It's Not Sweat, It's BadwaterIt's Not Sweat, It's Badwater
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Coach Blu talks with ultra-runner Jarom Thurston about Badwater, Arrowhead and how DNFs, heat, cold and long miles tie into lessons for addiction recovery. Stories of starting small, learning from setbacks and crewing fellow athletes highlight the link between endurance sport and a sober life.
53:41•21 Jun 2021
From DNFs to Desert Finishes: Jarom Thurston on Ultra Running and Recovery
Episode Overview
- Extreme races like Badwater and Arrowhead can mirror the journey from rock bottom to new heights in addiction recovery.
- DNFs are framed as valuable learning experiences rather than proof of failure, with the focus on coming back better prepared.
- Mental self-talk is often the deciding factor in ultra events and in sobriety, making mindset work as vital as physical training.
- Starting small with walking and short runs can gradually build confidence, even for people who once hated running.
- Community support, crewing and shared stories create powerful motivation for both athletic goals and staying alcohol-free.
“Just because you didn't finish doesn't mean you didn't succeed if you can go do it again.”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction and then chosen to run 135 miles through Death Valley for fun? This episode of Addict II Athlete follows that exact path, as ultra-runner and long-time team mentor Jarom (Jerem) Thurston shares how extreme endurance racing mirrors the ups and downs of recovery. Coach Blu keeps things light and chatty, but the stories are anything but small.
Jarom explains Badwater, the 135‑mile foot race starting 282 feet below sea level in scorching heat and finishing near Mount Whitney. He talks about first crewing for a Brazilian runner, then returning to run it himself—again and again. His mindset?
"Just because you didn't finish doesn't mean you didn't succeed if you can go do it again." You’ll hear how Jarom uses DNFs (Did Not Finish) as fuel rather than proof of failure, whether it’s collapsing in 130‑degree heat at Badwater or freezing through the Arrowhead 135 in –30°C conditions.
He breaks down how those “I can’t do this” moments usually start in the mind, and how stepping away safely can sometimes be the only way to make sure you come back stronger. The conversation is packed with parallels to sobriety: patience, playing the long game, and learning more from setbacks than from easy wins.
There’s also a powerful segment on crewing one‑kidney athlete Nancy Levine at Badwater, and how her decision to donate a kidney to her son hasn’t stopped her chasing huge goals. For anyone in recovery who thinks a 5k sounds impossible, Jarom gently resets the bar, sharing how he once struggled to run three miles and now uses running as a way to add meaning, friendship and structure to life.
If you’re looking for a reminder that starting is success in itself—whether on the trail or in sobriety—this conversation might be the nudge you’ve been waiting for.
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