The Story of Initialee: Beyond Performance, Back to the Roots.

It all started in 2008 in Hong Kong. I was 25. Back then, trail running was still just "hiking," seen as an old-fashioned activity for the elders—the true pioneers of the sport in HK.

"Gorpcore" didn't exist. Finding gear that was both functional and good-looking was nearly impossible. I still remember ordering my first 10L Patagonia hydration vest from the USA because nothing proper existed locally. My friend and I used to joke: "We are not the fastest runners, but we should look like we could be." We were always on the hunt for that perfect balance of aesthetics and function.

In 2016, I was a decent runner, fully equipped with the best gear. But as time went on, I realized I was losing my "initial aspiration." The constant chase for better results and personal bests was overshadowing the simple joy of being in nature.

Why do we run?

I realized that trail running shouldn't just be about the finish line. Slow runners, new runners, and nature lovers deserve to be seen. We can be fast or slow, but we should always explore in style and genuinely enjoy the wild.

Today, I am starting a new adventure. I moved from Hong Kong to Annecy, France—the heart of the outdoor world. Starting over in mid-life with my family, without connections or a network, purely driven by passion.

Why? Just because the mountains are here.

Initialee.fr embodies this philosophy: "Rappelez-vous toujours l'aspiration initiale" (Remember the initial aspiration). We are a concept store blending functional gear with lifestyle aesthetics, for those who run to connect, not just to compete.

Look good, feel the nature, and never forget why you started.