Make mountains see how much you've grown.

We've been in Taiwan for the last five days. We went because earlier this year I was looking for a challenge I could complete before the end of the year, after last years marathon fail I was looking for something a little different and more suited to me.

I came across the Formosa trail race and it just so happened that it was happening the same time as James' dad would be visiting from England and so we decided it would be a perfect opportunity to explore Taiwan more freely and take part in the race.

As is becoming pretty standard for me I didn't do much training, more than what I did for the marathon but definitely not enough. (You would think i'd learn my lesson, but clearly not yet). 

It turned out to be probably the most difficult physical challenge I've done so far. I think the height of the mountains made me a little altitude sick, lack of preparation in terms of eating and energy and not very cushioned shoes made it harder (I ran it in vibram five toes- good for roads and crossfit workouts- not so much for uneven trails)

Nevertheless it was incredibly beautiful. The other runners, the forests, the views and the general atmosphere made it probably my favourite race so far.

Of course i'd liked to have done it faster or better or differently- I could name a whole list of things I would change, and I know that James could have done a way better time if he had ran by himself and not waited for me ( I'm extremely grateful he did he helped me a lot) - overall though, I'm incredibly proud I actually completed it (and wasn't last- 97th of 138 total runners and 32nd of 58 women) 

I've come away from this trip feeling a lot stronger and more confident in myself, and so it was a success.

We also got to see some of the parts of Taiwan we haven't seen yet- the sun moon lake- which was so so much bigger than I was anticipating.

Sun Moon Lake

Tea Farms growing up the mountains

 We saw tea farms, and temples and had the opportunity to try so many different traditional Taiwanese foods.

Wenwu Temple

Guardians of Wenwu Temple

On the last day we did the drive back to Taipei which was another learning curve and confidence booster for me because i took the opportunity to drive some of the way. Anyone that's been in Taiwan will know it's not the most slow and rule orientated place when it comes to driving- plus it's on the right hand side as opposed to the UK and Japan which drives on the left. 

We went to see Yoshida sensei and got to go to the dojo with him to train- I really wasn't feeling too well after the race, probably just bad dehydration and joint and muscle pain but I'm so so pleased I did. We got to practice a really cool short mantis style kata and some bunkai that goes with it.

Yoshida sensei took us to lunch which was again some really delicious Taiwanese food- incredible dumplings and noodles and vegetables and soup- everything is steamed and fresh I haven't really seen many fried foods which totally explains why the Taiwanese people are so healthy and small.

After lunch with Yoshida sensei we had ran out of time and so it was time to take the car back and head to the airport. 

This was a trip of me beginning to realise how much I can do when I put my mind to it and have a little help from my friends. 

I can literally climb mountains.