The Road of Xuanzang Business Schools Gobi Challenge is an annual international contest for NTU EMBA. Both physical strength and endurance are put to extreme test in this Marathon across Gobi Desert. NTU EMBA has been in for 6 consecutive years, and won the Best Team Award each year. This year during the preparation EMBA has invited Chen Ji-Guo, of Class 2006, to share with us his years of experience in Marathon. The ambience at his sharing is filled with relaxation and harmony, and the sharing and feedback from fellow students are also filled with passion and memory for Marathon.

Chen begins his Marathon with shorter 10-Km race only for health purpose, but rises to tougher challenges after learning about semi-Marathon from his colleagues. Since 2004 he begins his long-term training and Marathon races and as of now has accumulated more than 10 years of rich experiences in Marathon; Chen continues to be active and focused on this sport with relentless training. Flipping back to his races of all scales, Chen now has a desk full of trophies and awards as recognitions and records of his Marathon. From his first semi-Marathon, full-course Marathon, to 100 races, Chen reveals his feeling about his challenge in Marathon: “As comfort zone grows bigger, I become more confident and believe I can do a whole lot more.” One race after another, Chen is making progress all the times; his life becomes more meaningful and energetic ever since his begins running Marathon. 

Chen Ji-Guo shares the design of trophy for Marathon

Chen has been keeping the same record for quite a long time, but before he examines his own performance in running, he would look back again on his past injuries and logistic problems as important reference for physical adjustments; he has never forgotten that running for health is the reason that he begins with Marathon in the first place. As one challenge after another are approaching, he has been long sharpening his skills: joining in running club, taking physical exercises and swimming classes, paying attention to warm-ups and stretching, and adjusting habits in running to prevent sport injury. Chen learns something from every race and gradually accumulates his own experiences; he has logged his first 100th race in his Marathon career.

Fellow students listening attentively at the sharing

Other than Marathon, there are also plenty of challenges available as alternatives for fitness and endurance training. Chen reveals that he also takes part in the Sun Moon Lake Long Swim, Triathlon, and island tour cycling. For the novices without training, preparation, or practical experience, these contests are potentially dangerous. However, they can toughen up one’s will and endurance. People have an appetite for challenges are not deterred by difficulties. Find and develop your own rhythm slowly in running, cycling, or swimming; carry on with support from your family and encouragement from friends, and enjoy the amicable people and scenic views along the way.

Group photo after sharing