When we think of Taiwan, we tend to think of familiar cultural elements: night markets, bubble tea, and stinky tofu. Taiwan however, is much more than that. Taiwan is an island that is home to farmers and tea shops and family-owned businesses, as well as mega-manufacturers and corporate titans. In the last two decades, Taiwan has also earned its spot on the international athletics front. Catapulted into the spotlight through the triumphs of professional athletes such as Jeremy Lin, Chien-Ming Wang, Yani Tseng, and Michael Chang, Taiwan also plays host to a number of high-profile, international athletic events.

Last November, I flew around the world with my bicycle in tow to participate in Ironman Taiwan (70.3). Ironman is the pinnacle triathlon event and is comprised of a 2.4mi swim, a 112mi bike ride, and then a full marathon (26.2mi).

Taiwan hosts an officially-sponsored half-Ironman event every year in Kenting, a popular beach town on the southern tip of the island. Crossing the finish line just over 6 hours later may very well be one of the most memorable moments in my lifetime but even more notable than that was being able to share that moment, being able to be in the presence of momentous, incomprehensible triumphs of every athlete around me. Standing in that crowd is just as much a feeling of elation as it is a feeling of surrender – a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices and the memories eschewed that carried you to the finish line.

This year, I’ve decided to hang up my wetsuit and help other people find that moment for themselves. As President of TAP-DC, I am constantly humbled and inspired by the amount of love and dedication that reverberates through our board. As a leader, I am inspired by King Liu – the founder of Giant Bicycles who at 80 years young, has literally dedicated his entire life into building an empire that is not just about selling bicycles, but about reducing pollution and promoting a healthy, active, lifestyle.

I am inspired by Tommy Chen, a Taiwanese ultra-marathoner who has completed 8 major ultra-marathons on all 7 continents. Earlier this year, Tommy finished first out a field of 80 elite runners at the Inca Run in Bolivia, a 105mi, single-event ultra-marathon.

I am inspired by Hui Hung, a member of our very own TAP-DC board who bought her first real road bike just a few months before completing her first century ride (biking 100 miles or more within 12 hours).

If you’re heading to Taiwan this winter, I encourage you to take a day or two away from the bustling night markets and flashing lights of Woo Bar and Spark and explore some of roads less traveled – you just might learn a thing or two about yourself! If you don’t know where to start, check out some of these great outdoors activities!