Meet Steve Weller: The Captain of Team Megawatt

Edited: February 2024

Steve Weller is the spirited captain of Team Megawatt, a Canadian expatriate living and working in Hanoi, Vietnam. He brings his passion for sports, especially hockey, and his unwavering support for MegaWatt Coffee to the heart of Team Megawatt.

Hockey Roots: The Canadian Connection

Growing up in Canada, Steve’s life revolved around competitive ice hockey and running and yoga as his main training. Growing up playing sports instilled in him values of teamwork, perseverance, and a competitive spirit. Even in the bustling  City of Hanoi, you can find him playing ball hockey every Sunday night and ice hockey every Thursday night, keeping the flame of his Canadian hockey heritage alive.

A Coffee Devotee and Trailblazer

Steve has been a loyal supporter of MegaWatt Coffee from day one. He incorporates MegaWatt products into his daily routine, relying on the energy-boosting power of MegaWatt Coffee to fuel his active lifestyle. In particular, he has played a pivotal role in the development of the 100% natural ingredients MegaWatt Energy Shot, a product he carries with him during his runs to give him that much needed jolt of energy and replenish his body.

“I love the MegaWatt Coffee shots, it really gives me what I need and keeps me going for my long runs” – Steve Weller

The Journey

Steve started his ultra trail running adventure just over a year ago. Before that he had run some full and half marathons in Canada and Cambodia, but preferred hiking and exploring various trails during his travels in different places around the world, like Napel, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia. When he started this new trail running journey, he just wanted to push himself to see what he could achieve but quickly realised that this was a sport that was not only helping him stay healthy and fit in his 40’s but that he was actually competing in these races and it might be possible to finish in the top 10. Steve trained hard throughout 2023 by running the hills of Soc Son just outside Hanoi, Vietnam. He also ran a lot of the major hill regions in the UK during the summer of 2023, including Goat Fell in Arran, the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, the Lake District and the Brecon Beacon in Whales. Now when he travels with his family around Asia, Steve is always looking for a mountain or a hill to run.

“I like the challenge of trail running and it brings me great happiness and satisfaction when completing a long run on the mountain trails. For me, running is meditative and helps me work through the stresses of my day to day. When I run I am at peace with myself and the nature around me. After completing some of these long runs I feel that I can now take on any challenge that comes my way” said Steve.

Recapping 2023

Steve ended up running more than 2000 km including completing his first 42km, 70km and 100km ultra trail mountain races. He will continue to train on the peaks of Soc Son and on the streets around Park City Hanoi and any hill or mountain he can find in his travels. Steve’s hard work with his training in 2023 led to his remarkable achievement at the Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) 100 km in Sapa. In a display of unwavering determination and remarkable resilience, Steve not only completed the gruelling 100 km race with over 6000 metres in climbing but competed by keeping up with the second lead pack from start to finish. His incredible performance placed him in the top 10 among all male participants and an impressive 13th overall. Steve’s achievement at VMM is a testament to his indomitable spirit and the power of relentless training.

Update: February 2024

In January 2024, Steve returned to where he ran his first 42 km ultra one year ago, the Vietnam Trail Mountain (VTM) race in Moc Chau, and he was looking for a top ten finish in the 70 km race. Struggling a bit in a very strong field of runners he still managed to finish 20th male and 26th overall and 7th in his age category. “I was disappointed in my performance, but like all races there are lessons to be learned for the next one” said Steve. His next goal in 2024 is to run the first edition of the Vietnam Ultra Marathon (VUM) 70 km on the trails of Mai Chau in March. Steve wants to finish in the top 10 overall. Steve Weller’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all, showcasing the extraordinary potential within the human mind, body and spirit and the heights one can reach through determination, hard work and focus. His journey is not just about running; it’s a testament to the unyielding pursuit of happiness and health and pushing the human body to new limits. Steve Weller’s journey embodies the ethos of Team Megawatt—determination, an unwavering spirit, and a caffeinated boost that propels athletes to achieve their greatest
feats.