A man who lost everything to addiction transforms to become an inspiration to others
A man who lost everything to addiction becomes an inspiration to many
Meet David Clark, a man who lost everything to many addictions -- all by his mid-30s, but today is a thriving inspiration as a best-selling author and endurance athlete. He has run all sorts of races, overcome the impossible and now, he's preparing for an event that's less about him and more about helping others, especially his dying father.
LOS ANGELES - He refers to himself as a sober warrior. To so many others, David Clark is a symbol of hope and inspiration.
"I wish that strength came when we need it, but it doesn't. It comes when we search for it," said Clark.
Clark's search for strength began almost 15 years ago in Colorado when he, by all accounts, had it all: a home, family, and his own multi-million dollar company he had built from the ground up. All by the time he was 29-years-old.
But it just wasn't enough. So, Clark turned to food, alcohol, and drugs. Before long, he was deep into his addictions and someone he no longer recognized.
"The last number I saw on the scale was 320 pounds," Clark said.
It was the summer of 2005 when the now 48-year-old hit rock bottom. He describes the darkest day of his life. All hope was gone. He says, "If I could go from here to someplace else, I could show my kids there’s no such thing as too far gone."
Since that moment, Clark's gone to and done things most people won't. Instead of relying on substances, this warrior depends on his heart. Clark is now an endurance athlete. He has run 40 100-mile races including the infamous Badwater through Death Valley and the Leadville Trail in Colorado at 10,000 feet of elevation.
He did that race in under 25 hours. Most don’t make it to the finish line. Clark also ran on a treadmill for 48 hours straight, clocking 186 miles. These are just a few of his accomplishments. He’s also a best-selling author, podcaster, and motivational speaker.
Clark acknowledges he has gone from one extreme lifestyle to the other but says that’s how he has found balance.
He’s now preparing to head to Chicago to start his next venture, a 2,000-mile bike ride to raise money for those battling cancer -- a fight that’s currently consuming his own father.
While Clark will ride in his father’s honor, he says he’s doing it for anyone and everyone struggling to make it to tomorrow. His message to those who feel alone: “Whatever is conspiring to take your precious days away from you, there's other people out there doing the same thing and together we're so much stronger.”
If you’d like to follow Clark’s journey, visit his website www.wearesuperman.com.