E-Concussion

RUNNING AS A WAY OF LIFE

Roaming the World While Young

At the end of January 2006, when folks at home were getting ready to celebrate the Chinese New, Kevin Lin was in Antarctica getting ready for the final leg of the 4 Deserts journey. In early February, he had secured his place as the overall 4 Deserts champion.

Kevin Lin, the record holder for the 100-kilometer marathon in Taiwan, could have stayed at home and enjoyed easy victories in all the marathon competitions held locally. However, with an adventurous spirit and at the encouragement of a college professor—who told him to “roam the world while young ” – Kevin decided to compete in marathons worldwide, including the 4 Deserts series.

Unlike ordinary marathons, the 4 Deserts is a series of seven-day foot races across the most formidable environments on earth, testing racers both physically and mentally. For Kevin, doing well in the race was secondary to the experience itself. When he placed second in the sahara race in Egypt, he did not dwell on his performance, but instead saw the race as a chance to learn from his competitors. Such a mind-set may be why he has been able to shine in the international arena.

Always Moving Forward
Kevin’s long-distance running career did not develop all that smoothly. He failed to take schoolwork seriously until he met his trainer in high school. Even then, his parents did not support his decision to major in physical education. He therefore had to earn his own tuition working part-time after school, and at one point, he was forced to seek financial help from his trainer.

“Long-distance running,” says Kevin, ”is like life itself. When you begin a race, you are calm and hopeful—the way you are when you first come into this world. Then there are ups and downs during your adolescent years. When you reach adulthood, you may face the problem of not knowing what paths to take, or what goals to pursue.



It is the same with long-distance running. You may find in the middle of a race, that you do not have enough provisions, that your body is dehydrated, or that you have lost your way. If you give up at that point, all your efforts will have been in vain. But if you choose not to give up, you will continue to move forward.” That is how Kevin lives his life. He always puts forth his utmost effort for whatever he does, he never gives up easily.

No Holds Barred
Kevin has always seen long-distance running as his hobby and his dream. When he quit his teaching job to participate in the Gobi March, he decided that long-distance running would be his career as well as his current endeavor. Having won the 4 Deserts series, he plans now to earn a doctorate degree and return to teaching. Realizing the importance of education and passing on his experience to younger generations, he hopes to teach by combining theory with practice. Moreover, by earning a doctorate, he will be able to prove to his parents that he has achieved something in his life.

Long-distance running has not gained much esteem in Taiwan. That is why many people thought that Kevin was only doing it for fun. However, he left no effort unexpended in the pursuit of his dream. He is living proof of the saying that, where there is dream, there is hope. His achievements have opened up a world of possibilities for long-distance runners in Taiwan.