ROAD TO BOSTON MARATHON 2020

For many runners, a Boston Marathon qualifying time (a “BQ”) is the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. The Boston Marathon is known amongst the running community as the most iconic race experience a runner can have.

There’s a lot that makes this race special. It’s the oldest annual marathon in America with a rich history that includes playing a key role in the first American running boom during the 1970s. What started with just 15 runners in 1897 has morphed into a spectacle that, today, includes 30,000 participants and over one million spectators. The elite field showcases some of the best talent in the world, and the crowd support is relentless. The course is challenging, combined with the weather that is unpredictable by the spring. And unlike the other five major marathons in the world, Boston marathon does not offer a lottery entry, runners must either qualify or apply with a charity team to vie for the opportunity to toe the starting line in Hopkinton.

Year after year, runners from around the world flock to participate in the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston—some for the umpteenth consecutive year, and some for the first time. Some runners would take the training to qualify for Boston very seriously; they would hire a coach to help them reach their goal, some would train on their own, and some would find motivation by training and running with a club. For those who are associated with a running club, when they reach their goal, their success is also the club’s success. Any club would be proud when one of its members became a first-time BQ’er. This year the San Jose Vietnamese Running Club (SJVRC) produced not only one but 5 first-time BQ’ers!

SJVRC is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2016 to motivate and foster its members a way to develop healthy lifestyles while creating an opportunity to give back to the community through volunteering and fundraising to support the less fortunate children of Vietnam. SJVRC runners came from different background but they all have one thing in common #OneMileForOneChild, which is the club slogan. To learn more about these 5 first-time BQ’ers, we simply asked them these following questions.

  1. Why did you start running?
  2. You knew you were hooked when what happened?
  3. What are your race personal records (PRs)?
  4. What has been your biggest running accomplishment to date?
  5. What is your favorite place to train?
  6. What is your favorite local and/or out-of-town race?
  7. Besides qualifying for Boston, what do you hope to achieve from running?
  8. What is your training philosophy?
  9. Who are your running partners?
  10. If you could run a mile with any other person(s), dead or alive, who would that be?
  11. What was the funniest or oddest thing you’ve seen while running?
  12. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a new runner?
  13. What are your other interests?
  14. What was the last movie you saw?
  15. What is your favorite pre-race meal?
  16. When was the last time you took a selfie?

In summary, there are four females and one male first timers. Except for a young 28-year-old Brenda Nguyen, they are in their mid to late 40s. The fastest runner is M48 with the time of 3:10:04 and slowest one is F45 with 3:44:02. The qualifier with the biggest BQ cushion of 12 minutes 19 seconds is the oldest F50 with an impressive time of 3:42:41. The only male qualifier is the runner with the shortest attempt (2) to qualify; after 7 months of running, he ran his first marathon at 2019 LA (3:46:22) and 2019 Santa Rosa (3:10:04), where he beat the BQ time by 9 minutes and 56 seconds.

One thing that these first-time BQ’er has in common is that they are all committed and trained hard to reach their dream – to toe the line at Hopkinton on April 20, 2020. You can read the inspiring story of each of the fine runners through the Q&A below.

Michelle Le

Age: 50
Family: husband Christopher Le, daughter Samantha Le and son Brandon Le
Originally from: Da Nang
Number of years running: 19

