The members of TBL had to do a challenge where they went up and down these flights of stairs over and over again to reach a certain number of points. The winner of the challenge would win a brand new car! Ada was killing it, and only had one flight left--she was in the lead and easily could have won it. She stopped at the top and stood there, waiting... in order to let Patrick, another contestant who had two kids and was really in need of a car, finish first and WIN. I don't think I've ever seen someone as genuine as Ada on that show. So I was thrilled when she agreed to join our Ragnar team.
Ada didn't write about The Biggest Loser here, because many of you have seen the show and already know that part of her story. However, I know a lot of you may be curious about what life was like on the show, so Ada said she'd be happy to do a Q&A post with your questions. If you have a question for her, just leave it in the comments on this post, and I'll post the Q&A in the future.
But for now, please enjoy Ada's story...
No surprise! I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life.
In fact, I can’t remember I time I wasn’t on some unsuccessful fad diet or
another…Atkins, Lemonade Diet, acupuncture, weird herbs my mom found on a
recent trip to her motherland. I grew up surrounded by thin people and stuck
out like a sore thumb- which made it THAT much worse.
It was clear I wasn’t blessed with a tiny Asian frame or a fast metabolism. Ever notice who wins on those hot dog eating contests? It’s always some rail thin Asian person…not really sure how that works…But needless to say, I was always unsuccessful at losing weight and every time I did lose 20-30 pounds, I would end up gaining 60 back! When I lost weight, I thought I was done and went back to old habits. Here’s the cycle: Lose the weight, gain the weight, depression, numb depression with food, gain more weight, find the newest quick fix fad diet, AND repeat! I’ve since learned that it is in fact, a lifestyle change.
I often get asked, “What made you decide to apply for the show? Did you have an a-ha moment?” Not really. I was just unhappy; and in my 20s when I should be having the time of my life, I wasn’t. My weight held me back in every way and my lack of confidence was directly tied to my weight. I wanted desperately to finally be successful at what I felt was my biggest struggle and challenge in life. I knew that being on the Biggest Loser was my best chance at success.
But even then, I
thought it was a long shot and put off applying. I think I was mostly ashamed
of myself and what I had become. I was also unwilling (at the time) to put
myself out there for my friends and family to see my big, fat tire hang out
between my sports bra and spandex shorts! For those who have seen the show, you
know what I’m talking about; it’s a Biggest Loser wardrobe staple.
A couple years went by and I was still in the same place and
I thought, why not give it a shot and apply- not thinking anything would come
of it. I figured if the trade off for being thin was to let America see every
unflattering angle of me- tears and all, then that’s what I’m going to do.
Obviously, what I was doing wasn’t working so maybe it was time to be honest
with myself.
And for the first time, I let my guard down because I had to enlist the help of my friends to film an audition video. In the video I admitted to being embarrassed and unhappy. The hardest part was watching and re-watching clips of myself- over and over again as I was piecing together the video. That forced me to face the root of the issue.
At that moment, I made
a promise to myself that no matter what happens, I’m going to take the
necessary steps to create a better life. And fortunately, those steps included the
Biggest Loser.
Losing the weight was awesome but finally finding that inner
confidence was incredible. I found this determination in myself that I didn’t
know existed, and I now it make it a point to always push myself beyond what I
think my limits are. I go for things that scare me because when I do, I find
that great things can come of it. And I believe the best is yet to come!
But
for now, my love for marathons has expanded to triathlons. These days my workout schedule is filled with
high intensity interval classes and Ironman trainings!
You can read more about Ada on her website, which she says will soon be more of a blog-type format. You can also check her out on Facebook and Twitter.
