From Recovery to Running: Finding My Stride in Sobriety
Introduction to My Journey
In August 2021, my life changed dramatically. I found myself stuck in a cycle of drinking to calm my anxiety, only to wake up feeling even more anxious the next day. This pattern, made worse by the loneliness of COVID and not having work, led to repeated attempts to quit drinking, followed by setbacks. This post is about how I broke free from that cycle and what I learned and how running in recovery has been one of the factors that have helped so much.
The slide into addiction was quiet; it was a slow decline that I overlooked until it was too late. It began with drinks that I used to relax, which slowly became my way of dealing with life’s pressures. As the pandemic continued and I was forced to stay isolated, my home felt like both a jail and a refuge. Alone, I realised that what was once a way to cope had turned into a need.
Acknowledging the problem was the first step. It was a humbling moment that forced me to face my weaknesses. I saw clearly that my relationship with alcohol was dangerous and needed to end.
Starting on the path to recovery, I had to deal with a range of emotions, face judgments about addiction, and find the bravery to seek help. This journey was about more than just stopping drinking; it was about discovering who I was without alcohol and rebuilding my life from the ground up.
Shattering Misconceptions About Recovery
When I first considered getting sober, I had many misconceptions about what recovery involved. I thought it was something only for those who had hit rock bottom, not for someone like me who still had a job and appeared normal. But I learned that recovery isn’t just for a specific type of person—it’s a path many take quietly, regardless of their background or life situation. Unfortunately, after multiple thoughts to get help, it did take a rock bottom moment, which led me into recovery.
The way addiction and recovery are shown in the media often doesn’t capture the whole truth. It’s not always about dramatic interventions or hitting the lowest point. Realising that addiction can touch anyone was eye-opening. It made me aware of a community entirely of diverse individuals, each fighting their unique battles and showing resilience.
Addiction can blend into any part of life, and it took me time to understand that the issues I faced were complex and varied, not just the extreme examples often portrayed. Coming to this understanding helped me overcome my shame, allowing me to seek help without feeling weak.
For me, recovery became more than just stopping drinking; it was about healing from the wrong ideas that had kept me from seeking help sooner, and ultimately today, I feel my issues stemmed from not living an authentic life. I learned there’s strength in admitting you’re vulnerable and that asking for help is a courageous step toward taking control of your life.
Turning Points and Support
My recovery reached a turning point when I started running towards a solution instead of away from my problems. A friend, familiar with his struggles, noticed the inconsistency in my behaviour. Some days, I was full of enthusiasm and big plans, only to not follow through. Other times, when I did show up, I would be distracted, full of anxiety or already under the influence of drink. My friend saw these red flags, and my problem became more visible over time.
His role in my recovery was crucial, not because he offered solutions but because he was there for me. His steady presence helped me feel supported, allowing me to share my struggles openly. He encouraged me to take a significant first step— and make sure I attended my first AA meeting.
Making that initial call to an AA helpline was incredibly tough. I felt like I was admitting defeat. However, this act opened the door to my recovery. The people I spoke to didn’t offer pity; they provided hope and a practical plan. My first meeting was nerve-wracking but ultimately comforting, surrounded by strangers who soon became my allies.
Creating a support network was essential. It began with AA but grew to include various groups and supportive individuals. I learned the value of community; shared experiences and empathy form a safety net that can catch you when you stumble. I have written an article on the benefits of support groups in recovery – feel free to read this/
If you’re hesitant to seek help, here’s my advice: start by helping others. Join a group—AA, SMART Recovery, or any supportive community. Shared journeys are powerful, and the support network you build will be one of your most significant resources in recovery.
Wellness Practices and Daily Routine
Setting up a daily wellness routine was like laying the foundation for a new building—the structure of my life after recovery. It started with simple, manageable goals: waking up regularly, eating healthy meals, and making time for self-reflection. Though these small changes might seem minor, they were the building blocks for a more significant transformation.
Running became a crucial part of my routine. It started as a way to handle anxiety and soon turned into a usual ritual that grounded me. The consistent beat of my feet hitting the pavement brought a sense of meditative clarity. Each run reflected my growth—not only in the physical distance or speed but in the mental strength I gained with every step.
But it was more than just physical exercise; it was also about nurturing my mind with positive thoughts. Reading books like James Clear’s Atomic Habits and listening to personal growth podcasts became crucial to my mental regimen. They provided strategies for forming and breaking good habits, emphasising that every small action contributes to a more significant change.
Sticking to these wellness practices requires dedication and consistency. There were days when old temptations would creep back in, offering false comfort. On those days, the habits I had developed became my safety net, pulling me back to the path I had committed to. My daily rituals—running, reading, and listening—became the tools I used to mend the damage from years of neglect.
Over time, these practices grew from mere routines into essential parts of my identity. They transformed from tasks to check off into vital elements of a satisfying life. Through them, I found not only a way to maintain sobriety but also to flourish in it.
Running Towards Change
It might seem a cliché to say that running has been my salvation, but the truth often resides in such simple statements. At first, running was merely physical—a way to reclaim health after years of neglect. But as my feet traced the familiar paths, I realised that each run mirrored my journey through recovery. With every mile, I was distancing myself from my past self and sprinting towards the person I aspired to become.
