Jenni had never considered herself a runner. Then she won a London Marathon ballot entry on a whim, laced up for the first time, and never looked back. We caught up with our Dubai-based ambassador to find out how a radio show changed everything.
Tell us a bit about your running journey – how did it all begin?
My journey started all thanks to the Chris Evans Virgin Radio breakfast show in the UK… they made the London marathon sound so fun I entered the 2025 ballot for a laugh. Everyone knows it’s virtually impossible to win a ballot entry… so you can imagine how surprised I was when I won an entry!? I wasn’t a runner before then. I literally started from zero. I started the couch to 5km on my treadmill in my garage. I’ll never forget the feeling when I ran my first 1km; it was a sense of achievement second to none! From those first slow steps I fell in love with a sport I’d always dismissed!
What does running mean to you personally?
Gosh… I’ve never tried to put this into words. To me it means switching my brain off from the mental load of being a full time mum, it’s about self-belief, self satisfaction, having something I can complete that’s entirely selfish and personal achievement. Running is 100% a selfish hobby for me as a mum.
What’s been your proudest running achievement so far?
Every run & every medal makes me so proud! I often find myself driving and realize a distance I’ve driven is distances I can run. It blows my mind and I have to pinch myself after most runs.
How do you approach motivation – especially on tough days?
Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever relied on motivation. From the beginning it’s been about proving to myself that I can do this thing that I have never considered something I would enjoy. Even on the coldest, wettest days back in the UK I never had to motivate myself to get up and head out on a run; it was just something I knew I wanted to do.
What does your typical training week look like?
My training at the moment is focused on running the London Marathon on 26th April so typically I train 5-6 days a week. These sessions consist of long runs, strides, recovery runs and strength training. I also include a lot of stretching to keep my muscles long and flexible. I have no idea what training will look like once the marathon is over so will have to wait and see.
How do you prepare before a big race – mentally and physically?
The only ‘big race’ I’ve done is the Dubai Burj to Burj half marathon earlier this year and honestly I was so relaxed & excited about it. I practiced my fueling in advance and then went in just to have fun. I try to remind myself that this is purely a fun hobby that I love to do and enjoying myself is the name of the game. With only 4 weeks left until London Marathon I’m having to be really strict with myself to remember that this is my hobby but it seems harder leading up to my first ever marathon.
What’s your number one tip for runners looking to improve performance?
I don’t feel qualified to offer tips as I’m such a beginner, but I think my general tip for beginner runners just need to remember to not train too much nor too hard as that definitely won’t improve performance. Certainly not in the early stages. Well, that’s my opinion at least. :)
What’s your go-to recovery routine after a long run or race?
I need no encouragement to eat so after a long run I drink plenty of water and electrolytes and eat plenty of carbs! :) I don’t hold back if I’ve been running for 2hrs plus. And rest of course; feet up and relax!
When things get tough mid-race, what keeps you pushing forward?
So around 16km in the Burj to Burj half marathon I had to give myself a stern talking to as I felt the last 5km was just a bit much. So, I reminded myself that just doing such distances were beyond what I’d ever imagined I’d be able to do before this journey started in April 2024. I also reminded myself that my sons are watching and when they see my medal they always believe I won the race. I want to show them that we can do hard things.
How has the running community impacted your journey?
When I started to run, as mentioned I learnt to run on a treadmill. When I eventually moved it outside, I ran alone after the school drop offs. I always ran alone. I never joined run clubs in the UK because they always ran in the evenings or when I was needed at home to get kids ready for the school day. Then, as I started following and seeing running creators online, I realized I was a slower runner and there didn’t seem to be many clubs who accommodated my pace nor my age. Everyone seemed to be 10+ years younger than me and most weren’t mums. I felt I would have nothing in common with them. I didn’t feel like I fitted. Everyone was always running way faster than me. Here in Dubai, only once I hired a run coach did I dip my toe into running clubs. I still run alone which I really enjoy actually. I don’t want to talk whilst I’m running as it’s my selfish time. But I do love the sense of community both before and after we’ve run.
What do you think makes the UAE running scene unique?
I have only been in Dubai for a year and only started to connect with the running community since October last year so I’m still learning about the community here myself. What I love about it is that they actually don’t care if you run fast or slow, you’re still welcome. Fist pumps, hugs and high fives are handed out like a symbol of unity.
What advice would you give to someone starting their running journey?
Oohhh, I love this question because I’m still so early on in my journey I can still remember that feeling of starting my journey. My advice would be to follow a plan. Whether that’s a printed couch to 5km plan or an app, they know what they are talking about and you can’t mess it up. Do it (running) wherever you feel most comfortable and by that I mean, on a treadmill, on the roads, at the gym, with a group of friends, alone. There’s no right or wrong. And depending on your personality, don’t look at other runners online.
What’s your must-have piece of running gear or tech?
Can I only choose 1? Good, supportive sports bra is probably my number 1! But other items are shorts that don’t ride up when running, a watch that tracks accurately and shoes that suit your feet.
What are your running goals for the year ahead?
I want to finish the London Marathon uninjured. Post that, I am toying with the idea of a sprint triathlon… I can swim and ride a bike so feel it might be fun! And definitely another half marathon somewhere else – like Europe or something!
What excites you most about The Run Show coming to Dubai?
Well, it’s everything RUNNING and running is my entire personality so what’s there not to be excited about?! Being surrounded by runners, running tech and gear sounds like my idea of the BEST WEEKEND EVER!!! :)
Update: since we caught up with Jenni, she's crossed the finish line of her first London Marathon! From a garage treadmill to 26.2 miles through the streets of London, what a journey it's been. Follow Jenni to see what comes next on Instagram @dubai.running.mum
