When it comes to marathon stars, they don’t get much bigger in Australia then Jess Stenson.
The Adelaide native and Australian Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist is a marathon veteran, with a personal best time of 2:22:56, which she set in Tokyo in March 2025.
This year, Jess hopes to take on her personal best in Sydney in the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday August 31.
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It’s the first year in which Sydney is a World Marathon Major, meaning there is special significance attributed to the race.
“Every marathon I do has a backstory and some form of meaningful purpose or motivation,” Jess tells Best Picks.
“In the week before the race I tend to reflect on this and come up with a few words or pictures in my mind that I can draw upon when the going gets tough.”
With regard to gear, Jess knows a thing or two about how the right performance clothing and shoes can make all the difference.
“Whatever the conditions are, I love to race in clothing that is lightweight, smooth and breathable,” she explains.
“The lululemon Fast and Free Light Tank and Fast and Free 8” Shorts tick all of the boxes.”
This particular set is what Jess intends to wear on Sunday’s race day.
“I also love a super responsive shoe that lasts the distance,” Jess says, highlighting the Split Shift Running Shoe ($249) as the shoe she will wear down to the race, before pulling on her racing flats for the actual race.
“I think it’s important to have a pair of sunglasses ready to go for Marathon day, particularly for the latter stages of a morning racce.
“I find the Oakley Radar EV Path model particularly comfortable — and they have great coverage, making it easier to see and feel relaxed.”
Finally, Jess says it’s important to have a “supportive and comfortable” sports bra that doesn’t chage, as well as great socks so you don’t get any blisters.
She turns to the lululemon Power Stride Socks ($69) for this.
“On the nutrition front, it’s important to choose products (energy gels, drink blends etc.) that you have tested out in training,” she says.
“In the days prior I go over my race plan with my coach Adam Didyk, follow my nutrition (carbohydrate loading) plan and do my best to stay relaxed and enjoy myself despite the nerves.”
She adds: “If I feel the pressure mounting I remind myself that I have prepared to the best of my ability and that it is a privilege to have this opportunity”.
Jess also shared her race-day advice for anyone taking on the course in Sydney this weekend:
“I think it is important to have a plan and to control what you can but also accept that little hiccups along the way are not uncommon,” she says.
“Try to stay composed during these moments and trust that you will be okay. I think it is always helpful to break the race into smaller sections and to draw satisfaction from moving from one chapter of the race to the next.”
In a marathon, this might look like breaking the race down into four different 10kms. Only look at the 10km ahead of you, and then chunk it off, moving on to the next one as you get closer towards the finish line.
“I’ll take it easy for a couple of weeks in Adelaide and focus on recovery, as well as enjoying some of the activities that are trickly to fit in whilst training for a Marathon,” Jess concludes.
“When I feel ready I’ll sit down with my coach Adam Didyk for a debrief and to map out my next plan. I plan to take part in Adelaide’s City-Bay fun run in late September but how hard I push will depend on how well I have recovered.”
For more information about the TCS Sydney Marathon, head here now.
A typical week of training for Jess Stenson
Monday - Jog in the morning, shorter jog in the afternoon. One Pilates session
Tuesday - interval training at Marathon pace or a bit faster in the morning, 30 minute light run or elliptical session in the afernoon
Wednesday - mid-week mid - long run
Thursday - Jog in the morning, shorter jog in the afternoon. One Pilates session
Friday - longer fartlek interval session in the morning, 30 minute light run or elliptical session in the afernoon
Saturday - Jog in the morning, shorter jog in the afternoon. One gym session to work on strength, mobility and physical resilience
Sunday - long run (2 hours 15 - 2 hours 30) with her squad with some efforts at Marathon pace in latger stages
