Marathon man shares his experiences in motivational book

[Derek Kwik, Class of 1986] After completing some of the world's most gruelling ultra-marathons, Derek Kwik Kwok-tsan has met a new challenge: putting his inspirational achievements into a motivational book. Launched on Thursday at the Glaceau Vitaminwater pop-up shop on Staunton Street, the ultra-athlete and venture capitalist's tome is called Kwik Fix.

'It's an extension of my motivational talks. For me, it's about sharing my experiences,' said Kwik (right), whose idea of slacking off is 500 push-ups and running five kilometres every other day.

'I think what sets me apart from professional athletes who do speeches is I'm an everyday guy. When I went to international school in Hong Kong, I got picked on as the smallest kid. I had low self-esteem, but sports was my pillar of confidence. People say life is hard. Compared to what? I always say pain is temporary, quitting is forever.'

All proceeds from the Chinese-language book (an English version will be out soon) will go to Kwik's favourite charity, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. At 41, he understands his achievements are as much mental as physical.

'These races I do are not about fitness but how much discomfort I can endure. Younger guys try to push through it but the human body is not designed for some things. So you have to be smart. I tape up my feet properly, whereas others will get blisters after day one. When I went to the Amazon, my training was watching Discovery Channel. Every show with snakes, spiders and jungle insects, I watched.'