Choose Strong #120 | Figure it Out w/ Tommie Runz
Nov 1, 2025
Tommie Runz, a passionate runner, ultrarunner, and sobriety advocate, shares his inspiring journey from addiction recovery to endurance racing. He discusses his early experiences with running, including qualifying for Boston with a time of 2:48. Tommie recounts his grueling solo 340-mile Speed Project and the challenges faced during the Javelina 100, where he developed the mantra 'Figure it Out.' He highlights the importance of community in his journey and teases exciting upcoming projects, including a mini-documentary on Javelina.
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From Addiction To Running
- Tommie Runz described hitting rock bottom with alcohol and finding recovery through honesty, therapy, and AA starting January 11th.
- Sobriety led him to fitness, lifting, and ultimately running as a constructive replacement for drinking.
Perspective Makes Pain Manageable
- Tommie reframes difficult race moments by comparing them to his worst moments with alcoholism.
- That perspective helps him dig deeper because physical lows feel smaller than past life lows.
Saying Yes For A Bigger Why
- Tommie initially declined the Speed Project solo invite out of self-doubt, then accepted when he reframed it as a charity effort.
- He ran 341 miles from Santa Monica to Las Vegas to raise funds for Release Recovery Foundation.