  1. Why did you start running? In 2000 at the darkest period of my life, I discovered running which gave me hope and helped to channel my emotion.
  2. You knew you were hooked when/ what happened? In my early days of running, one day I got caught in a heavy rain in Palo Alto, far from home. However, I did not look for shelter, but rather kept a steady pace and did NOT want the run to end – that was when I knew I was hooked with running!!
  3. What is your race personal records (PRs)? HM: 1:47:52, FM: 3:42:41
  4. What has been your biggest running accomplishment to date? BQ qualifier to celebrate my 50th birthday. More significantly, running has sharpen me determine and helped built my confidence to spread my wings to other sports. I learned to swim mostly from watching YouTube? From not being able to swim across the pool to complete a Sprint, Olympic, and Ironman 70.3 distance within 1.5years. Anything is Possible.
  5. What is your favorite place to train? I am very fortunate to have access to beautiful and hilly running trails around Los Altos. Starting my runs at 5:30am, I often get rewarded with stunning sunrise on Edith ave on the way back.
  6. What is your favorite local and/or out-of-town race? I like races in SF, especially routes running across the beautiful and iconic Golden Gate Bridge – such a majestic view!!
  7. Besides qualifying for Boston, what do you hope to achieve from running? More important than BQ is to continue and promote healthy living life style to improve quality of life for others, especially our Vietnamese community.
  8. What is your training philosophy? Have a hard training plan, but always listen to your body. If injured, give your body proper time for recovery. Common sense, yet, often now follow by runners.
  9. Who are your running partners? I am very fortunate to have a group of lady friends who also love running and always keep me safe and company at 5:30am all year long.
  10. If you could run a mile with any other person(s), dead or alive, who would that be? Definitely, it would have to be Deena Kastor, the author of “Let Your Mind Run”!! An incredible and inspirational runner whose colorful accomplished running career contributed by her positive mental attitude.
  11. What was the funniest or oddest thing you’ve seen while running? At my VERY first race, the Bay to Breakers, there was a semi naked male runner in an opaque plastic bag who managed to always run in front of me :). Every time I speeded up to pass him, eventually I would hear a squish/squish of plastic rubbing between his legs and ended up in front of me until we both crossed the finish line. An image that is hard to erase!
  12. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a new runner? Running is truly a gift. If you want to run, just put on your shoes and get out. Don’t depend on someone to get you out. Why depend on someone of your health and well- being?
  13. What are your other interests? I have always been gravitated toward philanthropic work ever since I was young. That’s why SJVRC’s mission resonates with me from day one.  I am proud to be part of the leadership team to organize the race to raise funds for the unprivileged children in Vietnam
  14. What was the last movie you saw? Last weekend, I watched the classic movie “Coming to America” with my family
  15. What is your favorite pre-race meal? Definitely spaghetti with vodka sauce prepared by my loving husband!
  16. When was the last time you took a selfie? Today! While visited my beloved Autie, Dì Tu, resting place – I took a selfie and smiled from ear to ear – to let her know how happy I am to visit her.

Ms. Phuong Vuong

Age: 48
Family: Luật Tran, Jourdan Vuong, Khloe Vuong
Number of years running: 15 years

  1. Why did you start running? Huong Britto introduced me to running and I just loved it. It’s been with me for the past 15 years.
  2. You knew you were hooked when what happened? I loved to do many sports, not just running specifically. But making Boston has always been my dream
  3. What is your race personal records (PRs)? 3:39:xx
  4. What has been your biggest running accomplishment to date? Mountain to beach in May 2019, just 2 weeks after my 70.3 in Danang
  5. What is your favorite place to train? I love to run in Guadalupe trail. So peaceful and so beautiful. I feel so worried-free
  6. What is your favorite local and/or out-of-town race? San Jose Rock n roll and California international marathon in Folsom
  7. Besides qualifying for Boston, what do you hope to achieve from running? I hope I can continue to run for health without injuries.
  8. What is your training philosophy? I train whenever I have time and I enjoy every single minute of it. The goal was to have fun, to be healthy and to be a bit faster each year.
  9. Who are your running partners? Sang Tran and Mark Brogan have been my swimming, riding and running partners.
  10. If you could run a mile with any other person(s), dead or alive, who would that be? My Daughters Khloe and Jourdan.
  11. What was the funniest or oddest thing you’ve seen while running? A friend (I won’t mention her name) got to the side of the trail, pull down her pants to answer the call of nature.
  12. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a new runner? Enjoy and feel fortunate that you could run. But stay healthy and avoid injuries.
  13. What are your other interests? Triathlon has been the love of my life
  14. What was the last movie you saw? Làng Vũ Đại Ngày Ấy
  15. What is your favorite pre-race meal? Pasta with meatballs
  16. When was the last time you took a selfie? While I was typing this… I want to make sure I still look good

Mr. Quy OC aka Flash Nguyen

Age: 48
Family: wife Hien Ngo, daughter 12yrs Olivia HienVy Nguyen , middle son 9yrs Travis VinhQuang Nguyen , youngest son 6yrs Levi PhuQuy Nguyen

