Team PowerBar Elite 2005: The Trio From Pacesetters
In July last year, PowerBar sent out invitations for applications
into the PowerBar Team Elite Program. This is an annual program where
10 to 15 athletes and coaches are sponsored by PowerBar to receive support
in manner of products and gears. Successful applicants will also be given
privilege of tasting new PowerBar products.
The criteria for selection are:
1) Passionate about the sports
2) Actively involved in the sports (either through participation or coaching)
3) Plus points if the person is considered a role model or influential
in his community
4) A PowerBar user
Since this is the only sponsored program where the athlete doesn't have to be of national calibre, there were quite a few submissions from club members. Of these, 3 Pacesetters members were selected. They are, in no particular order, Richard Tang, Don Khor and Terence Leong.
The Footloose Editorial thought it'll be a good idea to do a short feature on these 3 dynamic fellows:
Richard Tang
 Richard in action |
Richard, a triathlete, has been a PACM member since 2002 but he has been running since 1995. He has 6 marathons and over 30 triathlons (Olympic, Half and Full Ironman distances) under his belt but lost count of the number of half marathons he had raced. Richard's passion has taken him to Thailand's races as well. He considers running to be his strongest discipline but since starting his cycling club in Kepong, his biking skills have also improved. He trains 6 days a week (swim - once a week, bike - twice a week, run - thrice a week) Richard has this advice for a person wanting to take up triathlon - "Do not focus on these 3 disciplines only. Whenever possible play other sports between training to reduce muscle fatigue. It's also good to give your brain a break from the pressure of running fastest laps or pedalling the longest route. Enjoy playing sports while continue to train your stamina and improve fitness. Besides triathlon, I do rock climbing, hiking, badminton, scuba diving, kick boxing, squash and gym workout." |
Don Khor
Not surprisingly, he's lean and tanned. Don also happens to be a nice
guy. He started running back in the '80s but took a long break from racing
to start a family. He returned to action only in 2001. A PACM member since
2002, this self employed triathlete takes the opportunities to train for
marathons in between triathlons. He has even travelled as far as Taiwan
for a triathlon race.
Last year's Singapore Marathon was only his third but he already proved that the distance didn't matter to him when he PR'd in 3:02.
Like Richard, Don trains 6 days a week, primarily in the Permaisuri area but if you're alert enough (because he flashes by so quickly!), you can sometimes spot him doing his long runs in the Bukit Aman-Hartamas route on Sundays.
 Don and Terence at the recent Breakfast Run |
Terence Leong All that changed after joining the Pacesetters. Now a size 35 seems kind of loose around the waist! Progressing from 10Ks, he worked himself fit to attempt and complete 5 marathons in 2004, starting with KL, Melaka, Ipoh, Johor and most recently Singapore, all within 6 hours. Known for his tenacity of not giving up in the face of adversity, Terence also believes that it's important to enjoy the experience and have been encouraging many to take up running via his website. |
Congratulations to Richard, Don and Terence. May they achieve their 2005 goals and do themselves and the club proud.
Interviews conducted by Jamie Pang