In this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Valerie Martinez, whose journey through addiction, recovery, and advocacy has been nothing short of inspiring. Valerie's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the life-changing role of running. Through the challenges she faced growing up, including family trauma and substance abuse, Valerie found strength in herself and the communities that supported her. From overcoming the darkest moments to running toward hope, Valerie is a true example of recovery's transformative power.

Early Struggles and Addiction:
Valerie's early life was marked by family struggles, with addiction running through her household. Her father’s addiction was a silent presence, only visible when her parents' relationship began to unravel. At the age of nine, Valerie's family was torn apart, and the trauma would set her on a path to addiction. She began using drugs at the tender age of 11, finding solace in substances that numbed the pain and gave her a temporary escape. For years, her life spiraled as she struggled to balance family life, school, and the pull of addiction.

​The Turning Point:
When Valerie turned 13, she met her oldest child’s father, who, in her eyes, was everything she needed at the time—a stable figure who could offer a sense of security. However, the relationship quickly became toxic and abusive. Despite the chaos, Valerie took on the role of mother, sister, and protector at a young age. She had her first child at 16 and her second at 17, but the emotional and physical abuse from her partner led her back to drugs as a way to cope with the overwhelming pain. Valerie’s story took another devastating turn when her children were taken from her by their father, leading to years of deep shame and regret.

Recovery and Running:
The pivotal moment in Valerie’s recovery came when she was introduced to Fora Health, a treatment center that played a significant role in her journey to sobriety. It was here that Valerie discovered the healing power of running. Through her involvement with GTD – Go The Distance, Valerie began running to clear her mind and heal her body. As she shared with us, running became her metaphor for recovery—each mile represented a step away from her past and closer to the person she was becoming. "Recovery is about growing every day," Valerie shares, and running was her tool for personal growth.

Community Support:
Valerie credits much of her success in recovery to the supportive communities she found at Fora Health and through programs like GTD – Go The Distance. Peer-driven recovery programs like GTD provided her with the accountability and encouragement she needed to stay on track. She learned to trust herself and others, a lesson she continues to carry with her as she navigates life and sobriety. Running with a community of like-minded individuals helped Valerie form lasting bonds that reinforced her commitment to her recovery.

Giving Back and Advocacy:
Today, Valerie works as an outreach worker, helping individuals who face challenges similar to those she once did. Through her work at 4D Recovery, Valerie helps those in need find resources, advocate for themselves, and build a life beyond addiction. She now shares her story widely, offering encouragement and hope to those who feel lost or alone in their journey. "You are not alone. Come home to recovery," Valerie emphasizes. Her work reminds us that recovery is not just about personal transformation; it’s about using your experiences to help others find their way.

​Valerie Martinez’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. Through the darkest times, Valerie found hope and strength through community, support, and the simple yet transformative act of running. Her story is proof that no matter where you start, with perseverance, self-compassion, and the right support, you can always run toward hope.

​#RealRecoveryPodcast, #AddictionRecovery, #ForaHealth, #GTD, #PeerDrivenRecovery, #RecoveryJourney, #HopeAndHealing, #CommunitySupport, @GTDgothedistance, @ForaHealth

​In this special Real Recovery Podcast episode, Peter and Julie attend the inspiring Go the Distance (GTD) 5K Run/Walk, an event focused on uniting the recovery community through movement and mutual support. This annual event, founded by Izzy Alvarado and supported by partners like Volunteers of America and Lifeline Connections, featured moving stories from individuals on the path of recovery. Each participant brings their story of resilience, and the event highlights how community plays an essential role in helping individuals overcome obstacles and achieve recovery goals.

​Guest Background and Highlights:
The GTD 5K Run/Walk held at Fern Hill Park brought together various voices from the recovery community. Event participants included Jay from VOA, who recently celebrated 90 days of sobriety, and Isaac, a young runner inspired by his family’s connection to recovery. Also attending the event, Cielo Treatment Center founder Solara Salazar and GTD board president Aaron, who explained GTD’s mission to promote recovery through exercise and healthy living. Each guest contributed a unique perspective on the role of movement in recovery.

Struggles, Turning Points, and Impactful Moments: 
​Many event attendees, such as Becky from GTD and Quintin, shared the struggles they faced and how GTD’s running programs offered them structure and support. Quintin expressed how the GTD community gave him a sense of belonging, essential for staying on his recovery journey. Additionally, Greg from GTD, a long-time supporter and run leader, emphasized GTD’s commitment to providing inclusive, empowering environments for people in recovery. Hearing from the Volunteers of America (VOA) team, including Tess and Shannon from Lifeline Connections, reinforced GTD’s role in enhancing community resources for recovery.

The GTD 5K Run/Walk embodies the spirit of recovery, demonstrating that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving sobriety. Through the voices of Solara, Aaron, Greg, and many others, we see that recovery is not just about overcoming challenges but about building a community that values and supports each person’s journey. With its growing reach, GTD and events like this continue to make a lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration!

@GTDGoTheDistance, @CieloTreatment, @VolunteersofAmerica, @LifelineConnections, @CoreFitnessPDX, @RealRecoveryPodcast
#GTD5KRun #RecoveryCommunity #RealRecoveryPodcast #GTD #FernHillPark #VOA #CieloTreatment #LifelineConnections #SobrietyJourney #Podcast

Hey there, Real Recovery community!

We're thrilled to announce that our 10th episode milestone features none other than the incredible team behind GTD - Go the Distance!

In our latest episode, "Running Towards Recovery: Transforming Lives with GTD," we delve deep into the remarkable stories of Izzy, the founder of GTD and a real inspiration for creating the Real Recovery Podcast.

We couldn't be more grateful to GTD for being a part of our 10th episode milestone. Their commitment to spreading hope, resilience, and community support aligns perfectly with the mission of Real Recovery Podcast.

We are immensely grateful to all our guests who have made themselves vulnerable by sharing their stories on our show. Your courage is the heartbeat of our community. A special shoutout to our home group, Lunch Bunch and Extended Family—you are our foundation and support!

So tune in now to our 10th episode featuring GTD and discover the inspiring stories of resilience and transformation. And while you're at it, don't forget to visit GTD Go the Distance for more information and to get involved!

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us. Here's to many more episodes filled with inspiration, hope, and the power of community support!
​
If our stories resonate with you, please take a moment to like, follow, share, and donate. Visit https://listen.realrecoverypodcast.com and support.realrecoverypodcast.com.

LINKS:

• GO THE DISTANCE-Recovery Through Physical Fitness (gtdgothedistance.org)
• Lunch Bunch / Extended Family AA Online