OUR TEAM - Jenna Zajac

Get to know our Boulder Run Physio at Ability Physical Therapy team of specialists and why they love what they do!

Jenna is a physical therapist specializing in sports rehabilitation with a passion for working with runners of all levels. Originally from Syracuse NY, she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Nazareth University and then went on to receive her PhD in Rehabilitation Science from Boston University. Her doctoral research focused on wearable sensors, metabolic testing, and biomechanical analysis to optimize movement efficiency and performance. During her time in Boston, Jenna trained for four marathons coached by Nell Rojas. This experience inspired her to return to clinical practice to help others achieve their running goals. Additionally, Jenna holds certifications in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), running gait analysis, blood flow restriction, and as a Champion Performance Specialist (C-PAS). Outside of running, Jenna enjoys outdoor activities, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with her two cats - Chloe and Maddie.

Nickname - No nickname - just Jenna! Sometimes my friends will call me Jay-Z (like the singer) since my initials spell it out, haha. 

Birthday - October 14

Hometown - Syracuse, NY 

Current town - Boulder CO

High school/year - Liverpool High School/2013

College(s)/degree(s)/year(s) - Nazareth University/DPT/2013-2019; Boston University/PhD/2019-2024

PR’s -

• 5k 19:21
• Half Marathon 1:28:49
• Marathon 3:19:35 

Other teams/associations/brand sponsorships - Coached by Nell Rojas and run with her team (RISE Running) 

Favorite -

• Color - blue
• Spirit animal - definitely a cat 
• Race you’ve run - Buffalo Marathon 
• Place you’ve run - Charles River in Boston 
• Place to run in Colorado - Any of trails in South Boulder! I also really like Magnolia Road. Still learning about all of the cool spots to run since I moved here recently!
• Elite runner - I think I have to say Nell, haha. I would have said her regardless!
• Running quote - "Don't be afraid to dream of achieving the impossible" -Shalane Flanagan 
• Running workout - mile repeats 
• Pre & post run fuel - Pre run - fig bar & banana or oatmeal, banana, and PB if I have more time to digest; Post run - fairlife chocolate protein shake and then either a bowl of oatmeal or avocado toast and eggs 
• Training shoe - Nike Structures 
• Race shoe - Nike Vaporfly 
• Running moment - Qualifying for Boston at the Buffalo Marathon after waking up sick the day before the race and a really stressful training block and a lot of obstacles leading up to that day.
• Lift exercise - deadlifts 
• Band exercise - monster walks 
• Equipment to use - barbell 
• Muscle group to focus on - glutes 
• Injury to cure - bone stress injuries  
• Patient success story - I was working with a trail runner who has been experiencing hip pain for months and has gone to several PTs and received a lot of treatment with no success. We were able to determine the source of pain, reviewed and restructured her running training plan, and incorporated exercises to increase stability and strength to reduce her symptoms while running. After only a few weeks of working together, she was able to have some of her first pain-free runs. The emotion in her eyes from being able to run again and not thinking about pain or her injury was the best feeling and the reason I got into this field in the first place!
• Work lunch - chicken, sweet potatoes, and roasted veggies 
• Work shoe - Tracksmith Elliot Runner 

If you had to choose - 

• Coffee or tea
• Hot or cold
• Road or track or trail (especially since moving to CO)
• Oatmeal or cereal
• Meat or veggies
• Veggies or fruit
• Movie or tv show
• Chocolate or vanilla
• Cats or dogs
• Sunrise or sunset
• Sauna or steam room

Why run? Growing up I was always involved in sports, but I never ran and always saw it as a punishment. I played lacrosse for a period of time in college and I started running on my own to stay in shape because we had regular mile time trials. After awhile, I started enjoying running more than I did lacrosse and ended up leaving the sport and soon after signed up for my first marathon. Running has become a cherished part of my life. It's an activity I can do entirely on my own terms—a time to think, dream, and process. Yet, it also offers opportunities to connect with friends, meet new people, and share experiences. I love that running can be as challenging or as easy as I want on any given day, with always new goals to strive for. In a world that can often feel complicated, running is the centering piece of my day. It reminds me what a gift it is to be able to get out each day, live fully, and experience the world.

Why physical therapy? Like many, I injured myself playing sports when I was younger and needed physical therapy. I was incredibly grateful for the therapists who helped me get back to the sports I loved. I always admired how physical therapists could make genuine connections with their patients, helping them rebuild their lives from the ground up, often during some of the most challenging times. I believe physical therapists can have a significant impact across diverse populations, assisting people in returning to their lives and passions. This inspired me to pursue a career in physical therapy so I can help others in the same meaningful way.

Why Boulder Run Physio at Ability Physical Therapy? I chose Boulder Run Physio at Ability Physical Therapy because of the incredible environment, team, and mission of the clinic. After just one phone call with Kurt, I knew that BRP was where I wanted to be. The passion the physical therapists here have for providing the best possible care and helping patients return to the activities and sports they love was evident. I admired the cohesiveness of the team and how they work together to learn, grow, and optimize rehabilitation outcomes. The therapists tirelessly collaborate with other healthcare professionals in the area to stay current with the latest research and strategies, demonstrating their dedication to the field and their clients. As a runner, I also was particularly excited about the opportunity to work closely in a setting that is located in one of the running meccas in the country!

Random fun fact about you? I have a really good memory when it comes to facts or any didactic knowledge and one day in high school math class I was bored and memorized 50ish numbers of pi (they had the banner on the wall that wrapped around the room).

Photos by - Tracy Ann Roeser / Tracy Ann Creative