Running in temperatures of over 50oC across inhospitable terrain where trails are few and far between, the endurance runner’s worst nightmare is to get lost and run out of water. Dehydration can quickly set in; death soon follows. Sudden sandstorms cause disorientation.
“When sandstorms hit, the sky is blackened by whirlwinds of sand that cover your eyes, nose and ears. You can hardly stand still but you have to keep on running,” said Lin.
Running at high altitudes also challenges runners’ physical limits. “Most people would develop acute altitude sickness at 2,500m; I sometimes have to run at over 4,000m,” Lin said.
The star marathon runner usually trains at sandy fields and mountains at high altitude abroad, running from 250km to 280km per week before races. Lin believes mental training is as important as physical preparation since runners need to stay calm and clear-minded.
“Before each race, I practice a tactic called image-training, that is, I imagine the worst case scenario and the excruciating pain I will have to endure so when it does happen, I am prepared for it,” Lin said.
Currently working towards a masters degree in sports psychology at National Chung Cheng University and writing a thesis on mental toughness, Lin believes that mental strength is derived from the least expected emotion — love.
“To me, love is more important than health. It is because of love for those close to you that people can accomplish their goal, even while experiencing great agony,” Lin said.
Several near-death experiences while undertaking ultra-marathon races have made Lin realize that the most important thing in life is to live it to the full. “I want to pursue a colorful life and grasp every chance that comes my way. If you give up trying, life will become insipid, even if you can live 100 years,” he said.
As for his future plans, the athlete intends to quit adventure runs and apply his personal experiences in the pursuit of a doctorate in sports psychology in the US. “For once, I would like to be a focused student living in an ivory tower and contribute my study and experiences to clinical psychology,” he said.
Dividing his hectic schedule between competing, training, studying, giving speeches and making public service and commercial endorsements, Lin also wants to set up an alternative model for fostering local athletic talent.
“I want to show that being coaches or physical education teachers is not our only way. We have lots of options,” he said.
A young man full of inspiration, Lin has been using the profits earned from his book and the sale of souvenirs from races to sponsor young athletes to enter international competitions.
“I have great respect for Taiwan’s eminent athletes because they achieved their accomplishments all by themselves. Many talented athletes are neglected by the system, and we should give them more support and resources,” the idealistic sportsman said.
Lin will depart for Senegal this week where the Running the Sahara expedition begins. A charitable campaign has also been set up to fund clean water programs in Africa. For more information on the ultimate test of human endurance or to make a donation for the campaign, visit www.runningthesahara.com.
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