Celebrating Dann's Sobriety
Five years ago the person closest to my heart made a decision that would change his life forever.
On March 19th 2017, my partner Dann decided it was the day to start living a life free from alcohol.
This one decision started a whole journey of transformation, which included switching to a plant based diet and taking up running.
We often joke that he replaced one habit with another… and it’s something that a lot of sober recovery runners have also said.
The results of these new lifestyle habits were transformational and I have no doubt in my mind that Dann’s passion for running was his North Star during his transition to sober living.
Each day he would commit to getting out there. And each day he’d run that little bit further and get that little bit faster.
He soaked up knowledge of the best shoes and tech to help him make the most out of every run.
Within three months of sobriety he’d run his first half marathon and within six months he’d completed his first marathon… which was also serendipitously the day that inspired me to start VALA.
And five years later as we celebrate this half a decade milestone, I’m still in awe of his courage and his determination to commit to this promise.
Along the way and especially since moving to Wales (Dann is half aussie/half kiwi), we’ve met the most incredible crew that has also chosen to live a sober life. They too have switched out the alcohol fuelled nights out for adrenaline filled runs... @nutbushjimmylimits, @primalroots_uk and @logans_running - thank you for your honesty and transparency - you’re an inspiration.
Even though we make a big effort to celebrate the milestones of sobriety like today, the truth is that every day of alcohol or substance free life is a win in itself.
The decision to wake up each day with conviction and a drive to honour this commitment to self is truly inspiring.
If you feel like now is the time to take steps towards living a sober life, please know that there is so much support available to you.
It’s never too late to make a change and live the life you dream of.
On March 19th 2017, my partner Dann decided it was the day to start living a life free from alcohol.
This one decision started a whole journey of transformation, which included switching to a plant based diet and taking up running.
We often joke that he replaced one habit with another… and it’s something that a lot of sober recovery runners have also said.
The results of these new lifestyle habits were transformational and I have no doubt in my mind that Dann’s passion for running was his North Star during his transition to sober living.
Each day he would commit to getting out there. And each day he’d run that little bit further and get that little bit faster.
He soaked up knowledge of the best shoes and tech to help him make the most out of every run.
Within three months of sobriety he’d run his first half marathon and within six months he’d completed his first marathon… which was also serendipitously the day that inspired me to start VALA.
And five years later as we celebrate this half a decade milestone, I’m still in awe of his courage and his determination to commit to this promise.
Along the way and especially since moving to Wales (Dann is half aussie/half kiwi), we’ve met the most incredible crew that has also chosen to live a sober life. They too have switched out the alcohol fuelled nights out for adrenaline filled runs... @nutbushjimmylimits, @primalroots_uk and @logans_running - thank you for your honesty and transparency - you’re an inspiration.
Even though we make a big effort to celebrate the milestones of sobriety like today, the truth is that every day of alcohol or substance free life is a win in itself.
The decision to wake up each day with conviction and a drive to honour this commitment to self is truly inspiring.
If you feel like now is the time to take steps towards living a sober life, please know that there is so much support available to you.
It’s never too late to make a change and live the life you dream of.