Jun 244 min read

From Rock Bottom to Ultra Runner: How I Transformed My Life at 50!

I was hiking up a hill on Lantau, earbuds in, engrossed in a podcast about a woman who started an orphanage in Nepal. Her story struck a chord deep within me, and I knew I needed to make a change—and fast. In that moment, I committed to completing the Lantau Trail, a grueling 70km trek over two of Hong Kong’s highest peaks, all in one go. At the time, this seemed like an insurmountable challenge, but I needed a powerful "WHY." My motivation was to support ARK Eden, an eco-friendly farm educating kids about the environment, which had fallen on hard times due to COVID. Just two days later, I set out on the trail. Despite the bad blisters, exhaustion, and the sheer difficulty of the trek, I completed it and raised funds to help keep ARK Eden afloat. This journey marked my transformation from rock bottom to the healthier and happier person I am today.

Over Forty Wellness Podcast - "Making My Life Fun"

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A Better Version of Myself

Through these next steps, I transformed my life at 50, meeting new people, improving my business practices, and fostering a healthier, happier self. My name is Jo Lodder, and this is my journey from addiction to ultra running, shared on the ‘Over Forty Wellness Podcast’ with Vincent Hiscox. If my story can inspire even one person to take the first step towards a better life, then every challenge I've faced has been worth it.

My Journey to Wellness: A Podcast Revelation

In a recent episode of the ‘Over Forty Wellness Podcast’ hosted by my good friend Vincent Hiscox, I had the chance to share my story. This podcast, dedicated to inspiring and educating people about health, fitness, and wellness, provided the perfect platform for me to recount my transformation. As someone who faced significant challenges with health, well-being, and mental condition, I hoped my story could encourage and inspire others struggling similarly.

The Dark Days: Battling Addiction

Happiness is a cornerstone of health and wellness. Without it, achieving physical and mental well-being is nearly impossible. For a large part of my life, happiness was elusive. I was addicted to alcohol, and it consumed my life. Mornings were a struggle, my judgement was clouded, and my health deteriorated. Alcohol is a silent killer, and it led me into a spiral of obesity and misery. Weekends wasted in a haze of intoxication turned into weeks of unproductivity, which affected every aspect of my life.

A Turning Point: The COVID Realization

It was during the global upheaval of COVID that I had a moment of clarity. If I wanted to become the person I aspired to be and achieve my goals, I needed to quit drinking. The journey was far from easy. It took over a year of relentless effort, resisting the urge to drink, and finding ways to cope with my cravings. Running became my sanctuary, a healthier habit that replaced my dependency on alcohol.

Embracing Veganism and a Healthier Lifestyle

In 2021, I made a significant change by going vegan. This decision transformed my diet, steering me away from unhealthy foods and towards a more nutritious lifestyle. Coupled with a new fitness regimen that included more walking and moving, these changes kickstarted my weight loss journey. Consistency became my mantra. The true benefits of wellness come from integrating positive behaviours into daily life, not from sporadic decisions.

Healthier Plant Based Food Cooked by my Wife - Novys Kitchen

From Walking to Ultra Running: A Gradual Progression

I began with walking and hiking, activities that brought me joy and slowly built my fitness levels. As I grew more confident, I transitioned to running, gradually increasing my intensity. Starting at 88kg, classified as obese, I set realistic, incremental goals. Weight loss and fitness are journeys, not overnight transformations. I learned to take things one step at a time, understanding that everyone's path to well-being is unique.

The Power of Giving Back

A significant part of my transformation involved giving back to the community. The “Run for Freedom” movement which I started has helped people with disabilities, and filled me with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The act of giving not only benefits others but also profoundly improves one's mental health and well-being. It taught me to appreciate what I have and to give without expecting anything in return.

Running the 5 Trails of Hong Kong with my WHY - helping people of disability!

Key Takeaways for a Happier Life

From my experience, I've distilled three key recommendations for those looking to improve their lives:

Dedicate yourself to one major change each year: I became vegan in 2021 and completed the HK5Trails in 2023.
Engage in six fun activities outside your comfort zone: These unique experiences provide new stories and personal growth.
Give to others and practice appreciation: Learning new things, giving back to the community, and appreciating your journey enhances your well-being.

Jo Lodder is a trail runner, business leader, and philanthropist. He's the co-founder of JNW Asia, a property marketing company based in Hong Kong focused on Niseko projects, and a master agent of SnowDog, a hospitality brand. He also became the first person in history to complete the HK5Trails in Hong Kong with the Run for Freedom challenge to raise money for charity.