Running2bwell has helped me:

• Track my progress in real time.

• Relieve the stress of recovery.

• Build healthy relationships in a sober community.

• Visualize a better future for myself.

  Read his full testimony

I tried to get sober for a while and at some points, I was convinced I would not succeed.  There were various types of treatment attempted--inpatient treatment, IOP, counseling and mental health services.  It seemed like I was doomed to fail.  It was not until I incorporated running, that my recovery truly began.  

Running was the missing piece! For me, it has allowed me to build mental stamina, determination, discipline and better health practices.   I created a lecture titled, "How to Hack Your Own Happiness" which illustrates the importance of safely creating chemicals responsible for producing pleasurable feelings.  The feel-good chemicals are extremely important for people in recovery.  The "high" I was chasing with alcohol was achieved in a safer, healthier and more long-lasting manner with running.  I learned how to hack my own happiness.  

I am five years sober now and have been afforded the opportunity to give back what was so freely given to me.  The program, sober support, and mental strength have been tremendously beneficial to me, both personally and professionally.  

 It has become my mission to spread awareness of methods to increase health and positivity in the lives of others.  Exercise and running help to reverse mental health damage (in active addiction) but more importantly, it helps create positive habits, which lead to improved quality of life.  

 As a counselor, I recommend exercise to patients on a daily basis.  As a person in long-term recovery, running has been one of the most integral parts for staying sober.  I highly recommend running for improved mental clarity, better health or just for fun!

 Crystal O'Meara, B.A./CDCA

Running2BWell has connected me with the most caring and selfless group of supporters I could ever have hoped to meet. I've made some great friends with amazing people who would go out of their way to do anything they can for me. The genuine love and encouragement I receive is unlike anything I've experienced in my life. I'm so proud to be a part of the R2BW family and I look forward to everything I have ahead of me with their support and guidance.

-Dan W

I now look forward every week to the community and activity I get to share with others.

I am in recovery from a lot of things. For years in recovery, I was very sedentary and gained a lot of weight. During the pandemic, I took the opportunity to work from home as a way for me to start being more mindful of my nutrition, which helped my wellness. A few months in I learned about this group on Monday evenings, Running2BWell, which was a recovery wellness activity group. I started joining them. I now look forward every week to the community and activity I get to share with others. We're a friendly bunch and everyone is accepted, no matter where they are on their recovery journey too. We just want to walk this path together. I'm a big proponent of the multiple pathways to recovery and appreciate things that can help us to improve our health, wellness, and lives on a bio, psycho, social, and environmental level and Running2BWell helps me do that.

Sometimes it is just easier to stay in our “comfort zone” and be miserable than make a change for the better.

This group has really taught me how to dig deep to find that strength within. I have always been an active person. But, I have pushed myself to walk or run outside almost daily now. I have to say, this is usually the best part of my day. Not only do I enjoy the moment, but I have found that many other aspects of my life are affected by my outdoor activity. I feel that my mind is clearer, I sleep better, my mood improves, and my confidence increases. Just like so many other things in life, getting started and taking that first step is the hardest part.

One thing I do know as a healthcare provider- exercise is the most underutilized antidepressant. Often it is at the bottom of our the priority list. Sometimes it is just easier to stay in our “comfort zone” and be miserable than make a change for the better. R2BW has become my comfort zone. I urge everyone to take that first step. You owe it to yourself. I promise you won’t regret it. #ActivateHappy

-Nicole

‘I just feel so much better’ Jacob

2 miles walk/run with Jacob this morning! Grateful for the amazing conversation with my son as we continue to strive 2bWell in all areas of our life. “I just feel so much better when I move a little each day mom” - Jacob (9 years old) #ActivateHappy #Running2bwell #sesamestreetchallenge

So hey, I deal with depression and anxiety…Today I came home in probably the shittiest mood I have been in all year. And really at nothing in specific.

I realized I could really do one of 3 things :hide in my room until I felt enough like a human again to come out. Take out my mood on every one I love and be just an Unconscionable douche bag all night. Or I could get out and take my aggression to the Pavement.

