Sobriety & Running: Embrace Imperfect Journeys
Episode Overview
Sobriety doesn't equate to perfection. Running is a powerful tool for managing emotions. Perfectionism can hinder recovery progress. Adjusting habits improves mental health. Embrace the journey and focus on personal growth.
It's not about the time on the clock, Doug. That does not define your success or your failure. It's about the experience and the joy that you feel tomorrow.
In this engaging episode of the Recovery Road Runners podcast, hosts Amber Graziano and Doug explore the nuanced journey of sobriety, emphasizing that achieving sobriety doesn't mean striving for perfection. Amber, a certified running and sobriety coach, kicks off the discussion by sharing insights into how running has become an essential tool for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being on her path to recovery.
Doug shares his personal experiences, revealing the challenges he faces as he prepares for a marathon in Conway, New Hampshire. Through candid storytelling, he illustrates how exercise has become a vital coping mechanism, allowing him to navigate emotional ups and downs that accompany sobriety. The hosts delve into the importance of finding joy in physical activities, whether it's running, walking, or biking, and how these can fortify one's resolve during the challenging 'witching hours' when cravings or temptations might arise.
Amber and Doug emphasize the need to embrace imperfection, particularly when dealing with the pressures of perfectionism. They discuss how the urge to be perfect can lead to unhealthy habits, including drinking, and how adopting a mindset of self-compassion can aid in recovery. Doug's mantra for his marathon, "No expectations, just run and don't stop until the end," symbolizes a broader philosophy for life—focusing on the experience rather than the outcome.
Throughout their conversation, Amber and Doug inspire listeners with their personal anecdotes and motivational insights. They encourage others on similar paths to let go of rigid expectations and to appreciate the journey, celebrating small victories and personal growth along the way. As the episode concludes, Amber wishes Doug success in his marathon, highlighting the importance of enjoying the moment and valuing the experience over the clock.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder that sobriety is not a destination but an ongoing journey, one that can be enriched by embracing imperfection and fostering resilience.