One on One with Coach Blu: The Proxy RunOne on One with Coach Blu: The Proxy Run
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Coach Blu and Marissa talk about the Addict II Athlete Proxy Run, using heartfelt stories of loss and love to show how running can honour those who died through addiction. Guests share personal experiences, practical safety tips, and ways to turn grief into meaningful action and community support.
56:53•3 Sept 2020
Running in Their Honour: The Proxy Run with Coach Blu
Episode Overview
- Running a proxy 5k during National Recovery Month can be a powerful way to honour those who have died from addiction or suicide, whether their names are public or held privately in the heart.
- Sharing the stories of people who have passed keeps their humanity and legacy alive, reducing shame and challenging the idea that they were “just addicts”.
- Families and friends are encouraged to respect varying levels of comfort by using initials or unnamed dedications while still allowing space for remembrance and conversation.
- Carrying naloxone and learning how to use it is strongly recommended, as it can safely be given in uncertain situations and may offer someone another chance at life.
- Planning ahead by securing health insurance and learning about treatment options, including medicated assisted treatment, increases the chances of timely help when a loved one finally asks for support.
“If we don’t share their stories, then it really is for nothing. Their death is for naught.”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation with Coach Blu Robinson and athletic director Marissa centres on the Addict II Athlete Proxy Run, a virtual 5k held during National Recovery Month where people run in honour of those who have died through addiction or suicide. Rather than stats and slogans, you’ll hear raw, emotional stories.
Coach Blu shares how each day in September he plans to run a 5k for someone whose name is sent in, saying he wants to “give a little bit of a face to… the people that you love” and keep their memory alive. The talk quickly moves from logistics of the fundraiser to the deeper purpose behind it: remembering loved ones with compassion instead of shame.
Guest Donnell shares how the death of Carly, a former athlete, kept her in treatment: “If we don’t share their stories, then it really is for nothing… their death is for naught.” Selena adds the heartbreaking story of her cousin Carol, who died after a Tylenol overdose but saved 12 lives through organ donation, showing how pain and hope often sit side by side.
The discussion also tackles stigma and online trolling, with Coach Blu pushing back against those who judge people who overdose, reminding everyone that “there’s a human behind that.” Practical advice comes through too: keep naloxone on hand, help loved ones get health insurance during open enrolment, and share recovery resources, including podcasts and community groups. This is aimed at anyone touched by addiction—whether in recovery themselves, grieving someone they’ve lost, or supporting a loved one.
Expect tears, a few laughs, plenty of honesty, and a strong sense that nobody has to run or recover alone. Who might you carry in your heart if you joined a proxy run like this?
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