I think I chose wisely. I ran. I ran hard. I’m pretty sure I ran farther than I ever had. Life’s going to suck some times and you’re going to be lost some times. And it is what you do next that means anything. So what am I going to do next? I’m going to go home and be the same happy goofball dad the kids know and love. I’m going to be the best husband I have in me tonight.

Ps I ended up running 3.56 I have to deduct .50 for warm up and cool down.

-Jack

“I just needed to tell you while I have a clear-headed moment. I'm so grateful....”

My life is more complete and meaningful because of your running group. I can't explain how grateful I am for the connection, the medicine, and the opportunity to grow and give back. It has been so important for me to add meaning to my life. Running2BWell has helped me with that goal. Thank you!

-Marie

I consider our little group family.

“Words fall short on how much this group means to me, what you and the other’s I have met have given me. I deal with anxiety and being with others that are dealing with life’s problems gives me the strength. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to help others like they have helped me. Running is a great way to release all the build up inside of yourself. It took me over a year to join the group and I wish I have the guts to have done it sooner. I consider our little group family.”

-Brad

“Thank you R2BW for providing this important family support group…”

From the first meeting, we were all hooked. We were all welcomed to the group and encouraged to return. Each of us get something out of it...my husband has another support group, I’ve met so many people that let me know that I/we are not alone in this journey, and my 12 year old son now knows that there are other families out there just like us. Keith’s “Dad Talks” are always informative and inspirational.

-Jenn

Never before have I felt such a sense of comradery and belonging!

I'm a firm believer that recovery of any kind has to do not only with a spiritual and mental change but also physical as the three are more closely tied then some might think. My problems with drug addiction and struggles with mental health issues have become little more than a memory to me now thanks to the level of activity that Running2bWell has helped me to maintain.

-Brody

R2BW gave me a safe and sober place to be.

It helped me get more active and moving… has helped me make more progress in the 5 or 6 months I've been going than in the entire 10 year span of my addictions!

-Brian

“Running has helped me cope with the struggles in my life.”

Running has helped me cope with the struggles in my life. Denise and I both always just wanted that moment of peace. Running has been my escape. I really wish I had some more time to get that girl into some running shoes. -Holly

Feeling stronger mentally and physically.

Before I joined Running2BWell…I didn’t have much left that really made me happy anymore. The first night I went, I felt so welcomed and inspired. It was amazing! The energy in the room was like no other! We didn't even start working out yet and my anxiety was gone along with my motivation being restored!

I always come out of our group meetings with new knowledge, as well as feeling stronger mentally and physically.

My depression is at a minimum and I’m starting to enjoy things again, healthy things.

-Emily H.

"What did you just do?!"

Jacob, started with his family, coming to our Lodi group in 2016. While we were writing out our goals he said…

"I want to feel better and not think I'm a fatty who has never done anything"

Everyone's jaw dropped when he read his goal aloud. Fast forward 3 months after he finished his first ever 5k.  I asked him the question above and his answer was. "I just completed a 5K!" Yes sir you did!!! 

“My name is Crystal. I started running to be well about 3 months ago it has changed my life in so many ways. I am in recovery from alcohol I have met so many wonderful people in this program and it has helped my recovery and keeps me sober. I ran my first 5k in September and I had 3 amazing people who pushed me to the finish line when I thought I couldn't they showed me I could do anything if I put my mind to it and they were right. Keith does the best Dad talks ever which help me motivate myself to always push harder thanks for giving me hope again.”

-Crystal

I so glad you started running 2b well and even more impressed how the group is designed as a "US" or "WE" component compared to a bunch of individuals gathering to run on Monday evenings.   In fact, running seems secondary to the connections generated during the meetings and even this past weekend unicorn race, which I considered a success especially for its first race ever.

I would like to thank Alyssa, Lexi, and You from the bottom of my heart for the passion, effort, and thoughtfulness each of you bring to the group weekly.

Since joining the group 9 weeks ago, I have run in 3 straight 5k races and getting a renewed interest in running again.  I'm mentioning the Monday evening group to as many people as I can that would benefit from the running groups vibe.

Thanks again!

-Richard