Nang Dunn of Beaverton is a native of Laos, where she was born and lived in a re-education camp before moving to the US with her family when she was 12 years old. Today, Dunn is a proud mom of three children and an accomplished ultra-marathoner - those who run more than 26.2 miles in one go.
She is also the founder and executive director of the VillageRun Foundation, which hosts 5K races to raise money to build and refurbish schools in Laos, provide school supplies and educate people about human trafficking. In 2013, Dunn and two other women ran a 125-mile relay across Laos to promote running as a sport, raise money for schools and increase awareness of human trafficking.
Last June, Dunn led a hike with a group of women at Cooper Mountain Nature Park, her backyard training ground.
Q. When and why did you start running?
A. I’ve always been active in sports – usually team sports – but after the birth of my second child, it was so hard to get everything together to continue to play on a team. I decided to start running because I could put my kids in a stroller and head out the door to be active.
Q. Where did the idea come from, to run across Laos?
A. The idea was sparked in 2011 when my parents and I took our first trip back to Laos after leaving 27 years earlier. There were some memories from my childhood in the re-education camp, and planning the run and doing it helped me find some closure and to move forward. It was also a good goal for running. I wanted to push beyond the marathon and into the ultra-marathon.
Q. How is it to train at Cooper Mountain?
A. Training at Cooper Mountain is great! The trail loops allowed me to set up aid stations for myself so I could train for long distances. Cooper Mountain is close enough to home that I can run there from my house. I love being out there and just feeling the energy of nature without having to travel far. We are truly blessed to have something like this in our backyard.
Q. What is the key to long-distance perseverance?
A. The key to long-distance running is focus, discipline and patience. Focus on the end goal, have discipline and get out there whether it’s rain or shine – and especially on the crappiest day – to train. Also learn how to enjoy and become one with the run, nature and being present.