Abby Jensen hit some huge milestones her junior year of high school. Most notably breaking 5 minutes in the 1600m and 11 minutes in the 3200m. Jensen has shown she has the speed and endurance it takes to be a great runner and now she is gunning for her first Region XC Title and XC State title after taking State in the 1600m and 3200m.
Abby Jensen's Personal Bests
| 800m | 2:13.83 | Davis Invitational (2018) |
| 1600m | 4:59.03 | BYU High School Invitational (2018) |
| 3200m | 10:45.01 | BYU High School Invitational (2018) |
| 2.xMile | 18:10.40 | Pre Region 4 Meet (2016) |
| 3 Mile | 17:45.50 | BYU Autumn Classic (2017) |
| 5k | 18:46.00 | Nike Cross Regionals - Southwest (2017) |
How did you first get started running?
I first got into running because some friends invited me to be on a 4x400 team in 8th grade. I was playing soccer and basketball at the time so I could only go to the meets. In 9th grade the cross country coach found me and invited me to come run so I gave it a try running track my freshmen year. I was actually kinda good and fell in love with it and I've focused just on running ever since.
Favorite workout?
I love doing any workout on the track. My favorite would probably be 400 m repeats.
Least favorite workout?
My least favorite workouts are all the ones not on the track. Hill repeats in particular.
How do you personally prepare yourself mentally and physically for a race?
The day before a race I take it really easy on my run and I make sure to eat a lot and go to bed early. I don't eat tons the day of a race but I drink a lot of water. Mentally I like to come up with a game plan with my coach and then visualize myself doing it. I think about all the hard work I've put in and the reason I'm running. I focus on being excited and grateful for each opportunity to race because not everyone is able to run or has had the experiences that I've been blessed to have.
Pre race superstitions?
I don't really have any pre race superstitions. I always just say a prayer in my head before and talk with my mom. She always gives me a pep talk and big hug before I run. I'm so grateful to always have her there supporting me.
Most memorable race?
I've had a couple of memorable races so it's hard to choose just one. At the BYU invite this year I broke 5 in the 1600 for the first time in state. That's been a goal of mine for the longest time and to finally reach it was pretty amazing. The 3200 at state this year was also a pretty memorable race. The 3200 is my least favorite race in track but ironically it was the first event I became a state champ in.
Where are you at on your college decisions?
As far as colleges go I've had a lot of coaches in Utah reach out to me. Right now I'm really looking at Utah State and BYU.
What are your top 3 goals you wish to accomplish this season?
I've got a couple goals for this season but the overall one is to win. I've never won a region or state title in cross country so I'm looking to win both of those this year. I'd also like to get top 5 at NXR Southwest and qualify for NXN.