  1. Why did you start running? I started running from the beginning of this year in January when I came across a post on Facebook from sis Tara Dang about her daily running for the SJVRC OneMile4OneChild 100 days challenge non-stop running for the min of 3 miles rain or shine to raise money for the less fortunate kids in Vietnam. Her post had inspired me to sign up for the 100 days challenge charity run myself. It came as a perfect time in my life as I were lost inside from all the things that stressed and depression of my daily life and work. By doing the 100 days non-stop running challenge has opened my eyes to realize my problem is nothing compared to the less fortunate kids in Vietnam.
  2. You knew you were hooked when what happened? I knew I was hook when I realized that I was making a difference in helping the less fortunate kids in Vietnam while I was doing my 100 days charity running everyday challenge when I saw friends, family members, members of VeloViet Cycling Club in OC and Strangers on Facebook started to support me with their donations for my 100 days running challenge to help the less fortunate kids in Vietnam.
  3. What are your race personal records (PRs)? I have only run two marathons first one is LA marathon at 3:46:22 hours at 8.38 minutes pace per mile on my 64 days of running every day and 2nd one was Santa Rosa marathon at 3:10:04 hours and 7.15 minutes pace per mile on my 217 days of run everyday.
  4. What has been your biggest running accomplishment to date? My biggest achievement is my completion SJVRC 100 days charity non-stop running challenge which had given me a big advantage to finish my first marathon race at LA marathon on my 64 days of non-stop running every day and went on to win 1st overall on my first Duathlon race ever at half moon bay on my 106 days of running every day and BQ at Santa Rosa marathon on my 217 of non-stop running every day. So, doing the SJVRC 100 days running challenge had to be my biggest achievement of my life by far as it had changed my life as a person.
  5. What is your favorite place to train? My favorite training place is at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley in OC for easy running days and Huntington beach for my long running day run
  6. What is your favorite local and/or out-of-town race? I’ve only been in 3 races, one in LA and 2 up north at halfmoon bay and Santa Rosa so I would have to said Santa Rosa was my favorite place cuz I got to race and spend time with SJVRC team members and my whole family.
  7. Besides qualifying for Boston, what do you hope to achieve from running? Beside BQ I have to said what I would like to achieve from running is to form a SJVRC team here in OC because I would like to help SJVRC Organization OneMile4OneChild to get more people join forces to let others recognize their mission and form together to raise money and bring awareness for orphanages and the less fortunate kids in Vietnam.
  8. What is your training philosophy? My training philosophy is being consistent with your training and be patient with your progress and enjoy every run and get to know yourself cuz those things will come in handy when your running in a marathon race to achieving your goals.
  9. Who are your running partners? I run most of my run very late at night like 10 PM and sometimes done by 12 am cuz between busy work schedule and taking care of 3 kids I have no choice but to run late at night by myself. After taking care of house duty and putting my kids go to bed, only then I have time for myself to go running. Thanks God I have a very supportive wife to put up with my passion to run for SJVRC #OneMile4OneChild.
  10. If you could run a mile with any other person(s), dead or alive, who would that be? If I could run one mile with one person then I would love to have an opportunity to run with my dad. I never had that opportunity because he lost half of his left leg in the Vietnam war before I even was born so I never got the opportunity to run around or play games like others kids had with their dad.
  11. What was the funniest or oddest thing you’ve seen while running? Oddest thing I see while running my marathon race was seeing a person ran the whole entire 26.2 miles kicking a soccer ball and running barefoot.
  12. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a new runner? One piece of advice I would give a new runner is to be patient with your process cuz if you rush it you will face injuries before you can achieve your potential.
  13. What are your other interests? My other interest is collecting rare plants and perform tree grafting to create a new variety of plants. I also love cycling which I am also a member of the VeloViet Cycling club here in OC area.
  14. What was the last movie you saw? The last movie I saw with my kids was Spiderman come home.
  15. What is your favorite pre-race meal? My pre-race meal would have to be my wife’s pasta meals.
  16. When was the last time you took a selfie? Yesterday after my daily running workout why I took it, because I post my everyday run on Facebook to help promote SJVRC #OneMile4OneChild to raise more donation and bring awareness for their mission on helping the less fortunate kids in Vietnam.

Ms. Quy Nguyen

Age: 45
Family: husband Thong Nguyen, Evelyn Nguyen 13 and Mekayla Nguyen 11
Originally from: Da Nang Vietnam
Number of years running: 22 years

