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What do you replace drinking with?

For Tommie Runz, the answer was miles, discipline, honesty, and community.

In this powerful episode of The Sober Butterfly Podcast, host Nadine Mulvina sits down with Tommie Runz — a sober endurance athlete, father, podcast host, and community builder — to talk about what nine years of sobriety has taught him about living with intention and pushing toward your next level.

Tommie shares the pivotal moments that led him to Alcoholics Anonymous, why truth-telling was the real beginning of his recovery, and how long-distance running became a tool for healing, clarity, and purpose. Together, Nadine and Tommie explore the deep parallels between endurance running and long-term sobriety, the role of community in recovery, and how sharing your story can help others feel less alone.

This episode is especially meaningful for anyone in early sobriety wondering “what now?” — and for those years into recovery who are still discovering who they’re becoming.

You’ll hear about:

• Tommie’s turning point and early days in AA
• Why honesty is foundational in sobriety
• The mental and emotional parallels between running and recovery
• How fatherhood shaped the way he shows up in sobriety
• The importance of community, service, and visibility as a Black sober athlete
• Using storytelling and social media to support others on their journey
• How to find your “thing” after quitting alcohol

Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or years into your recovery journey, this conversation will inspire you to build a life you don’t want to escape from.

🎥 This episode is also available to watch on YouTube.

🔗 Connect with Tommie Runz

Instagram: @tommie_runz

🔗 Connect with Nadine & The Sober Butterfly

Instagram: @the.soberbutterfly

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Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services refereed to in this episode.