[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.