Lei Li-Sha

A: After waking up, give yourself 10 minutes to recenter yourself. Don’t touch your phone; feel your presence in the moment and feel the flow of your blood. Think about what your goals are, and then take action. Think about the kind of person you want to become and what would make you happy. Then take a deep breath and exhale, do some visualization exercises, motivate yourself to move toward your goals, and encourage yourself to keep working hard and moving forward.

A: Track-and-field stadiums and anywhere suitable for running are all fine for training as long as the road conditions aren’t too bad. I might even be running right beside you! (laughs) I train almost every day because I want to become a professional athlete.

A: The place we visit most often is our dining table at home. We care quite a lot about what we put into our bodies, including the freshness of the ingredients and whether any artificial flavorings have been added. After all, it goes into our bodies, so we feel more at ease preparing meals with ingredients we have purchased ourselves. When our family celebrates holidays or friends get together, we often go to Smokey Joe’s. The menu is incredibly extensive, and the interior décor and decorations are very distinctive. I imagine many people in Kaohsiung have eaten there!

A: Training takes up most of my time. Whenever I have time, I do my best to spend it with my children and family, and I try to arrange outdoor activities whenever possible. I don’t want my children to become overly dependent or lose their sense of adventure, so on weekends and holidays, I take them to the mountains and the seaside.

A: In just three words: “Find a way.” Every day, I readjust how I allocate my time. My work, for example, is relatively unpredictable, but I focus on the present and make the most of my time to get things done. When I’m training, I don’t think about my child. When I’m spending time with him, I always put my phone aside and focus on playing with him. Balancing these roles is not easy, but there is always a way.

A: To me, running is a microcosm of life. Experiences such as disappointment, joy, perseverance, and pain are all encountered within just a few hours, and running allows me to understand myself better each time. In pain, people are forced to grow and learn; running is much the same. When you break through a plateau, you discover your stronger self.

A: First, progress gradually and do not rush. This is a long-term activity, and results cannot be seen in a short period of time; they accumulate slowly. Always pay attention to your body’s warning signs, and if you feel discomfort or pain, adjust the amount of exercise. As for equipment, I do not recommend buying the same gear as elite athletes, as it may not necessarily suit you. When you are just starting out, you can join a running group. There are many similar groups on Facebook that organize running activities for everyone to run together. It is more fun and motivating, which helps you keep going.

Long-distance running is a physically demanding sport that requires determination. During training or competitions, thoughts such as “I’m so tired! I can’t run anymore” or “I really want to give up” may occasionally drift into your mind. When these thoughts arise, don’t let them affect you. I understand that this is difficult (laughs), but you can think about what you truly need and then keep going. You will see yourself improve little by little.

A: My thoughts changed quite significantly after reading *A New Earth* by Eckhart Tolle.
Forget about labels such as “running genius,” “model,” or “athlete”—none of them are important. I know who I am. Learn to understand your true self. We all have many different selves within us and many different voices, but sometimes we can quiet down and take a moment to think: Is that really you? If a person can find their essence, their potential will be limitless. The journey of exploring yourself never ends.

A: Taiwan is not very large, yet it has everything, from hills of all sizes to vast oceans. These are all natural landscapes beyond my imagination. Most importantly, Taiwan also has many of the Hundred Peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation, such as Xueshan, Yushan, and Jiaming Lake. The magnificent mountains and the expansive views they offer will make you feel liberated in body, mind, and spirit. If you have the chance, everyone should go and explore them.

A: The hotel’s convenient transportation access, and whether there are convenience stores and an MRT station nearby. I am not looking for luxurious amenities or cutting-edge design; I hope returning to the hotel feels as relaxed and comfortable as coming home.

A: A hotel unlike a typical hotel, more like a miniature art gallery. I remember that each floor of the New Station Hotel on Fuxing N. Rd. showcases works by different artists throughout the space, so touring the entire building feels like visiting several exhibitions. The front desk staff are very attentive and friendly, and the quality is consistently high. Hotels in Taipei make me feel very secure.