On July 6, 2017, the American professional sports protection brand BioSkin held a brand launch event at ISPO Shanghai, announcing its entry into the Chinese market. Founded in Oregon, USA in 1992, BioSkin is one of the most widely used brace brands in the medical rehabilitation field. At the event, Market Director Steven Naber introduced BioSkin's patented products and the brand's development history.
After the launch, invited guest and well-known Chinese outdoor athlete Xiaobai also answered reporters' questions, sharing his outdoor experiences and protection tips.
Well-known Chinese Outdoor Athlete Xiaobai
HowToTrip: You were originally an outdoor travel enthusiast and have always been involved in outdoor activities. How did you get into trail running events, and what are your thoughts on them?
Xiaobai: I think it’s pretty simple. I’ve always felt that outdoor plus running equals trail running. I got into the first two first. Originally, I was running marathons, basically from 2012 to 2016. Before that, I’ve always loved traveling. I once took a 20-month gap year trip, during which I found my favorite ways to travel were cycling and hiking, especially in real nature—places like the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. So I realized I’m someone who loves climbing, the outdoors, and running. By 2016, I got into trail running. Trail running is like completing previously hiked routes by running. I’m a fiery Aries, and I feel this is my favorite way—it brings me the joy of embracing nature, challenges my physical limits, and gives me a lot of pride and satisfaction.
HowToTrip: How does BioSkin gear protect you during trail running races?
Xiaobai: I think if you’re just running marathons, protecting your knees is enough. But for trail running, there are many more areas that need protection because the terrain, whether uphill or downhill, is complex. First is knee protection—especially when going downhill, knee support is very important. Then ankle braces—marathons don’t really need them since the roads are flat, but trail running on rough terrain can easily lead to sprained ankles, which can become chronic or even force you to drop out of the race. So ankle braces are something I didn’t use before but now always wear in trail running. I also used to play soccer, and my ankles have always been injured, so I pay extra attention to ankle protection in trail running. Another thing is gloves—because you might fall.
HowToTrip: What are your plans for races in the second half of the year?
Xiaobai: In the first half, I ran three trail races within 19 days in May, then rested in June. For the second half, the races I’m focusing on include the Wild Qilian in mid-July, which is the third stop of the China Mountain Tour. In August, I’ll run the Gongga 100K, which will be my first 100K race ever. Then in October and November, there’s the Ninghai Challenge, a very famous eastern trail race in China organized by Qiongjing Sports. There’s also Siguniang Mountain—I ran the 42K race last year, and this year I’m upgrading to the 60K. I think Siguniang is the most important race for me this year because even though it’s only 60K, it’s extremely tough. Over three editions of the race, fewer than 20 runners have finished.
HowToTrip: You mentioned Gongga will be your first 100K race. What kind of training and gear preparations will you do before the race? How is your regular training?
Xiaobai: Often, I use races as a form of training—training by racing—because it’s only during races that I run 50K or further. In Beijing, conditions are limited. On weekdays, I usually run at Olympic Forest Park. For example, I might normally run 10K, but to prepare for 100K, I have to increase my mileage, such as getting my body used to running 20K without feeling tired. That’s one aspect. Second, I do more mountain climbing. On weekends, I try to hike Xiangshan or even Lingshan. At home, I practice stair climbing—usually 100-plus floors. It’s mainly endurance training, keeping my breathing and heart rate comfortable during aerobic exercise.
HowToTrip: What motivated you to get into trail running competitions?
Xiaobai: Many people have asked me why I choose to bike, hike, or push myself so hard through Into the Wild experiences. I once gave a rather sentimental and poetic answer: I just want to know under what circumstances I’d choose to give up. I want to push myself, to feel where my limits are, to surpass myself in various ways, and to leave a mark on the planet’s surface by burning my body. Trail running stimulates that desire in me even more. In May, during the Meili Trail Race, I almost gave up—but I didn’t. I wonder if taking on even harsher races and not giving up would make life feel even prouder. That’s the feeling.
HowToTrip: Have you thought about participating in European races like UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) or the Tor des Géants next year?
Xiaobai: The Tor des Géants is probably too long for me—I’m not ready for that yet. For UTMB, you need ITIA or UTMB points, which I’ll try to earn in upcoming races. At least after completing two 100K races, I’ll see if I have a chance to do UTMB, because I think for every trail runner, UTMB is the ultimate goal—one they’ll definitely complete in their lifetime. Next year might be a bit rushed because I need the points. I may need 17 or 18 years to accumulate enough points, aiming to do UTMB in 2019.
Thank you, Xiaobai, for measuring the earth with your footsteps and competing in better trail running events. Wishing you even greater achievements.