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Travis Friese’s journey to recovery took a new turn when he discovered the power of running. After struggling with addiction and relapsing, Friese found solace in lacing up his running shoes and hitting the pavement. This newfound passion for running not only helped him stay sober but also gave him a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Friese, a former high school track runner, rediscovered his love for running during his second stint in rehab. He started with a modest goal of running just one mile but soon found himself completing longer distances. With the support of the Run for Your Life team at Odyssey House, a residential addiction treatment program, Friese embarked on a journey towards running his first marathon.
The Run for Your Life team, led by coach Andre Matthews, provides participants with a physical outlet for their recovery journey. For Friese, running became more than just a form of exercise – it became a symbol of his resilience and determination. Each run, each race, and each milestone reinforced his belief in setting goals and achieving them.
Friese credits the running program with building his confidence and driving his overall recovery progress. Through the discipline and focus required in training for a marathon, he learned valuable life skills that extended beyond the track. Setting and achieving goals in running translated to success in other areas of his life, inspiring him to pursue a career as a counselor to help others struggling with addiction.
As Friese crossed the starting line of the New York City Marathon, he reflected on how far he had come since his days of addiction. Setting new goals, such as finding his own apartment and becoming a certified counselor, gave him a sense of purpose and direction. He no longer saw himself as a person trapped in a cycle of substance abuse but as someone with the potential to make a positive impact on others.
Friese’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of running in addiction recovery. By channeling his energy into a healthy and productive outlet, he was able to break free from the grip of addiction and rebuild his life. Through perseverance, dedication, and the support of a community like the Run for Your Life team, Friese found a path to redemption and a brighter future ahead.
Source: The NY Times
