For the month of October 2007.

Name: Jane Tram Nguyen

Birthday: July 5

Place of Birth: Saigon, Vietnam. I have also lived in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Marital Status: In a relationship

Pets: one dog, a cocker spaniel-poodle mix (cocker-poo) named Chewy

Occupation: Full-time student

Education: Currently an English major at UH

Hobbies: running, swimming, creative writing, reading, music, movies, socializing

Years Running: Past two years, regularly. Ran previously during high school (recreationally, not track, nor races)

How many miles a week do you run? 25

Favorite time of day to run: 7 a.m. or 7 p.m.

How did you come to join MPRC: Julian Martinez referred me, May 2006.

Proudest running accompllishment: Chevron Houston Marathon 2007.  I exceeded my time-goal by 15 minutes and just felt extraordinarily accomplished.  It was also a relief to finally do what all runners are sort of ‘expected’ to do at some point.  But more importantly, the feeling of endurance and perseverance made me feel very proud of myself.

My favorite training run: Rice University area

My favorite race is: Any half marathon distance

I run because: stress-relief, weight management, muscle tone, social aspects

When I'm running I think about: Strangely, I'm often thinking about school

Running advice: Never let it become a chore. Run each day as much as you feel like running that day

Favorite running quote: You don't run 26 miles. You run one mile... 26 times.

Other exercises besides running: pilates, yoga, weights, swimming, step bench. I recently tried indoor rock-climbing and would like to do more of that in the future

Currently signed up for any other races: I wll sign up for Austin marathon (not sure yet if it will be half or full)

Shoes you run in: Asics

Have you visited any other cities/countries related to your enthusiasm for running: Just Austin. Would love to run somewhere other than Texas though

Favorite Houston restaurant: Baba Yega, Beck's Prime

Favorite book: East of Eden, The Color of Water

Favorite movie: American Beauty, The Joy Luck Club, The Breakfast Club

Favorite music: Classic Rock, 80's music, Top 40/Pop, Alternative, R&B, Rap, Hip-Hop

Favorite food: Italian, Mexican

Previous Spotlights: Nicole Rimmer