About the Coach
Steven Leong (S L)
The Mind Behind the Movement
Founder & Head Coach, Zenstride by S L
Steven Leong, known in the elite endurance circuit as Leong Foo Fatt, is a veteran of the road and trail. His coaching is built on the hard-won lessons of thousands of miles, multiple podium finishes, and the mental discipline required to run for 24 hours straight. Steven’s journey from a champion ultra-marathoner to the founder of Zenstride is driven by a singular mission: helping you find the peace within the pace.
A Legacy of Elite Performance
Steven’s competitive record is defined by grit and extreme distance. He specializes in "ultra-endurance" events, where physical strength must be perfectly balanced with mental awareness and rhythmic breathing.
Notable Race Achievements & Records
The Watergate Challenge
A prestigious 24-hour endurance race in Malaysia where Steven demonstrated relentless consistency, placing 2nd in his category against a highly competitive international field.
Silver Medalist (2nd Place)
6th Titi 100km Road Ultra Marathon (2019) – 11:27:34.
From Competition to Coaching
The "Zen" in Zenstride comes from Steven’s discovery that breathing is the ultimate regulator of performance. During the 112km at MacRitchie and the 24-hour run in KL, Steven realized that when the body wants to quit, the breath provides the bridge to continue.
He developed his Signature 4-Step Breathing Technique to solve the common problems of erratic pacing and mental "walls." Today, he uses these same techniques to help students achieve what they once thought was impossible—from breaking the 2.4km barrier to hitting sub-4 hour marathons.
The ZenStride Philosophy
Steven believes that whether you are racing for 24 hours or jogging for 30 minutes to clear your mind, the goal is the same: Harmony. > "In a 24-hour race like Watergate, your mind will tell you to stop a thousand times. At Zenstride, I teach you how to use your breath to quiet that noise and find the rhythm that keeps you moving forward." — Steven Leong (S L)
Coach’s Quick Stats
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The Joy of Running
Lessons from a Decade on the Road Running wasn’t always enjoyable for me. Like many beginners, I started with the wrong mindset—obsessed with speed, chasing PBs, and pushing my body past its limits without understanding what it really needed. But after running consistently for ten years, something changed. I began to listen, to learn, and most importantly, to enjoy the process. Breathe Like It Matters—Because It Does One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is the importance of breathing. Most runners don’t think much about it—we just breathe. But how you breathe changes everything. Over time, I developed my own breathing system inspired by the Pilates method. I breathe in through my nose (mouth sealed) and out through my mouth, syncing my breath with my steps: 4 in, 4 out. Or sometimes 5 in, 5 out—depending on the pace and how my body feels. Each count is one step. The goal? Balance. Most runners inhale less and exhale more, which leaves them breathless over distance. A balanced breath keeps the lungs rich with oxygen, speeds up recovery, and helps avoid cramps.
Relaxation
The Secret Weapon Another game-changer was learning to run relaxed—especially in the legs. I used to run with tension, thinking that more effort meant better performance. I was wrong. Once I started focusing on relaxing my muscles, especially the legs, everything changed. The stride became smoother, the breath more steady, and the effort less draining. I discovered that running is not about the legs—it’s about momentum. When you create momentum and flow with it, the run feels almost effortless.
Hydration
Respect Your Body’s Signals Let’s talk about water. For years, I ignored water breaks or just sipped a little, afraid of getting stitches or slowing down. I didn’t realize I was slowly draining my body. Now, I treat hydration with respect. I’ve learned to watch my pee (yes, really). If it’s dark or there’s none at all, that’s a clear sign my body is running low. These days, I schedule water breaks during training—every 5km or about 25 minutes in, I drink around 300–500ml, depending on the day. There’s no one-size-fits-all—every runner has to figure out what works best for their body. Fueling the Long Haul If you’re training for a full marathon or an ultramarathon, food becomes part of the training strategy. Long-distance runs aren’t just about endurance—they’re about sustaining energy and recovery. I learned to experiment with different foods during long runs, understanding what fuels me best. It’s not just physical—it’s strategic.
Don’t Chase Speed—Chase Wisdom
One mistake I see often: people train like every run is a race. Speed has its place, but it shouldn’t be the focus of every session. I used to run fast every time, thinking that’s how you improve. But real growth came when I learned to slow down, to train smart, and to be kind to my body. Not every run needs to be intense. Sometimes, slow runs teach you more than the fast ones ever will. Know Your Body. Respect It. Before doing tempo runs or tapering before race week, I always check in with my body. What’s my energy level like? Am I fully recovered? Just copying someone else’s plan doesn’t work. Each body has its own rhythm. And if you learn to listen to yours, you’ll not only perform better—you’ll enjoy it more.
Final Thoughts
Running Should Be Joyful After ten years of running, I’ve learned that it’s not just a physical activity—it’s a journey inward. It’s about breathing, relaxing, listening, and flowing. It’s about enjoying the rhythm of your steps, the air in your lungs, the strength of your body, and the stillness of your mind. So if you’re just starting out—or even if you’ve been running for years—remember this: running should feel good. Make it yours. Create your system. And most importantly, enjoy every step of the way.
