From near death to ultra distances, Kelly Thrush’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, we sit down with Kelly—a recovering alcoholic and liver transplant recipient—who now runs ultras and has founded a non-profit to support transplant recipients and people struggling with addiction.
Kelly opens up about hitting rock bottom, the turning point that led him to sobriety, and how running became the path that helped him find purpose, strength, and connection again. His honesty is raw, his humour is sharp, and his story is full of wi...
From near death to ultra distances, Kelly Thrush’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful episode of the ZenRUN Podcast, we sit down with Kelly—a recovering alcoholic and liver transplant recipient—who now runs ultras and has founded a non-profit to support transplant recipients and people struggling with addiction.
Kelly opens up about hitting rock bottom, the turning point that led him to sobriety, and how running became the path that helped him find purpose, strength, and connection again. His honesty is raw, his humour is sharp, and his story is full of wisdom.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
•How Kelly went from being 130 lbs and dying in a hospital bed to running 50Ks and 50-milers
•What kept him going in his darkest moments—and why giving back became essential to his recovery
•The birth of the Gratitude and Grace Foundation and how it supports people post-transplant and in recovery
•Why ultra running became his “new addiction”—in the best way
Kelly’s go-to tips for anyone starting out (or starting over):
•“Don’t chase the pace—chase the peace.”
•“If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, just show up.”
•“Ask for help—you’re not weak, you’re wise.”
Kelly’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story—and sometimes the run becomes the rewrite.
Here’s some links from this episode:-
- Gratitude and Grace Foundation - https://gratitudeandgracefoundation.org/
- Book - Charlie Engle - https://www.charlieengle.com/runningman
- Southwest Endurance Training - Tucson, Arizona - coach - https://www.instagram.com/swendurancetraining/
- Kent Mullins Podcast - https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-356-finding-purpose-through-running-kent-mullins-journey/
- Harmony’s podcast - https://fitmindfitbody.co/episode-497-harmony-waite-running-through-setbacks-and-saying-yes-to-big-goals-link-silver-chain/
A couple of BIG favours:
1) please like and review this podcast so more people will discover it :)
2) come on the podcast and talk about your running journey and/or refer someone you’d love me to interview (whether you know them or not :) ) Lets not keep the power of running a secret any more! Hit me up on Facebook/Instagram (FitMIND FitBODY) or send me an email - Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co
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