The Soft ApproachThe Soft Approach
Addict II Athlete Podcast
Coach Blu talks with team captain and "muggle" runner Liz Ashby about anxiety, belonging and finding purpose through Addict II Athlete. Their conversation highlights how small acts of courage, community support and creativity can reshape a life, even without a history of substance use.
1:05:15•13 Jan 2020
The Soft Approach: How Liz Ashby Turned Anxiety into 100 Races and Counting
Episode Overview
- You don't need a history of substance use to belong in a recovery community; shared humanity and support matter more than labels.
- Small, brave choices—like walking a few extra miles or turning up early to volunteer—can snowball into major life changes.
- Honouring people like Carly by remembering their influence helps keep their legacy alive and guides future decisions.
- Anxiety can be acknowledged and carried rather than avoided; growth comes from doing meaningful things while feeling afraid.
- Personal talents, such as Liz's crocheting, can become powerful contributions that strengthen and connect the recovery team.
“Anxiety is going to be there no matter what. Whether I'm sitting in my bedroom, I'm anxious, or whether I'm out in my car waiting. It's going to be there. So why not have the anxiety with what I want to accomplish?”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation on Addict II Athlete brings a different kind of story: someone who’s never used substances, but still found a home in a recovery community. Team captain and self-described “muggle” Liz Ashby joins host and coach Blu Robinson to share how anxiety, isolation and a lifetime on the couch slowly gave way to running shoes, finish lines and crochet hooks.
You’ll hear how a simple decision to walk home from a football game turned into a 4.2-mile milestone and her first taste of what might be possible. From there, Liz moved from early-morning nerves on the steps of the Utah State Capitol to becoming a core part of the Addict II Athlete family. Liz talks about the power of quiet courage: turning up early, volunteering, and saying yes even when her anxiety screamed no.
She shares the story of meeting teammate Carly for less than half an hour at a 5k, and how that brief moment—and later, Carly’s death—taught her “to not procrastinate thank yous” and to step out of comfort zones while she still has the chance. There’s also a softer side: Liz’s intricate addict-to-athlete themed crochet blankets for the team auction, and the now-famous paper cup she couldn’t bring herself to throw on the ground during a race.
As she puts it, “Anxiety is going to be there no matter what... So why not have the anxiety with what I want to accomplish?” This episode speaks to anyone who feels too anxious, too shy or “not addicted enough” to join a recovery group. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a place for you in a sober community, Liz’s story might be the nudge you need to take that first small step.
What comfort zone are you ready to outgrow next?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.