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The Rich Roll Podcast · September 3, 2026 · 2h 16m

From Drinking Every Morning to Running 340 Miles: Tommie Runz on Recovery, Running & Redemption

Tommie Runz

Rich Roll speaks with Tommie Runz, runner and sobriety advocate, about his journey from morning drinking and denial to nine years of sobriety. Tommie shares the moment he finally told the truth about his addiction and how ultrarunning became a spiritual practice that transformed his life. They discuss the illusion of functional alcoholism, the importance of inclusivity in trail running, and the philosophy that sobriety must come first. This episode is a testament to the power of honesty and endurance in rebuilding a life.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Canon

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Sobriety as the Foundation: Everything Else Is Downstream
Tommie Runz asserts that sobriety must come first and that every other aspect of his life depends on it.
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Highlights

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The Delusion of Functional Drinking
Tommie describes how he rationalized his heavy drinking by telling himself he was still functional, which he now sees as outright denial.
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Ultrarunning as a Spiritual Practice
Tommie explains that ultrarunning became a pathway to spiritual growth, not just a physical challenge.
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The Moment of Truth: When Lying to Yourself Stops
Tommie recalls the pivotal moment he finally admitted the truth about his drinking, ending years of self-deception.
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Editorial

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Who Belongs on the Trail: Redefining Inclusivity in Running
Tommie argues that trail running is for everyone, challenging the perception of the sport as exclusive.
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