Go behind the scenes with Australian Olympian Jess Hull to uncover the exact track sessions and mental mantras that fuel her record-breaking performances. From her recovery stack to the 1%er habits that keep her injury-free, this is the blueprint for any runner looking to unlock their next personal best.
3 min read
For a professional runner like Jess Hull, a "hard session" isn't just about running fast; it's about physiological adaptation. During a championship preparation block, a hallmark session includes 4 x 1600m repeats at 5km race pace, followed by 400m repeats at 1500m race pace.
This "combination session" targets two distinct energy systems:
Aerobic Capacity: The 1600m reps build the engine required to maintain a high cruising speed.
Anaerobic Power: The 400m reps at the end teach the body to recruit fast-twitch muscle fibres and clear lactate while under extreme fatigue.
Mental resilience in elite sport is built on "mantras"—short, repetitive cues that ground the athlete when physical distress peaks. Jess Hull utilises the mantra: "I am patient, calm, and focussed."
In middle-distance racing, the "pain barrier" usually hits when the body transitions from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. By focussing on patience in the early stages, athletes can preserve the mental energy required for the "final kick." In training, simply using the cue to "wait" encourages a relaxed stride pattern, preventing the premature "tightening" of the shoulders and neck that wastes precious oxygen.
Immediate refuelling is the non-negotiable habit that separates elite performers from the pack. While True Protein offers a wide range of endurance fuels, Jess has refined her routine to a specific "Post-Track Stack" designed to address muscle breakdown and skeletal impact.
Running at high intensities causes micro-tears in muscle tissue. Jess uses True Protein WPI90 immediately after her cool-down. As a New Zealand grass-fed isolate, it is rapidly absorbed, delivering a high concentration of Leucine to trigger muscle protein synthesis.
Distance runners face significant ground reaction forces. Jess incorporates True Collagen + C into her post-workout shake. Scientific research indicates that consuming collagen with Vitamin C can support bone mineral density and strengthen the "extracellular matrix" of tendons and ligaments, which is vital for long-term injury prevention.
For travel days or when traffic strikes between the track and the gym, Jess relies on True Protein Bars. They provide a clean, high-protein snack that prevents energy crashes without the artificial additives found in standard supermarket options.
True Protein’s philosophy, echoed by Hull, is that "Consistency is the 1%er." Professional running is a 24/7 commitment where your lifestyle outside the track determines your results on it.
The Energy Balance: You cannot recover if you are under-fuelled. Jess recommends "staying ahead" of depletion by consuming carbohydrates and electrolytes during long sessions.
The Sleep Factor: Growth hormone, the body's natural repair tool, is primarily released during deep sleep. One night of poor sleep can disrupt your metabolic recovery for the following 48 hours.
The Routine: Jess views her post-run nutrition as the "last step of the cool-down." The session isn't finished until the protein and collagen are consumed.
While Jess Hull’s specific stack focuses on recovery, True Protein offers a broader range of science-backed solutions for runners at every level:
| Product | Benefit for Runners |
| Electrolyte |
Electrolytes help runners maintain optimal muscle function and fluid balance by replacing the essential salts lost through sweat, which prevents cramping and dehydration-related fatigue. |
| Endurance |
True Endurance provides a steady release of carbohydrates and electrolytes to keep your energy levels stable and prevent the "bonk" during long runs. |
| PRE |
True PRE helps runners sharpen their mental focus and increase blood flow to working muscles, providing a clean energy boost that reduces perceived effort during high-intensity sessions. |
| Non Stim PRE |
True Non-Stim PRE uses L-citrulline and Beta-alanine to boost blood flow and buffer lactic acid, allowing runners to sustain higher intensities and sharper focus without the jitters of caffeine. |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION: all content provided here is of a general nature only and is not a substitute for individualised professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and reliance should not be placed on it. For personalised medical or nutrition advice, please make an appointment with your doctor, dietitian or qualified healthcare professional.
