RRP 107 — Just Keep Showing Up | Real Recovery Podcast

RRP 107 — Just Keep Showing Up

James S. on Running, Recovery, and Putting Sobriety First

Presenters: Julie P. Lewis & Peter B. Dowell

Episode Length: Approx. 1 hr 4 min

Release Date: March 27, 2026

Episode Summary

James S. couldn’t finish a single lap around the track when he first got sober. Today, he’s run the Portland Marathon twice. James opens up about years of using alcohol to get out of his own head and fit in, the downward spiral that followed his divorce, and the recovery journey that began at Fora Health. Through Go the Distance (GTD), he found not just a running community but a reason to keep showing up — especially on the hard days. He talks honestly about being an introvert in recovery, rebuilding relationships with his kids, and a dream he’s quietly building to bring sobriety support to the construction industry.

Key Discussion Points

00:03:20 How James connected with GTD through Fora Health and why movement became central to his recovery
00:06:23 His story: functioning alcoholic, divorce, downward spiral, reaching out for help
00:08:43 The mental health roots of his drinking — wanting to fit in and get out of his own head
00:11:48 “I have to wake up every day and put my recovery before anything else — before my job, before anyone.”
00:26:07 What sobriety really looks like on the hard days — honest talk about not throwing in the towel
00:32:02 Being an introvert in recovery: overthinking, communication challenges, showing up anyway
00:41:10 From one lap on the track to completing the Portland Marathon twice
00:43:29 Why GTD gave James more than motivation — belonging, accountability, and purpose
00:55:01 His dream: a life skills program for people in construction where addiction goes unspoken
01:00:45 Parting words: “Just keep showing up.”

Guest Quote

“I have to wake up every day and put my recovery before anything else. Before my job, before anyone.” — James S.

Websites Discussed

Hashtags & Mentions

#RealRecoveryPodcast #JustKeepShowingUp #RecoveryIsPossible #SobrietyFirst #AddictionRecovery #FitnessInRecovery #GoTheDistance #ForaHealth #PortlandRecovery @RealRecoveryPodcast

The perspectives shared in this episode are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the views of the Real Recovery Podcast or its partners. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are in crisis, call the Recovery Crisis Line: 503-223-8569 (24/7).