Celebrating Community and Recovery at the GTD 5K Run/Walk Annual Event

GTD 5K Run, recovery community event, GTD Go the Distance organization, Real Recovery Podcast coverage, Volunteers of America recovery
​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.
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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

Show Notes:

​Show Notes
Title: RRP XTRA-35.1: GTD 5K Run/Walk Annual Event
Presenters: Peter, Julie, Izzy Alvarado, Jay from VOA, Becky from GTD, Aaron (GTD Board President), Isaac, Tess (Volunteers of America), Shannon (Lifeline Connections), Quintin, Greg from GTD, Solara Salazar (Cielo Treatment Center), Jeremy (Core Fitness PDX), and others.
Length: 45 minutes
Links to Websites:
Key Points with Timestamps:
  • [00:00:00] Introduction – Welcoming listeners to the GTD 5K Run/Walk event, with Izzy Alvarado and special guests.
  • [00:01:30] Event Energy – Volunteers, vendors, and community support, including On Shoes sponsoring shoes.
  • [00:02:10] Community Highlights – Introduction of key figures like Joe and Paul, highlighting their roles in the event.
  • [00:05:40] Interviews with Participants – Stories from Jay and Martin (VOA), sharing their recovery journeys.
  • [00:10:00] Support and Recovery – Becky discusses GTD’s running programs for treatment centers.
  • [00:13:00] GTD’s Impact on Recovery – Shannon from Lifeline Connections shares about GTD’s influence in treatment programs.
  • [00:16:30] Youth Perspective – Isaac, a young GTD participant, shares his experience with GTD and recovery.
  • [00:22:30] GTD and Community Partnerships – Quintin on the significance of community in recovery and Greg on GTD’s role in providing support.
  • [00:30:00] Future Podcast Guests – Preview of Solara Salazar’s upcoming episode.
  • [00:37:30] Conclusion – A recap of the event’s energy and community impact, emphasizing movement in recovery.
Summary:
The GTD 5K Run/Walk annual event showcased the power of community in recovery. Hosted at Fern Hill Park, Peter and Julie interviewed attendees, including participants, organizers, and supporters from organizations like Volunteers of America and Lifeline Connections. Key highlights included the stories of Jay and Martin from VOA, Becky’s recount of GTD’s impactful running programs, and Isaac’s inspiring perspective on youth involvement in recovery. This episode underscores the vital role of movement in recovery and showcases how GTD continues to unify and inspire the recovery community.
Conclusion:
This event captured the essence of recovery and community, highlighting that recovery can be diverse and inclusive, from running and community service to volunteer support. Special thanks to @GTDGoTheDistance and the GTD team for their dedication. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and community events!
Hashtags and Mentions: #GTD5KRun #RecoveryCommunity #RealRecoveryPodcast #GTD #FernHillPark #VOA #CieloTreatment #LifelineConnections #SobrietyJourney #Podcast, @GTDGoTheDistance