Running taught me about goals and pacing—not just in terms of minutes and miles but also in how I approached my recovery. I always aimed to run a 5k in under 20 minutes, even when drinking. This goal seemed impossible then, a distant milestone on an uncertain road. Yet, through persistence and discipline, the day came when I saw the clock stop before the twenty-minute mark. It taught me what I could accomplish with dedication and a routine.
The impact of running extended into my work life and personal relationships. Once tentative and plagued with self-doubt (imposter syndrome was a significant issue for me), running instilled confidence that began to seep into my interactions and decisions; it taught me that I was capable and that my contributions were valuable. This newfound self-assurance starkly contrasted with the insecurity that once defined me.
Running also became a meditative practice. With each step, I found a rhythm that allowed for reflection and introspection. In the solitude of a long run, I would often find clarity on issues that seemed impossible at rest. Solutions became apparent, not forced but flowing naturally with the tide of my thoughts.
As I crossed physical finish lines, I also crossed metaphoric ones in my recovery. Each kilometre became a marker of progress, a tangible sign of the change I was making. Running proved to be both a journey and a destination—a series of individual steps culminating in the realisation that the strength to overcome addiction had been in my stride all along. Such as every day I remained sober in those early days.
Setting Boundaries and Embracing Acceptance
One of the most transformative aspects of my recovery has been learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Early in my sobriety, it became clear that without clear lines, it was easy to slip back into old patterns of behaviour that were not conducive to my growth. Setting boundaries meant learning to say no to situations that might jeopardise my recovery, whether it was declining invitations to events where alcohol was central or distancing myself from relationships that triggered my anxiety.
But setting boundaries was only part of the equation. Equally important was learning the art of acceptance—recognising which circumstances were within my control and which were not. This realisation came to a head during a particularly challenging time at work. With meetings about redundancies for our team, I could deal with the situation. Instead of spiralling into anxiety as I might have in the past, I focused on what I could control—my reaction to the uncertainty.
This mindset shift was profoundly liberating. I could detach myself from this situation by accepting that some outcomes were beyond my control. This doesn’t mean that I became passive; instead, I became proactive in the areas where I could effect change, such as working on my CV and making a financial plan if the worst were to happen.
The interplay between setting boundaries and practising acceptance has been a balancing act. Each has informed and reinforced the other, allowing me to navigate life’s complexities with greater peace and purpose. They have become crucial tools in my wellness toolkit, helping to maintain my sobriety and mental health even in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
One of the most transformative aspects of my recovery has been learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Early in my sobriety, I realised how easily I could fall back into harmful patterns without clear boundaries. Learning to say no to situations that could risk my recovery was crucial, whether it meant turning down invitations to alcohol-centred events or stepping back from relationships that triggered my anxiety.
However, setting boundaries was just one part of the solution. Equally important was mastering the art of acceptance—recognising what I could and could not control. This lesson became especially clear during a challenging period at work when our team was put at risk of redundancy. Instead of letting the stress take over as I might have, I focused on what I could control—my response to the uncertainty.
This shift in mindset was incredibly freeing. By accepting that some outcomes were out of my hands, I learned to detach my emotional well-being from the ups and downs of external situations. This didn’t mean I became passive. Instead, I became more proactive in areas where I could make a difference, such as updating my CV, making a financial plan, and more at peace with those I couldn’t change.
The balance between setting boundaries and practising acceptance has been crucial. Each element has supported and strengthened the other, helping me navigate life’s complexities with more peace and intention. These practices have become essential tools in my wellness toolkit, aiding in maintaining my sobriety and mental health amid life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Communicating Hope and Change Through My Blog
This blog isn’t just a record of my journey; it’s also an open invitation to you. Whether you’re directly facing addiction, supporting someone on their path to recovery, or just looking for personal growth inspiration, this space is designed for you.
Recovery and personal development aren’t straightforward paths—they’re complex, filled with diverse experiences, lessons, and shared stories that weave together to form a community of strength and optimism. By interacting with this blog, you join a collective effort to uplift, inspire, and empower each other.
I encourage you to share your stories, engage with the posts here, and actively participate in our ongoing conversation. Together, we can create a supportive environment where change and growth are not just possible but celebrated.
Thank you for being a part of this journey so far. I’m excited to continue exploring, sharing, and growing with you as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead, armed with hope and determination.
Conclusion: A Journey Shared
As we wrap up this post, I want to take a moment to reflect on a journey that’s been both extremely tough and incredibly fulfilling. From tackling my addiction and starting recovery to finding comfort in running and setting new routines, each step has been crucial in my transformation.
I’ve shared these experiences to tell my story and invite you, the reader, to join me on this path of growth and discovery. Whether you’re facing similar challenges, helping someone else through their journey, or looking for inspiration for your changes, this blog is here for you.
Recovery is a complex journey. It’s a collection of experiences, lessons, and shared stories that build a strong community of hope together. By reading this, you’ve become a part of that community.
Please reach out, share your stories, and get involved with this blog. Together, we can build a support network that celebrates growth and change. Let’s look forward to the journey ahead with optimism and bravery, knowing that even though the road might twist and turn, it leads to significant personal growth.
Thank you for sharing this part of my journey. I’m excited to continue our adventure and growth together in future posts.