CREATE YOUR OWN FATE : TWO RUNNER’S LIFE STORY Master’s Thesis, June, 2006 Wu, Bae-Chyi Advisor: Liu, I-Min Ph.D. Abstract “Running is the Way for Runner to Achieve Self-Realization and Mental Fortitude”. This article explored two runners’ experiences of marathon running and presented through the telling of life’s stories. To experience personally what inspirations running could bring to life, the author chose running as a total novice. From the initial physical and mental anguish, struggle and through continual adaptation, training and retrospection, the author gradually discovered the fun of running and the wide spectrum of emotions it generated - tranquility, flowing, soul-searching, torment, bondage, contradiction…etc. These voices enriched and changed the life of the author in a subtle way. The author was also able to discern life’s philosophies in the process. In the lapse of time, the author reviewed his own life story back and forth, and shared the story of runner Ahdar. He re-discovered himself, re-acquainted with himself, and realized that he still held many dreams and that running was a goal he could achieve. The temple of marathon is a symbol. Stepping into this temple is as if breaking through the cocoon in a rebirth, during which pain is a part of the experience. The pain suffered during training for marathon helps accumulate the strength to face future challenges. A person who has completed the pilgrimage of marathon will be likely to gain greater strength to realize other dreams in life. Key words: Running, Runner, Life story