  1. Why did you start running? My passion for running began one day, when one of my best friends invited me to run for fun. Ever since that first day, I enjoy being outdoors and I enjoy running.
  2. You knew you were hooked when what happened? In 1997, when I started running the beginning was difficult because I often would run by myself. However, as the years passed by, I found myself enjoying running. I love outdoor running, and seeing the beauty of nature which allows me to feel relaxed and motivated to begin my morning– it became my “cup of coffee”.
  3. What are your race personal records (PRs)? Even though I started running so many years ago, I often run solo every morning before I begin working. Until recently I was introduced by a friend to SJVRC and had arranged for opportunity to meet up a Sunday back in the Summer of 2017 to introduce me to the Club and from there I met Chi Tara and Luong. I found myself being connected to the club and from there on I never had to really have to run solo on race events. A few of my races are
    • 2018 Big Sur International Marathon 4:11:31
    • 2018 Santa Rosa Marathon 3:53:21
    • 2018 San Jose Rock N Roll 1:41:36
    • 2018 CIM 3:44:02
    • 2019 Big Sur International Marathon 4:07:10
    • 2019 Santa Rosa ½ Marathon 1:39:32
  4. What has been your biggest running accomplishment to date? My biggest accomplishment is my Charity Mission to Vietnam with SJVRC 2018. This is my very first time going back to my native land. Our Charity Mission trip allowed me to appreciate and value why I continue run and how I can support the less fortunate children back in Vietnam. Also, within the last 2 years, I have been training to qualify for a slot for the Boston Marathon, New York and Chicago. This is the biggest milestones I would like to achieve.
  5. What is your favorite place to train? A few of my favorite training places would be Piedmont, Hellyer Coyote Creek Trail & Campbell Los Gatos Trail.
  6. What is your favorite local and/or out-of-town race? My favorite local race is the San Jose Rock N Roll ½ Marathon is one of my annual local races that I participate in every year and out of town races would be Big Sur International Marathon.
  7. Besides qualifying for Boston, what do you hope to achieve from running? Most important of all, continue to inspire others to run for the love of the sport or for their own daily exercise.
  8. What is your training philosophy? My secret ingredients are: Have passion, make it Fun & Be Committed. I keep myself aligned with my trainings. You have to remember to love what you do and do your best.
  9. Who are your running partners? My fellow SJVRC members and my Piedmont Saturday long run are my training partners.
  10. If you could run a mile with any other person(s), dead or alive, who would that be? If I can run a mile with someone I dearly love and miss would be my Mother, who had passed away almost 13 years ago.
  11. What was the funniest or oddest thing you’ve seen while running? The oddest and funniest thing I have seen while running is “When you got to go, you got to go”
  12. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a new runner? A piece of advice that I would give to a new runner would be “Never Give up and Anything is Possible!”
  13. What are your other interests? Besides running, I enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, biking and going to the gym.
  14. What was the last movie you saw? The most recent movie I watched was How to Train your Dragon 3 with my daughters.
  15. What is your favorite pre-race meal? My fast and favorite meal before the race is A Bite of Bread & Bagels
  16. When was the last time you took a selfie? Uhh the last time I had to take a selfie was on September 28th, a selfie to promote our 3rd Annual Charity Race for SJVRC.

Ms. Brenda Nguyen

Age: 28
Family: Not married yet, no kids. Dad Ha Nguyen, brother Ronnie Nguyen, boyfriend Kenny Bui.
Originally from: San Jose, CA
Number of years running: 5

  1. Why did you start running? I started running in January 2014 with my little brother, Ronnie. We both trained for our first half marathon in San Francisco.
  2. You knew you were hooked when what happened? After running my first half marathon in San Francisco, I ran another half marathon in 2014 in San Jose. After finishing that half marathon, I felt capable to run a full marathon. I ran my first full marathon in 2015 at the Big Sur International Marathon. I think after that, I was hooked. I kept signing up for more half and full marathons.
  3. What is your race personal records (PRs)? There are my Official Race PRs:
    • 5k – 23:14 at the 2018 Torrance Armed Forces Day 5k
    • 10k – 54:17 at the 2016 Santa Monica Classic 10k
    • Half Marathon – 1:47:57 at the 2019 Silicon Valley Half Marathon
    • Full Marathon – 3:26:38 at the 2019 Santa Rosa Marathon
  4. What has been your biggest running accomplishment to date? Accomplishing a BQ is my greatest running accomplishment.
  5. What is your favorite place to train? I like most of trails in the Bay Area. Most are flat with some small rolling hills. They extend for miles so they’re great for doing long interval runs or long runs.
  6. What is your favorite local and/or out-of-town race? Local: Rock n Roll San Jose Half Marathon, Out-of-town: Los Angeles Marathon, Chicago Marathon, Jerusalem Marathon
  7. Besides qualifying for Boston, what do you hope to achieve from running? I hope to inspire others to run and to help others achieve their running goals.
  8. What is your training philosophy? Have patience. There will be good and bad days but don’t give up. It’s important to have self-discipline and consistency. And finally, it’s okay to run slow and easy – not all runs should be fast. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are only running against yourself.
  9. Who are your running partners? I have a lot! Too many to name.
  10. If you could run a mile with any other person(s), dead or alive, who would that be? Eliud Kipchoge. He is a very humble and simple man who I greatly admire. He is also the world marathon record holder.
  11. What was the funniest or oddest thing you’ve seen while running? I woke up early Sunday morning to run around 6am in Long Beach and found kids still up outside at the Long Beach Pier playing Pokémon Go. They had been there all night.
  12. What is the one piece of advice that you would give to a new runner? Find your easy pace. Easy pace meaning a pace where you are able to run and have a conversation with someone. You will be surprised how far you can go. That easy pace should be your baseline.
  13. What are your other interests? Hockey
  14. What was the last movie you saw? Boston Marathon – The Documentary (Yes, I like to watch a lot of running documentaries. I watch them all the time on repeat to stay inspired and motivated.)
  15. What is your favorite pre-race meal? Banana or half a bagel or nutrition bar or an apple. I like to keep it small and light – no heavy meals.
  16. When was the last time you took a selfie? Two days ago, after a 13-hour shift at work. I sent a selfie to friends and family.

Written by Bruce Vu