Building a Community One Step at a Time: Tommie Runz on Being Black, Sober, and Leading a Movement in Running

In this episode, we sit down with Tommie Runz, a man whose journey through sobriety, fatherhood, and fitness has led him to become a powerful voice in the running and wellness community. Sober since 2017, Tommie has transformed his life through running, completing four marathons in roughly eight weeks and qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2021. He's the founder of Chip Time Running and the creator of The Run Eat Sleep Show podcast, where he discusses all things running and wellness. Tommie shares his story of overcoming alcohol use disorder, the impact of his father's death, and how running became a pivotal part of his recovery and personal transformation. We dive into his mission to build a community around running, mindfulness, and self-improvement, particularly focusing on empowering people of color in a predominantly white running space. Tommie talks candidly about the underrepresentation of BIPOC individuals in the running community, the unique challenges they face, and his efforts to promote health and wellness in these communities. Join us as Tommie discusses the importance of being open about his sobriety, the inspiration behind Chip Time Running, and his ongoing work to create a supportive, inclusive environment for all runners. This episode is not just about running; it's about resilience, community, and the power of turning personal struggles into a force for positive change. Connect with Zac https://www.instagram.com/zwclark/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-c-746b96254/ https://www.tiktok.com/@zacwclark https://www.strava.com/athletes/55697553 https://twitter.com/zacwclark If you or anyone you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to contact Release: (914) 588-6564 releaserecovery.com @releaserecovery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices