Keeping up with this man on the bike is near impossible, but TriZEN still managed to catch up with Mr. Adrian Mok - a popular figure in the local multisport community and general sport scene. One of the best triathletes in Singapore, a passionate businessman and a loving father, the man shared with us how everything comes together for him.

Harn Wei (HW): How do you start off as an endurance athlete? What motivates you the most as an endurance athlete?

Adrian Mok (AM): It's quite ironic how I became an endurance athlete when I was young, I was a rather sickly kid! It was only when I was 16, I discovered that I could run better than most guys in the basketball training. Since then, I joined the cross country team when I was 17 and one thing led to another where I attempted my first marathon at 21 and eventually fell in love with triathlon. The one thing that hugely motivates me is discovering myself through sports. I learn that with determination, you can achieve things that you could not imagine possible, thus this spurs me on.

HW: Any role model from whom you learn about training and racing?

AM: I am pretty much a self taught athlete. I read a lot of books and I must say I am very much influenced by Joe Friel's Trainin Bible series. No specific role model but Lance Armstrong is a everyone's idol and for me his 7 times win in my most competitive years in sports is also very definitive for me.

HW: What is your training philosophy? What is THE most important thing you learn about training and racing triathlons?

AM: My training philosophy is to never stop believe that you can improve! The little things that you do in training (including monitoring yourself, your techniques, etc) adds up to the big things. However, it is the small things in training that is boring, thus you have to find interest to work on it knowing that you will succeed in achieving your big goals! The most important thing I learn is to continue to learn! I never stop learning new experience from each race and people whom I meet!

HW: What are your proudest moments in sport - both triathlon and adventure racing?

AM: My proudest moment probably has to be in Kona, Hawaii. It's hard to describe because it is truely magical event that brings such level of sensation in Ironman sports. I can't say I fare well in adventure racing but this is the brutal sports that teach me how to handle adversities better. Something that many athletes are not able to deal with it well.

HW: Which appeals more to Adrian Mok - triathlon or adventure racing?

AM: I love both and it's hard to choose!!! If I really have to, it's triathlon. The focus in triathlon in just oneself and it is easier to appreciate the whole event from a participation standpoint. AR is sometimes too unpredictable!

HW: What are some of the most common mistakes you see people committing in training in triathlons?

AM: Lack of patience. Everybody wants to be good and they expect that to come fast. When the result is not good enough for them, they give up. Also, many people do not strive to improve their performance. I am not saying that everyone should be competitive and performance driven, we do the sports for social reasons too. However, there should be a desire to improve! When that happens, finishing each event in your best way is alot sweeter than simply trudging over the finish line.

HW: You are now a successful businessman in the sports industry. How has your sport background helped you in your work?

AM: I am not successful!!! I have a long long way to go to become successful. My success will be measure on how many people I can impact their with a positive change to become active and that means a lot to me. My sports shape me thus it is plain and simple, I would like to use sports to help people set goals and achieve them!

HW: Does fatherhood change the way you look at the industry, youth development, your love for sport and life in general?

AM: That's a tough question. I do not think it change how I look at the industry and youth development or anything. My priorities definitely have changed. I enjoyed sports a lot more from the perspective that I am really just happy that I can continue to do this after a long time being involved in it.

HW: 10 years from now - what will happen to the dynamic Adrian Mok?

AM: Again, I am not dynamic la... I am pretty sure 10 years from now, Adrian Mok will not be fat and flabby. May not be as lean and mean but he wants to be involved on a level closer in shaping the future for sports. I hope I can be a force that brings sports to a greater level that more people can enjoy their experience through events. I would also like to be a life coach (not just a sports coach!) to some young athletes to shape the next generation.

HW: Thank you boss! It is nice talking to you!

AM: You are most welcomed!