As an executive director of a large corporation, Ho Ren-hua, 30, has the sort of buttoned up job that is common in a teeming metropolis. But even in the urban jungle, the Shanghai-based Singaporean finds the time and energy to hit the road.
'I was in high school track and field from the age of 12, and then I entered the army at 19, so there was always some form of exercise in my life from early on,' he says. 'I didn't stop once I was working, as keeping fit and healthy sort of becomes part of your life.'
From working out in a gym, playing basketball, to running regularly, he became serious about fitness some years ago while living in New York. He decided to try running a marathon. 'The New York City Marathon is one of the best organised and most popular events in the world. I signed up and ran through the city,' he says. 'By the end of it, I was crushed. You need to train properly.'
At 26, he added swimming and cycling to his repertoire and started triathlons. He moved to Hong Kong, where he joined a triathlon club, and his passion for the sport really grew. 'Some are better bikers, some swim better, and others run well. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but the aim is to beat yourself,' he says. 'We all have hurdles and crossing the finish line is the goal. What position you finish in is up to you.'
What's been the biggest challenge as a triathlete?
I did very leisurely swimming and biking, but never seriously trained for those disciplines. I wouldn't say I was particularly weak or strong at either - I think I'm balanced in all three disciplines, which I think is the best way to be. I started training hard for all three at the same time and, more importantly, I really enjoy each of them. The mindset should be to enjoy all aspects so you don't bemoan one part.