Announcing the Nationwide Building of Recovery Road Runners Run Clubs!

By: Doug Fingliss

Why This Mean So Much To Me

The weekend of Thanksgiving 2015, I found myself at rock bottom. Living in a small apartment in Fall River, Massachusetts, my life was consumed by alcoholism. I was over 350 pounds, my business was failing, and I was on the brink of losing my job. The alcohol had stopped working, and I felt trapped in a cycle of shame, despair and self-loathing.

Fast forward to the end of 2016, after an extended hospital stay and, initially, carrying an oxygen tank, I began walking to try to lose some weight. Much later that year a voice in my head came from nowhere: "Why don’t you see if you can run from that telephone pole to that other telephone pole?" I did, and to my surprise, I could. That simple act marked the beginning of a transformation I never could have envisioned.

That moment spoke to my soul. Running cleared me mentally and, the more I ran, the more hope I began to feel. What I thought was just training for running was actually training for something much bigger. I was training for a new life. Running became more than just exercise; it became an integral part of my recovery, a way to heal my body, my mind, and my spirit.

And now, we at Recovery Road Runners, want to bring that same hope to others.

The Nationwide Rollout of Recovery Road Runners

I am beyond excited to announce that Recovery Road Runners is in the process of building a nationwide network of RRR Run Clubs. What Amber Graziano has started, we shall grow! Our community of people in recovery finding strength through running, hiking, walking, and exercise is ready for growth beyond the digital realm.

We envision our running clubs as a lifeline and a powerful supplement to any of your other work in recovery. It’s a fusion of a sobriety meeting and a run club, a place where people can lace up their shoes, hit the pavement, and share their stories in a supportive, judgment-free space. Whether you’re just starting out or training for your next marathon, RRR is a community where you belong and ALL are welcome regardless of pace or current fitness level.

Why Running? Why Now?

Run clubs are exploding in popularity right now, and it’s no surprise why. In a world that often feels disconnected, people are craving real, in-person connections. They want to push themselves, to be part of something bigger, to find meaning in movement and in life. The popularity of run clubs is soaring, especially among people seeking authentic connections beyond digital interactions.

For those of us in recovery, running offers something even more profound. It’s not just about getting fit; it’s about rebuilding a life. It’s about structure, discipline, and proving to ourselves—one step and one mile at a time—that we are capable of growth and change. Running is a form of meditation, a way to quiet the chaos and find peace in the rhythm of our breath and cadence. Not only that, our run clubs provide a real life community of support to help you stay sober! You are not alone!

A Mission of Healing and Connection

At Recovery Road Runners, we believe in the power of movement, community, and shared experience. Our mission is to create a healthier, more connected world where individuals can thrive free from addiction. We empower people to lead active, fulfilling lives by preventing substance misuse, fostering support networks, and celebrating the power of sobriety.

Sobriety isn’t just about abstaining from something—it’s about actively building something new. And that’s what RRR is all about.

What’s Next?

We’re looking for passionate runners, recovery advocates, and community leaders to help launch RRR chapters in cities and towns across the country. Whether you’re in early recovery or have years of sobriety under your belt, if running has changed your life, we want you to be a part of this movement.

If you’re interested in joining or starting a Recovery Road Runners club in your area, visit www.recoveryroadrunners.org to learn more and reach out directly to Doug or Amber. We’ll provide you with our suggested (but not required) club meeting format guide, our RRR Run Club Playbook, a listing on our RRR Run Club finder, flyers you can print and post around your town or city announcing your club days and times, and (coming soon) RRR sobriety tokens. We’ll also be having quarterly meetings to gain insights and ideas to make our run clubs the best out there for those in recovery!

This is just the beginning. We’re building something special—one step, one mile, one story at a time.

Let’s run these trails and roads together!