Running for Recovery: An Eagle County Nonprofit’s Approach Is Changing the Way Locals Overcome Addictions
Rob Shearon understands the powerful connection between running and recovery better than most. “It’s one of the most beautiful metaphors for recovery out there,” the 35-year-old said of the sport he picked up just a few years ago. “You are putting yourself out there, through a lot of obstacles, the ups and downs — and you don’t have to do it alone.”
Shearon’s nonprofit, RECONNECTED, derives its name from its mission of REcovery, CONNECTion, and EDucation, helping individuals in or seeking recovery from addictions and mental health challenges through peer support, social events, and community education.
This summer, about 20 members of the RECONNECTED community have participated in running and biking races ranging from 10 kilometers to 100 miles as part of a fundraising campaign called “The Weight We Carry.”
As of this writing, $22,579 of the $25,000 target has been raised to help “lighten the load for individuals seeking recovery in the Vail Valley” by funding the vital resources RECONNECTED provides. The endurance epic continues this weekend with the Leadville Trail 100 MTB on Saturday and the Leadville 10K run on Sunday, where fellow RECONNECTED community member Creighton Soukup joins Shearon in completing the demanding Lead Challenge.
“Recovery doesn’t sound attractive,” Shearon said. “A lot of times it’s, ‘Oh, I have to go to a meeting to talk about my feelings.’ We’re really trying to shift that narrative that recovery is for everyone or anyone who wants it — and it’s fun.”
Through community yoga, rafting, weekly pickleball games, mountain bike rides, and endurance challenges, RECONNECTED is reigniting participants’ passion for the outdoors while building the supportive relationships crucial to recovery. As community member Chris noted, “every step I take on those courses is a reflection of the progress I’ve made and the support I’ve found through RECONNECTED.”
RECONNECTED is a community partner of Vail Health Behavioral Health.
Read the full article on VailDaily.com >
