The Unpredictable Mile: How Janna Learned to Trust Her Run
Janna Attia is a 2025 ONE14 Challenge Finisher. But looking at her, you wouldn't guess that she started the year unable to run a 5k.
We sat down with Janna to uncover the story behind her transformative year, exploring how a simple running goal evolved into a life-changing journey of self-trust, spiritual grit, and unexpected friendships.
Is there a specific memory from 2025 that stands out to you?
I'll never forget when I was doing a yoga class and I mentioned, casually, that I had run 12 miles the day before. The room went quiet. Everyone was shocked. They were impressed. But what stuck with me wasn't their reaction—it was mine.
When they asked me how I did that, I had no words.
I was just as shocked as they were. I remember the version of me that struggled when I first started running, the version of me that couldn't do a 5k. And suddenly, here I was, standing in a yoga studio, realizing I had become a runner capable of half marathons.
If you had to look back and describe your 2025 in a single phrase, what would it be?
If I had to describe 2025 in a single phrase, it would be "Unpredictable".
My original plan was simple: run a 10k. That was the ceiling I set for myself. But once I started, I broke through it. I achieved the 10k, and now I’m about to run a half marathon, all in the same year subhanallah.
At the start of 2025, I wasn’t the self-assured, confident person I am today. I spent a lot of time doubting what was possible for me.
I faced unexpected challenges. I didn't receive support from the relationships I had at the time, they didn't understand my need to pursue the things I love, like running and caring for my physical, spiritual, and mental health. It drained me.
I realized that to grow, I needed to focus on myself. I had to end relationships that hindered my growth. I learned a lesson I am carrying into 2026: Fill your own cup first and allow the world to benefit from the overflow
When your motivation faded, what kept you moving?
When I felt like giving up, whether it was on a long run or struggling with my Quran memorization
I told myself: Never back out, never surrender.
I applied this same grit to my spiritual goals. When I joined the ONE14 challenge, I didn't have a single verse of Surah Yaseen memorized. I struggled with it. There were times I wanted to give up. But instead of quitting entirely, I decided to do what I could—even if it was just one verse. I took baby steps, and I surprised myself by memorizing pages of the Quran I didn't know before.
Also, to keep myself going, I find telling those around me about something I'm about to do helps because then I have no choice but to do it. If I tell others I'm gonna run 13 miles today, then it's a commitment I can't escape.
What made you join the ONE14 challenge in the first place?
I joined the ONE14 challenge because I loved the concept of testing myself both physically and spiritually. It turned out to be like "Eid for a runner". The excitement building up, laying out my race clothes the night before, feeling seen and understood by other Muslims who share your faith and interests.
For me, the physical and spiritual are connected. Physical health is a blessing from Allah. When I run, I never lose sight of that. The more I achieve physically, the more I'm in awe of the body Allah blessed me with.
What does “community” mean to you now?
I used to think community meant a crowd. This year, I learned that a community can be a single person
I met my "bestie for life" through One14 right before the 10k race. I walked up to her and offered her some gum, telling her it makes the runs feel easier. She looked at me, pulled a handful of sour gummy worms out of her pocket, and said they would help me out, too.
I didn’t hesitate to take the gummy worms. She didn’t hesitate to give them. Now, we’re running a half marathon together.
As you look ahead to 2026, what are you aiming for next, inshallah and how is your mindset shifting?
I am looking toward 2026 with big eyes. I want to run the NYC Marathon inshaAllah. But I’m also looking at it with a new kindness toward myself. I discovered this year that I am allowed to rest and not feel guilty for it. I used to feel pressured to always "do," but now I understand there is no guilt if I just "be".
Finally, for the person reading this who is hesitant, overwhelmed, or feels they aren't "ready" to start , what is your advice?
If you are reading this and feeling hesitant, overwhelmed, or just starting out, I want you to know this: Your body is so much more capable than you think.
You just have to start. Train your mind, and your body will follow. Start small, 3 minutes is better than none.
Do that, and soon enough, you’ll be the one standing in disbelief at how far you’ve come.
Janna’s 2025 was unpredictable.
You might be standing where Janna was in January: hesitant, overwhelmed, or doubting if you belong in this space. You might think a 10k, a half marathon, or memorizing a new Surah is impossible.
But Janna is proof of one undeniable truth: "Your body & mind are so much more capable than you think.".
Don't worry about the finish line. Fill your own cup. Trust the journey.
Just start.
Thank you, Janna, for this conversation. We look forward to seeing you achieve all your goals this year.
