support where it’s needed and weightless freedom everywhere else. I pair them with the Split Shift™ running shoe for every day runs. Testing this gear and offering feedback to the lululemon team is an important part of my ambassador role.
In training for something as intense as a marathon, where do you find calm within the chaos?
I often refer to the saying, ‘your training is only as good as your ability to absorb it’. With time I have come to appreciate just how important it is to respect the recovery process both physically and mentally. A nutritious diet, quality time with family, good sleep and finding time to switch off from thinking about running are important recovery tools for me. When I consistently tick these boxes, I tend to feel more calm both on and off the track.
Has motherhood shifted the way you run — not physically, but mentally or emotionally?
Motherhood has prompted me to reflect on the role that running plays in my life. I now have a greater appreciation for the outlet it provides and the way it supports my wellbeing in addition to any performance outcomes. I run with a stronger sense of gratitude, am more flexible with my training approach and listen to my body with greater acceptance. The feeling I get from running empowers me in my roles outside of running.
How would you describe the moment of crossing a finishing line?
I still remember the sense of satisfaction and pride I felt as a young schoolgirl when crossing the finish lines of cross country and track races. A feeling of fulfilment came from knowing that I had overcome self-doubt and discomfort to finish the race with nothing more to give. This feeling has been enriched over the years by the extra layers of planning, preparation, teamwork and challenges to overcome in order to reach any finish line. It is a moment to savour with the people who helped me to get there.
What has running taught you about discomfort — and your relationship with it?
My running career has shown me that discomfort comes in waves and is a natural part of the sport. I have learnt that challenges sharpen resilience and make the wins particularly meaningful. These days I try to face discomfort with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, knowing that it is a part of the journey forward.
Shop lululemon’s latest Fast and Free™ collection, here.
