Running towards recovery
Tawny Lara on training for life and sober summers
My first sober summer had me (literally) running through the streets of NYC.
I was six months sober, one year into New York City life, and training for a half-marathon.
Photo by Yoav Aziz on Unsplash
In my book, I discuss why it's essential for people in early sobriety or sober curiosity to dive into new hobbies that fill the time we once spent in bars, liquor stores, or praying to the porcelain gods that we'll never drink again while vomiting up last night's tequila. My newfound hobby was running. I needed a place to expel all the uncomfortable feelings that arose when one is new to booze-free life. You know, the feelings we often drank to avoid: anxiety, stress, repressed memories, and much more.
Training for a half-marathon during my first sober summer provided both mental and physical release that I didn't realize I needed.
Running alongside the Westside Highway kept me in the present moment, skyscrapers to my left, the Hudson River to my right.
I'm doing it! I'm living without alcohol! I thought to myself on those runs. I felt empowered by the newfound mental clarity that beaded up along with my sweat.
That 30-year-old version of myself had no idea she would one day publish a book, cohost an award-winning recovery podcast, cofound a seaweed drink, or meet her future hubby in an AA meeting. That was all ahead of her; she just had to run there, one step at a time.
Photo by Benjamin Wedemeyer on Unsplash
Below are links to some of my favorite recent pieces I've published. I hope these pieces can help you on your sober summer:
This interview with Art Alexakis from Everclear
This glossary of sobriety jargon
This recap on 8 years of reporting on the sober (curious) space
This listicle on avoiding booze during the holidays definitely translates to summertime
XO,
Did you miss the live event? Watch the SUMMER SOBER Live replay here.
 | A guest post by
|
Thanks for sharing my story! One day at a time, y’all 🫶🏽