Jonathon Tran finds a safe space through running
Why do you run in the first place?
Running has been a safe space for me throughout my life. In the early 2000s, it wasn’t as acceptable as it is today being queer in school. My high school XC team created that safe space for me to be myself, and help build confidence in who I am, as well as for all my other teammates. Runners come from all different backgrounds and histories, and our like/love for running is something we all have in common. This is why I LOVE to run in the first place.
What do you think about when you’re running?
It depends on the day. On school days, I think about ways to approach my research at different angles. On (Intel) work days, I think about ways to create new innovations or efficiencies within our manufacturing fab. On (PSU) work days, I think about ways to tie in underrepresented communities in STEM into my homework/test questions. On weekends, I love to think about all the people I’ve met in my life that helped me get to where I am today. Some say I’m an old soul at heart.
What’s your favorite type of run? Easy days, long runs, races…
My favorite type of run is hands down a long run, we have a love/hate relationship.
How’d you find out about RCTC and why did you join?
I first learned about the RCTC from my friend, Arjun Viray; they brought me along for a Sunday group run. It was super fun doing my (20 miler) long run with the RCTC crew, and meeting several other runners who would be participating in the Chicago Marathon with me in a couple weeks. After the run, we had a delicious breakfast at Topaz Farm and it was a great introduction to a team environment in the Portland area that I’ve been looking for.
Where are you at with running right now?
I’m at a place where I’m feeling the strongest I’ve ever felt in my running. I’m learning how to properly refuel, rehydrate, and train. I’m excited to see how much faster and further I can take my running.
Where do you want your running to take you?
I want to make sure I don’t burn myself out, and to continue my love for this sport into my…. older years. I hope I can inspire younger generations the benefits of this sport.
What do you like about running in the PNW?
The PNW gives us all four seasons. From the nice, warm weather in the spring/summer wearing tanks & short shorts to feel the warmth of the sun on our skin all the way to the fall/winter wearing tights, jackets, and flashers listening to the raindrops on the trails & watching the leaves change colors.
Tell us more about your life outside of running!
I live a fairly busy life. Every day, I’m living the guncle* life with my nephew and niece that live next door to me. One half of my week, I work in the Fabs at Intel, where I wear a bunny suit manufacturing microchips that we utilize in our everyday life. The other half of the week, I’m at Portland State University working on my PhD in Mechanical Engineering where I’m researching about additively manufactured thermoplastic polymer composites and how to tie them into a quadrupedal (four-legged) robot that my Agile & Adaptive Robotics lab is building. As if I wasn’t busy enough between working full time and being a PhD candidate, I also adjunct Mechanical Engineering classes at PSU- I’m currently finishing up teaching Semiconductor Manufacturing this Fall of 2022.
*gay uncle
Anything you’d like to share about yourself?
As busy as I seem- I enjoy sharing to my students how grateful I am being a first-generation Vietnamese American. My parents fled the Vietnam war and immigrated to the US when my dad was 11, and my mom was 13. They had a short childhood and were forced to grow up at a young age. I’m always reminded how fortunate I am to grow up in the US, and all the opportunities I have here- the opportunity to have an education, the opportunity to run, and the opportunity to be openly queer. This is why I wake up and choose every single day.
