There's a little bit of pressure for Janet Liang to be a healthy role model.

She is, after all, head of one of the state's largest healthcare organizations.

"I think it's important, not just for me, but for people in the healthcare profession to set a good example for people who we're trying to coach, teach and encourage to have healthy lifestyles," said Liang, the Hawai'i region president of Kaiser Permanente.

Working out and eating right has become essential, Liang said, because it makes her a better person at work and at home. The Kailua resident, 40, is married to Zack Jones, 41, and they have two young daughters, Mara and Macy Liang-Jones.

"It really helps me to get some time alone to put everything in perspective and it's just a way to relieve stress," Liang said.

Liang's activity of choice — running — happens to be a newfound discovery.

"I never ran," Liang said and laughed.

That is, until about four years ago, after joining the gym with a friend and walking on the treadmill turned into running.

"I learned I had a talent, which was long-distance running," she said.

Liang runs a marathon at least once a year and she participates in several fun runs throughout the year. She even looks for runs around the Islands and on the Mainland as a way to explore different cities.

"Running is just silent," she said. "It's just nice just to have that time alone."

Liang ran her first Honolulu Marathon in December and finished it in 4 hours and 5 minutes; her goal this year is to complete it in less than 4 hours.

She's now training for the Feb. 18 Hawaiian Telcom Great Aloha Run, an 8.15 mile race from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium.

(For information about the run, which serves as a fundraiser for nonprofit groups, call 528-7388 or visit the event's Web site at: www.greataloharun.com.

Staying fit — whether by running, walking on the beach, doing Pilates or swimming — has just become a way of life for Liang.

"It brings better balance," Liang said. ... "(Doing) all your roles and taking care of other people — it gives you the reserves to do that."

JANET LIANG

Age: 40

Profession: President of the Hawai'i region of Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit healthcare organization providing care and coverage to 222,000 Hawai'i residents. Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i employs more than 4,500 staff and 400 physicians.

Home: Kailua

Height: 5-feet-5

Weight: 130 pounds

Stays in shape by: running, doing Pilates, swimming

Interesting fact: "I was a chubby kid and teenager. I grew up eating a lot of rice, fast food, and did very little physical activity. I learned to enjoy exercise classes and balanced nutrition while at college."

Workout habits: "During the work week, I run from 3 to 4 in the early morning. I get back before my kids are up for breakfast. On Sunday, I do a long run around Kailua — 10-plus miles. It's a guilty pleasure to have that kind of time for myself. I travel frequently and running is easy to do anywhere. I just added a weekly Pilates class back into my routine."

When and why I started working out: "I took an eight-year break from exercise. Work, marriage and family made it hard for me to find time. I gained 15 pounds and had chronic tension in my neck and back. About four years ago, a friend and I joined a gym and started walking next to each other on treadmills. Walking turned into running, and I've been at it ever since!"

My good foods/bad foods: "I love a big, crunchy, colorful salad with grilled chicken or fish — dressing on the side, of course! My bad food: It's a tie between french fries and potato chips."

My biggest motivator: "Having the energy to do well at my job and as a parent."

What saves my sanity: "A very supportive husband."

My next challenge: "To complete the Honolulu Marathon in under 4 hours."

Advice for those in the same boat: "Working mothers should think of fitness for themselves as a necessity, not a luxury. Simple exercises with your children, like walks or swimming at the beach, will teach them good life habits and give you a chance to get a workout. A little time alone would be even better."

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.