Boston Qualified! 2014 -Running is my metaphor for sobriety: I can't stay sober alone; I would never have made it to Boston on my own...

Eva Esquivel

I began running in May 2009. I was a little more than two years sober and was starting to understand my life had to be more than just not drinking. I no longer was okay with being angry, impatient, and sad. I kept telling myself at least I was sober, but I also wanted a better life.  I knew I had to take action for things to improve. I didn't know what to do next, but like everything positive in my life, I attribute my discovery of running to being fully "aware"-- opening my eyes to what was happening now and right in front of me.

A running store had opened a few blocks from me. I had entered a few 5k's in my life at others urging, but never had I considered myself a runner or had I trained for anything. The running store had a social running group. I remember not being able to run but one mile, and then having to stop and bend over from a "stitch" in my side. The owner took me aside and taught me how to breathe and pace. I learned about running clothes, socks and gear. I didn't give up.  In early sobriety I was constantly afraid of relapsing and having to start over. My fear of failure became a character asset in running.