46. From Bottles of Wine to the Finish Line with Christy Larson

Sally Hed Dahlquist talks with the unstoppable Christy Larson, a runner, outdoor lover, wife, and woman who fought her way back to herself after alcohol had taken over her health, confidence, and sense of identity.

Christy shares the honest turning point that changed everything: her husband finding hidden bottles throughout the house and telling her the truth she did not want to hear... that alcohol was killing her. After ER visits, high blood pressure scares, a pulmonary embolism, weight gain, secrecy, and fear, Christy made the choice to stop drinking and begin rebuilding her life one day at a time.

Now more than three years sober, Christy has reclaimed her energy, confidence, love of running, and joy in being outdoors. Her story is a reminder that recovery is not about becoming someone new. Sometimes, it is about fighting your way back to the person you were all along.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• How Christy recognized that alcohol had changed her mentally, physically, and emotionally
• The painful but powerful moment that pushed her toward sobriety
• Why honesty, support, and daily choices became essential to her recovery
• How running helped Christy reconnect with strength, confidence, and possibility
• What she learned from completing her first marathon, even when it did not go as planned
• Why she now looks forward instead of backward

Key Takeaways:

• Recovery starts with honesty, even when the truth is hard to face.
• A strong support system can help you keep choosing yourself when things get difficult.
• Progress does not have to happen overnight to be real.
• Running can become more than exercise. It can become proof that you are still capable.

Medical Disclaimer:

This episode is for personal storytelling and general informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and anyone struggling with alcohol use, substance use, mental health concerns, chest pain, blood pressure issues, pulmonary embolism symptoms, or any other health concern should consult a qualified medical professional. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or substance use, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help. Call their hotline at: 1-800-662-4357

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Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose: to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.

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