Jing Qian

Jing Qian

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Colorado Boulder

Beyond the Lab

Outside the lab, I love running and hiking in Colorado and beyond. Here are a few of my 2026 milestones.

Running

BOLDERBoulder 10K

Memorial Day · May 25, 2026 · Boulder, CO

I started running in January 2026, and the BOLDERBoulder was the first time I had ever run a full 10K.

At the shakeout run before the race, I got to meet Coach Bennett, whose voice had been in my headphones on so many guided runs, and Conner Mantz! It was such a fun way to kick off race weekend.

With Coach Bennett at the shakeout run
With Coach Bennett at the shakeout run
“A 10K above all others” at 5,430 ft
“A 10K above all others” at 5,430 ft
Shakeout run group photo with Coach Bennett and Conner Mantz
Shakeout run group photo with Coach Bennett and Conner Mantz

Boulderthon Half Marathon

September 27, 2026 · Boulder, CO

My first half marathon! Crossing the finish line, I was so excited to discover that I could actually run that far. Eight months earlier, I had just started running.

13.1 miles done!
13.1 miles done!
On the course
On the course
Finished my first half marathon in 2:36:53
Finished my first half marathon in 2:36:53

Hiking

Bryce Canyon & Angels Landing

March 2026 · Utah

After our Extravehicular Activity (EVA) simulations at the Mars Desert Research Station (Hanksville, UT) for ASEN 5226 (Medicine in Space and Surface Environments), I went to Bryce Canyon and Angels Landing in Zion with my MDRS friends.

I am genuinely afraid of heights (haha), so I’m very grateful to my friends for encouraging me the whole way.

Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon
Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon
Overlooking the Bryce amphitheater
Overlooking the Bryce amphitheater
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon
Climbing toward Angels Landing
Climbing toward Angels Landing
Angels Landing, Zion National Park
Angels Landing, Zion National Park
With my MDRS friends at the top
With my MDRS friends at the top

Quandary Peak: My First 14er

June 13, 2026 · Colorado

In June 2026 I summited my first Colorado fourteener, Quandary Peak! We met mountain goats along the way, and they were adorable.

Summit of Quandary Peak
Summit of Quandary Peak
Mountain goats near the summit
Mountain goats near the summit
A curious mountain goat on the trail
A curious mountain goat on the trail

More Colorado Trails

A few more favorite hikes around Colorado.

Royal Arch, Boulder
Royal Arch, Boulder
Lake Dorothy
Lake Dorothy
View from the trail to Lake Dorothy
View from the trail to Lake Dorothy

I'm still a beginner and my pace is pretty slow, but I'm here to enjoy the process: sweaty, but happy! Always happy to swap race and trail recommendations, so feel free to reach out.