“I am Amber, a 29 years old Taiwanese girl. I started my running journey since 2014 and Triathlon for 7 Years. I am a scuba dive instructor, love the ocean and mountain, love sharing, and always outside.
The story of how I came to start running, back in 2015, I was still hustling through college, stressing over that transfer exam. One day a mate asked if I’d be down to join this chill running team. They promised good company, cool running spots, and interesting chats. I was curious and thought WHY NOT?
We were rocking the Nike+ app back then, and the organiser was this GPS Picasso, creating awesome shapes on our running routes. So, for my first-ever run, picture this: I’m in a Superman cloak, wearing Nike Air Force kicks (not the best for running), and throwing on some short jeans. We hit the streets of Taipei, everyone vibing high and having a blast. Crazy thing is, I smashed 11km that night!
The next day my legs were screaming, but I couldn’t wait for the next run. It was crazy – I never thought I could pull off running that far. It blew my mind how positive vibes could turn things around. The combo of good company, positive energy, and the thrill of running… Life-changing! It’s not just about the distance, it’s the feeling of accomplishment, those endorphins kicking in, and connecting with awesome humans. And the organiser’s GPS art just added a whole new level of fun. And let’s talk about my outfit choice – Superman cloak, Air Force kicks, and short jeans – total madness, right? But it added this fun vibe to the whole adventure. Running with a crew in a supportive setting does wonders for your body and mind.
During my study days, I was heavily into dancing, but the demands of the college transfer exam forced me to step away from the dance group because practice sessions often ran late into the night. That’s when I discovered running – a more manageable time commitment and a fantastic way to connect with some genuinely cool people always up for an adventure.
Joining the running community opened up a whole new world for me. The folks I met were not only fantastic running buddies but also amazing individuals from whom I learned a lot. Every run became an opportunity to enjoy the moment and soak in the positive vibes. It was a refreshing change, and I appreciated the flexibility it offered in my schedule.
So, from being a dancer to hitting the pavement, I found a new passion that not only kept me fit but also introduced me to an incredible group of people who shared my love for running and adventure.
After running with this group for two years, completing numerous 10k and 21k races, and even conquering the full marathon with them, I had built a network of amazing people. Then, one day, someone in the group came up with the idea of signing up for a triathlon. My immediate thought again was, “Why not? Sounds like a blast. I’m in!” There was just one hiccup – I wasn’t exactly a swimmer, especially in deep water. So, I opted for the easier version of the race that allowed me to use a swimming buoy. Once the decision was made I just signed up for the swim course, diving headfirst into my first-ever triathlon training. I was so pumped that I didn’t end up using the swimming buoy, and even registered for a 10k run the day after the triathlon race.
And you know what? I got hooked. It was mind-blowing to witness all the hard work pay off. I discovered a version of myself I hadn’t really met before and realised I was stronger and more capable than I ever gave myself credit for.
One of my highlights has been Cairns IM 70.3 in 2023. All the hard work paid off. 1.9km Swim, 90km Bike, 21km RUN. Swim 40 mins, Bike 3:03, Run 1:56 – 5:47, A massive PB and pure happiness. My past triathlon before this was six years ago, and I finished it in 6 hours and 33 minutes. Back then, my run never went sub-2 hours. Fast forward to now, I achieved a running personal best in the 70.3 distance after seven years of doing triathlons. It hit me – I’ve never really pushed myself hard and put in the effort like I did this time. Legs were hurting, but my brain was stoked. After navigating through numerous heartbreaks in life and taking a hiatus from training when I first started travelling, I can proudly reclaim the title of Triathlete. Grateful that I’m still capable of stepping onto the course and shining once again.
Queenstown Half Marathon 2023 was another highlight. My first Half Marathon in New Zealand with a PB 1:50h! Got the transfer slot 2 weeks before race, wasn’t really training for it but just keeping fit. The weather was mint as but the run course was beyond my expectations! Thought it would be a flat road but it turned out to be rolling hills and most of them were trails. Most of my time during race was in pain and not very enjoyable. But this race has amazing scenery and reminds me that I have to be stronger!!
Now I am running for myself – not only to meet people but to stay fit, happy, and healthy. I find it nice when I can dominate my time, be dedicated, and disciplined. It’s also fantastic to explore a new place through running and give myself a break from the noise in my brain caused by all the realities of life. I’ve found that keeping up with running is the only emotional outlet to keep my brain fresh and my mind healthy.
Since I’ve been away from home for years, travelling can sometimes be a bit stressful for me due to the unstable life and loneliness. People around me come and go, and most of the time, I’m always on the move. I have to relocate to a new city and change jobs every few months because of visa limitations, adapt to a new work environment, and face different challenges in each new place. So I enjoy meeting people in a different kind of way – running.
Meeting people through running, runners from around the world all share a similar vibe – they’re happy, strong, brave, and have a solid mindset. Regardless of why they run or their fitness level, I respect anyone willing to break their comfort zone, embrace discipline, and I’m genuinely happy to get to know these amazing individuals.
Staying fit makes me mentally stronger during my days wandering around the world, and it makes me feel better and happier when I feel LOST while chasing dreams. I won’t stop running, and I aspire to grow stronger, both physically and mentally, continually exploring my limits.”
Amber (Tsai Huei Yu) @ambeeryu
(Te Anau/Fox Glacier)
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