Darren Ho is one of our guest contributors for our sports series, FUEL. He is a triathlete who experienced a transformational weight loss from a peak of 150kg. Since then, he has participated in various triathlons – including the renowned Ironman. Darren has also shared about his experience with ADHD and autism in hopes of ending the stigma attached to mental illness.
For those who know me, then you would have probably read all about my triathlon adventures over the past year and a half. The underlying story of weight loss, transformation and in truth, my road to recovery.
12 months, three Ironman distance races and numerous other distances later, I feel that there has never been more apt a time to share how this journey – not just in becoming a triathlete – but in trying my best to keep fit has allowed me to recover from, well, life itself.
For the longest time, I was glued to my work and if there was anything more than a workaholic, I would probably be it. My record for the number of days not sleeping remains at 192 hours and it is not something I am profoundly proud of.
My previous job would require me to troubleshoot issues, stay up late to ensure deadline delivery and to cope with the toughest of clients. We have all been there, some of us are still there – but I chose not to be there anymore.
My health had taken a huge beating. Long hours, terrible nutrition, the alcohol and sugary food had caused a waistline eruption and I swelled to a massive 150kg. My heart was palpitating, liver was failing and energy levels on a daily basis were minimal at best.
Getting up daily was a chore and getting around and about was slowly becoming torturous. Mentally, I was slowly giving up, something I would never have admitted then. Looking back, I was so close to just letting it all go.
Making A Change
It’s funny how you see a relative pass away from similar circumstances and it shakes the very root of your world, to galvanise a change that would not take weeks or months but within 24 hours. Despite the warnings from my doctors,
I persisted in a decadent lifestyle till my uncle passed away and I saw how everyone around him was helpless and heartbroken. I promised myself never to do that to my family and loved ones.
That was 4 years ago, give or take a few months. During that period, I ran, jumped, lifted, bled, cried and vomited more times than I can ever remember just to shed an ounce of fat. I watched my diet as close as I could, with the occasional cheat days to ensure everything was sustainable.
Boy, it was tough. Or at least I thought it was tough until I decided to embark on a more than exciting triathlon journey.
Fast forward to 2016, where in my craziness I decided that multi-sport would be the next challenge for me after having lost almost 60kg. Till today, I cannot decide which is more difficult; swimming over a black line in the pool, cycling for hours on end or running after cycling.
One thing is for sure – I still suffer from the remnant issues of my obesity with a weakened heart. But I persevered and this is where I believe, the greatest lessons in life lie.
Within a year, I had taken part in almost a race every month with the highlight of my young career being two almost back to back half Ironman distance triathlons. This was followed shortly by a full Ironman distance race in Western Australia. My goals and objectives were simple – to put myself through the pain of these races and to adapt, grow and learn. It never occurred to me however, that a healing process was taking place.
Towards Recovery
You see, I’ve always been a little bit special and this was confirmed only this year when I was diagnosed with Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s Syndrome and strangely enough, Autism.
Who would have known? My friends of numerous years could never tell although admittedly, I would face my struggles on a day to day basis that few would understand. Importantly, for a long time, finding my focus was close to impossible but triathlons and my fitness journey somehow served as a the perfect remedy for my condition.
Maybe it is the intensity of the sport and the training required – or maybe the adrenaline rush of the races seem to put everything in place for me. The truth is, I will never know but I will never question or doubt the wonders of this entire journey and what it has done for me.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine ever doing a full distance triathlon event, not to mention three within a span of a year while racing in four other half distance events. Some say I overdid it, but this is life for me and it keeps me on that road to recovery – metaphorically speaking of course.
Was it easy? Nope. Did I ever want to give up? So many times. Any regrets? Definitely not. In fact, given a chance I would do it all over again from a younger age. Learning to never give up, to keep moving forward and being able to continuously raise my own standards are probably my biggest takeaways from all of this.
After all, if we don’t pursue the best in ourselves, then what else are we to do?
Onward.
