Team Member Spotlight

For Kathleen Nguyen of Katy, Texas, staying active isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong commitment to health, family, and personal growth. A nine-year member of the Texas Beef Team, Kathleen brings heart, resilience, and contagious positivity to every race, ride, and team event.

Kathleen shares her active lifestyle with her significant other, Paul Johnson (also a Beef Team member), and takes pride in her two accomplished daughters—Sydney, a PA student, and Phoebe, who puts her finance degree to work in the oil industry.

Born in Vietnam, Kathleen’s life story is one of courage and gratitude. “I was born in Vietnam; left the country with my family because of the war and am so grateful to be in the USA!”

She didn’t speak English when her family arrived in the U.S., and nearly 50 years later, she returned to Vietnam for the first time in 2024—an emotional full-circle moment.

She’s also an avid traveler, having visited five continents (with Africa and Antarctica still on her bucket list).

After retiring in December 2025, Kathleen didn’t slow down. A CPA by profession, she’s now taking classes at Rice University in preparation for the Certified Financial Planner exam in 2027.

Her day-to-day mindset reflects her approach to fitness: keep learning, keep improving, keep moving. And, this is the force behind her endurance journey which began in 2008. A simple invitation to run a local 5K, sparked a passion that led to seven marathons (all in Houston), countless half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks, participation in the MS150 cycling ride since 2008, and a love for cycling on her Pinarello gravel bike.

Today, while managing a torn meniscus, she has adapted her routine and chooses to mostly walk instead of run. Rather than letting injury stop her, Kathleen focuses on walking, cycling, and strength training, including BODYPUMP classes. “Running/cycling/exercise are therapeutic activities,” she says—and they remain central to her life.

Being part of the Texas Beef Team is central to her fitness life, as well. Her favorite Beef Team moments aren’t about medals—they’re about people. “Seeing and cheering for all the Beef Team members really makes an event special,” she says.

“Being on the Beef Team is by far the most interesting activity that has helped keep me motivated to move. It’s amazing how collecting those points has created a routine and habit to stay active!”

That routine has helped her stay strong through life changes, injury, and transitions—always with a smile and a supportive word for teammates.

She also treasures the team’s retreat and loves the energy of big events like the Houston Marathon and the Houston Half Marathon, where the Beef Team shines. Outside of sponsored events, she enjoys the welcoming atmosphere of Parkrun, calling it “such a great community event.”

Kathleen’s motivation to stay fit and healthy comes from family, purpose, and to be her best self. “I want to live a healthy life free from ailments and be there for my family.” And, as part of the “sandwich generation,” caring for both parents and children, staying strong and healthy matters to her more than ever.

Kathleen puts into action the nutrition knowledge and cooking tips she’s picked up through various Beef Team events over the years. When it comes to fueling with beef, she keeps it classic and delicious. Her favorite cuts are Filet and Ribeye with go-to recipes that include grilled and oven-finished Filet and a smashburger with sautéed mushrooms and onions.

Mantra: “Keep moving, you have time to rest when you die.”

Running Advice: Pay attention to your breathing rhythm while running. In with your nose, out with your mouth.

Favorite Distance: 5K (easy on the knees, easy to enjoy weekly)

Proud PRs: Finished a marathon in 4:19!

Go-to Gear:  Brooks shoes and Bivo insulated cycling bottle

Pre-workout fuel: Oatmeal or bananas

Workout Music: Alternative ‘80s hits