YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

Utah Athlete Finds Joy In Running Despite Canceled Races This Year

Dec 14, 2020, 11:48 AM | Updated: 12:06 pm

OREM, Utah — Finding ways to exercise during the pandemic without the same resources as before has proven to be a difficult task for some. One Utah athlete has found renewed purpose in her training despite canceled races.

Even though 41-year-old Melody Jensen is slow to admit it, she’s lightning fast!

“If I had to run a mile, and you were timing me, I think I could probably hit a 5:30,” she said humbly.

Jensen says there is a lot to love about running, including the way it makes her feel.

Before COVID-19 Melody Jensen competed in at least a couple races every month. When the pandemic hit, her races were canceled. Despite her disappointment, she said she’s found a new joy in running for fun rather than competing. (Photo provided by Melody Jensen)

“Definitely the endorphins that are released when I run, I love it,” Jensen said. “It just definitely helps me relieve my stress … makes me feel calm and relaxed and happy.”

She ran track for BYU before getting married and having four boys. “At BYU, it was really just an honor to be on the team. When I ran at BYU, they were national cross country champions,” she said. Jensen ran the first season women were allowed to compete in the steeplechase event.

Racing has always been a big priority. She won the Deseret News 10K in 2016.

“I would usually race one to two races a month,” Jensen said. Then COVID-19 hit.

“One by one, they all got taken away,” she said.

Despite her disappointment, Jensen continued running. “(I) just kind of started running for fun and with my heart,” she said. “I found a new joy in running.”

She started trail running for the first time and even trained to run a 37-mile loop in the Tetons last summer. “It showed me a new aspect of running that I wouldn’t have done before,” she said.

Jensen is committed and still puts down 50 miles a week. “One thing COVID has shown me is that I don’t need a race to help me love running,” she explained.

Melody Jensen says cross training is really important to her to prevent injuries. (KSL TV)

Intermountain Healthcare’s Dr. Jake Veigel, a sports medicine physician, recognizes how challenging this year has been.

“The pandemic is stressful,” he said, which is why he urges people to exercise often. “It can definitely be not just rejuvenating for your body, but it can rejuvenate your spirit and your soul as well and just get you in a better mood.”

“You’re just out there doing something that’s good for you and helps you feel good about yourself and helps you work out the problems that you’re dealing with in your head,” Veigel added.

He says it’s important to be flexible and learn to work out indoors.

“We live in Utah. The weather — it’s not going to be perfect all year and sometimes you just have to do that,” Veigel said.

Jensen is avoiding the gym during the pandemic. “I just feel more comfortable and safer in my home doing my routine,” she explained.

She says cross-training is still important to her. “The added strength keeps me from getting injured,” Jensen said.

She also encourages her boys to stay active. “My 9-year-old son Liam made a goal this year that he wanted to be faster,” she said, and noted that he is now officially faster than her.

During the pandemic, Melody Jensen is avoiding the gym and prefers to work out at home instead. (KSL TV) Melody Jensen encourages her boys to set goals and stay active as well. Now, her oldest son, Liam, can run faster than her. (KSL TV) Melody Jensen ran track for BYU. She was on the team the first year women were allowed to compete in the steeplechase. (Photo provided by Melody Jensen) Before COVID-19 Melody Jensen competed in at least a couple races every month. When the pandemic hit, her races were canceled. Despite her disappointment, she said she's found a new joy in running for fun rather than competing. (Photo provided by Melody Jensen) Before COVID-19 Melody Jensen competed in at least a couple races every month. When the pandemic hit, her races were canceled. Despite her disappointment, she said she's found a new joy in running for fun rather than competing. (Photo provided by Melody Jensen) Melody Jensen says cross training is really important to her to prevent injuries. (KSL TV)

No matter how you choose to get moving, Jensen encourages people to just start. “Whether it’s going for a walk, or even just playing an active game with your kids,” she suggested.

Veigel says exercising consistently is important. “We do recommend 30 minutes of exercise three to five days a week,” he said. “But really, I tell patients the best exercise for them is the exercise they love.”

Jensen echoes Veigel’s message. She says you have to have a desire. “What I found over the years is that you just have to find what you love,” she said. “Obviously, not everyone loves running. A lot of people just find it laboring and hard, but that’s OK. Just find something else.”

During the pandemic, Jensen has learned: “You can’t rely on something else to make you happy or to keep your training. You have to do it for you.”

For those interested in finding ways to exercise at home, check out Intermountain Healthcare’s On-Demand workout resources and virtual LiVe Well Classes, like yoga, cardio, and strength training, which you can stream from the comfort of your own home.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

Tina Gomez was 27 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis....

Emma Benson

‘It’s different every day’: Understanding multiple sclerosis and its prevalence in Utah

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a chance to talk about this neurological condition which affects more than 30,000 Utahns.

3 hours ago

...

Emma Benson

National Nutrition Month: How to talk about body image with your kids

March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign designed to promote informed eating choices and positive body image.

6 days ago

Brady Dransfield (right) poses with his father, Scott Dransfield shortly after transplant surgery. ...

Emma Benson

‘Listen to your body’: Transplant survivor shares story for World Kidney Day

A kidney transplant survivor is warning others about kidney disease, including on World Kidney Day.

14 days ago

Mark Seguin in the hospital...

Emma Benson

Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Survivor urges screenings, early detection 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to raise awareness of the number one cancer killer for men under 50, and number two for women under 50.

21 days ago

Comiske riding her stationary bike, something she does every morning....

Emma Benson

Strategies to lengthen your life

The CDC says, on average, women tend to live 5-7 years longer than men because men have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, but there are simple, healthy ways to increase your life expectancy.

28 days ago

Chris and Aimee Tyler, speaking about their experience with Chris's pancreatic cancer diagnosis....

Emma Benson

‘Cancer can affect anybody’: Utah couple processes pancreatic cancer diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and often goes undetected until it's advanced. One Utah County man is fighting for more time with his loved ones.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah Athlete Finds Joy In Running Despite Canceled Races This Year