"Just keep going." These three simple words carry profound weight in Sarah Cannon's world, whether she's pushing through mile 34 of a 50-mile ultramarathon or reflecting on her journey from substance abuse to recovery.
In this raw and hopeful conversation, Dr. D sits down with his longtime friend Sarah to explore the remarkable transformation they've both undergone since their shared days of active addiction in 2006. Back then, they were staying up for days, making impulsive decisions like stealing motorhomes at dawn, and inventing "lighter leashes" for their drug paraphernalia. Today, Sarah has completed her first 50-mile ultramarathon—an achievement reached by less than 1% of the population—while maintaining her 23-year career as what might be the county's longest-serving barista.
What makes this story so powerful isn't just the dramatic before-and-after contrast, but the revelation that the same qualities that once fueled their addictions—dedication, persistence, and single-minded focus—have become their greatest strengths in recovery. "We gave our all to active use," Dr. D reflects, "and you can just flip that script and use it in the same way in recovery."
Sarah's ultramarathon journey serves as the perfect metaphor for recovery itself. She logged an astonishing 1,270 training miles since February to prepare for her 50-miler, demonstrating how seemingly impossible goals become achievable through consistent, incremental progress. For Sarah, running provides not just physical benefits but mental clarity: "Most of the time when I run, my head is quiet, which is wonderful." This meditative state offers the same peace that substances once falsely promised.
When asked what advice she'd give someone struggling in a dark place, Sarah doesn't hesitate: "Just put your shoes on and go out the door and see what happens." This philosophy—taking the next small step forward even when the end goal seems impossible—has carried her through both recovery and ultramarathons alike. "Even if it's a crappy run, when you're done, you still feel better because you did something."
Join us for this compelling conversation about transformation, perseverance, and finding purpose in the journey. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking inspiration to overcome your own challenges, Sarah's story reminds us that our darkest traits can become our greatest strengths when channeled in the right direction.
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