Jess Mena

Why I run:

I have been running for so long it's now apart of who I am. What keeps me going is that running never truly got easier, I don't think I have mastered running 23 years later. I love that there is always room for growth in the sport. It's the sport with boundless opportunity in distances, paces, terrain, location, and communities.

My favorite place to run:

Up in the Santa Monica Mountains. You get large platter of options, you can get beach views, valley views, singletrack technical routes, fire roads, overcast or scalding heat.

What I hope to convey through my content:

My goal has always ben to share the positivity running brings to my life. The beauty of our backyard mountains, the people in the community, and my journey as a runner. Showcase my small story in the vast running world. If it motivates one person to wonder, seek information about running, or start running themselves, thats a win!

More about Jess:

I'm a physical therapist that is residency and fellowship trained. I coach runners, I own a gym business, and I run!

I live in the Los Angeles area with my husband and 7 month old rescue pup. I have dedicated the last 3 years to trail running and prior to that I was a road runner for 20 years. I have a gnarly sweet tooth and a big stomach for carbs which is great for ultramarathon running!

I am currently dipping my toe into the topic of astrophysics, and right now quantum entanglement is blowing my mind.

I love the outdoors and even though I live in city with extreme light population I sit out every night and watch the moon and handful of stars.