We connected with Strides in Recovery for this piece, which shares one of their runner’s stories. They’re a nonprofit that helps newly sober individuals grow physically, emotionally, and mentally stronger so they can do their best at the hard work of recovery — and they achieve those results by coaching people in LA County addiction treatment programs to complete running events. It’s truly beautiful to see their impact.
Kyle went from 17 years of addiction, homelessness, and hating his life to having a healthy relationship with his family, going to school, mentoring, and experiencing the positivity, fulfillment, purpose, and sense of brotherhood that comes with training for and completing the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon.
Here is his story, as told to Strides in Recovery:
How did your addiction start?
My addiction started when I was about 12 years old. I experienced physical, emotional, and verbal abuse at home from my stepfather and I just did not want to deal with it any longer. I started to escape in any way I could because I felt like I could not talk to anybody about what was going on. I ended up meeting up with other kids who introduced me to alcohol and marijuana. Even though I did not like it, I loved the attention I was getting. By the next year I was introduced to other drugs. I continued to rebel, getting kicked out of school and ignoring the help my mom was trying to get me via therapy. I started spiraling downward and maintained my drug use up until age 29.
What was the impact?
I ended up being homeless for most of my life, not being able to maintain any healthy relationships through my selfishness, and not seeking help. I abandoned my daughter around the age of 2-3 years, and I repeated the same cycle of neglect that I was suffering from when I was a child. It had a significant impact on my mental health. I was always on the depressive side and played with the idea of suicide. I was isolated most of the time and felt like I was suffocating.
Why did you decide to get sober?
I entered the Beacon House with the idea that if I stayed for 3 months, that I was going to be able to get to see my daughter more often. I was not planning to stay sober, but after being at the house for a little bit I realized I had a “ME” problem. I opened up about how I really felt about my life to my peers and the staff, and they helped me to see that I needed to stay. So, I decided to stay and after I struggled for a while, I still felt hopeless. I got tired of feeling that way, so I decided to make it my goal to stick this thing out. Today, I love my life.
Why did you decide to start running?
I needed to get out of that house. I was going crazy for a while. Everything that was being done there felt foreign. I saw that I could run in the program with Strides in Recovery. At first it was an escape. The running was difficult because I was not used to running at all. Leslie, Dirk, and other early on Strides coaches were supportive. They filled me with a belief that spiritual, mental, and emotional growth was just as important as physical health, and key to the rehabilitation of the alcoholic and addict.
How is running helping you in recovery?
It has helped me to push past limits and to accomplish things that I never thought would be possible. It brings positivity, fulfillment, purpose, and a sense of brotherhood with the guys that I get to run with and be helpful to. I was always full of self-doubt. Running has given me confidence.
What did it mean to you to finish the LA Marathon?
I loved and hated the marathon. It was a great experience, and I was able to run the entire marathon with one of my closest friends Kenny from the house. It was rewarding in a lot of ways because we never gave up even though our bodies were cramping. I cried at one point when trying to push through, but when it was done, I was glad HAHA! I am stoked on life today because experiences like this continue to reinforce what life can be like if I keep on this road of recovery. Anything is possible. Push through and let’s work to get better. Now I want to do another!
What is your life like now?
I am currently going to school to become an EMT. I have a beautiful relationship with my daughter that I never thought was possible. My family and I are in good standing once again. I am blessed to be able to sponsor 5 guys in Alcoholics Anonymous. My life is good today, and I am still running.
Strides in Recovery was founded in 2018 and brings year-round goal-oriented group running/walking programs to addiction recovery communities. If you want to support, you can volunteer, donate, take part in their Palos Verdes Trails 5k fundraising run, or learn more on their site. Thank you to their team for reaching out, we’re so happy to share a glimpse at the positive impact you’ve had on people’s lives.
LA Running Connoisseur 
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