How one man’s resilience and service sparked a movement in recovery.
Episode sixty-nine of the Real Recovery Podcast marks the third installment in our Founding Voices series, spotlighting Izzy—a friend, mentor, and inspiration whose journey from addiction and homelessness to leadership and service has touched countless lives. First sharing his story in episode five, Izzy’s path is a testament to the power of second chances, the strength of community, and the impact of giving back. As the founder and executive director of Go the Distance (GTD), Izzy’s vision and passion not only inspired the creation of this podcast, but continue to uplift and connect the recovery community across Portland and beyond.
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Growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Izzy always felt a bit different—drawn to music, fashion, and the arts, and often struggling to fit in. After high school, he excelled academically and socially but soon found himself swept up in the party culture of college, leading to years of substance use and cycles of self-doubt. Seeking a fresh start, Izzy moved to Portland, Oregon, where he worked in fine dining, but addiction soon took hold, leading to devastating relapses, job loss, and eventually homelessness.
Izzy’s turning point came through the support of friends, the structure of recovery meetings, and the love of his dog, Anna. With each setback, he found the courage to return—rebuilding his life, repairing relationships, and discovering a new sense of purpose in service. In 2019, Izzy founded Go the Distance (GTD), a nonprofit that empowers individuals in recovery through running, mentorship, and community. The organization has grown rapidly, now offering multiple weekly runs, employment opportunities for people in recovery, and a wellness program supporting both physical and mental health. 
Izzy’s story is also deeply intertwined with the Real Recovery Podcast. His passion for service and his example of “taking a chance on the underdog” helped inspire the podcast’s creation. Izzy remains a valued mentor and friend to the show, collaborating on events and supporting the broader recovery community.
Izzy’s journey reminds us that recovery is not just about overcoming addiction, but about finding purpose, building community, and lifting others along the way. His story is proof that hope, resilience, and service can transform lives—and that anyone, given a second chance, can go the distance.
Listen to Izzy’s full story on RRP Episode 69 and explore more inspiring journeys at Real Recovery Podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and join our community of hope and healing.
#FoundingVoices #RealRecoveryPodcast #GoTheDistance #AddictionRecovery #ServiceInRecovery
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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.
The biggest lesson I have is that this too shall pass. Amen. This, too, shall pass. Amen! Don't drink. Don't use drugs. Hang on. No matter what. It'll go. And whatever you're worried about, whatever you're thinking and you're, what you think in your head is such a big deal. It's not. It is not a big deal. There is nothing that is such a big deal. No matter what, there's just nothing that is so big. And if you can call somebody and tell them and be honest and say, this is what I think is such a big deal. Eventually, you'll work it out. You'll work it out, and tomorrow will come; you won't even remember what that problem was. 
Tune in to the latest episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, "Running Towards Recovery: Transforming Lives with GTD," where we explore the remarkable stories of Izzy, the founder of GTD—Go the Distance—and his dedicated team members Kris, Connor, Michael, Gregg, and TJ. Together, they delve into their journey from battling addiction to building a community centered on health and recovery through movement. Learn about the challenges they faced, the triumphs they celebrated, and the profound impact GTD has made in the Portland recovery community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of combining physical activity with recovery programs. Don't miss this inspiring exploration of resilience and community support—perfect for those connected to or curious about community-based recovery efforts.
Visit GTD Go the Distance for more information and to get involved!
Links:
#RealRecoveryPodcast, #GoTheDistance, #AddictionRecovery, #RunningTowardsRecovery, #CommunitySupport, #RecoveryJourney, #TransformingLives, #PhysicalActivityRecovery, #GTDTeam, #HealingThroughMovement
COMING UP NEXT WEEK...
Next week on the Real Recovery Podcast, don’t miss an unforgettable episode with John C., who shares his raw and compelling journey from a tumultuous childhood growing up in New York to navigating the challenges of addiction and recovery. Tune in as John opens up about the complexities of his life before and after recovery, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his path to sobriety. This episode is a profound exploration of resilience, redemption, and the power of transformation. Join us for an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity and finding new beginnings.
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