Name: Debra Sandoval

Birthday: 1/27/55

Years running at the time of profile(2001): 19

Occupation: Finance Manager for Continental Airlines

How many miles a week do you run? 18-24, and grateful to be doing so.

How did you come to join Bayou City?: Because BCRR had a lot more fun activities than the boring running club I used to belong to.

My proudest running accomplishment is: Qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon twice.

My favorite training run is: The Longhorn Dam loop (11 miles) around Town Lake in Austin.

My favorite race is: Ten for Texas.

My best distance is: Probably 10 miles.

I run because: It's easy and efficient. But most of all, it makes me feel free.

My philosophy for life is: Life is NOW - don't waste it.

My next goal is: Staying un-injured for at least another year. Then maybe I'll consider setting a running goal - maybe a trail marathon.

Favorite training food: Chocolate chip cookies and beer

When I'm running I think about: Current problems or future plans - whatever seems most important at the time.

The best running advice I could give would be: Rest days are as important as hard workouts. And running through an injury only makes it worse.

People would be surprised if they knew I: Used to be really into astrology. (Notice I used the past tense.)

The top thing on my dream list is: To retire and live in the mountains.

If I could have been anything, besides my current occupation it would be: A wealthy heiress.

Other hobbies besides running: Backpacking, hiking, snow skiing, kayaking/canoeing, reading.

The most embarrasing thing that has happened to me is: The first time I took off my clothes to get into a hot tub full of people who were usually naked too. Except when they rose to get out, I realized this time everyone had something on and I was the only one naked!

The most profound thing that has happened in my life is: The death of my father. It made me realize how important my loved ones are to me, and to take care of those relationships.