Joe Hardin: Sobriety, running and podcasting
In Episode Four of the Running Tales podcast, in collaboration with Run Tri Bike, Craig Lewis sits down with Joe Hardin, the incredible host of the 'Beyond the Finish Line' podcast.
Joe's story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of running in recovery. This episode delves into his personal journey of overcoming substance abuse and addiction, and how running became a cornerstone of his recovery and mental health.
These days, Joe says he will pursue running until the day his body gives out, but his love of the sport is a far cry from years of addiction, when he would be perpetually recovering from the night before, living with hangovers and teetering on the edge of panic attacks and breakdowns.
Suffering from debilitating anxiety and crushing depression, Joe felt as if he had a dark cloud hanging over his head 24/7.
For many years, he used alcohol to self-medicate but when he became sober he was deeply affected by anxiety. It was on the prompting of his wife that he first visited a gym and started walking on the treadmill, beginning a journey which has led him into the world of ultra running.
Although he insists it is the incredible support of his family and the 12-step programme which are responsible for his sobriety, Joe says he owes much to running when it comes to his continued recovery.
He compares his ongoing sobriety journey to an ultra marathon, forever pushing through challenging moments and learning new things about himself.
Listen to Joe Hardin on Beyond The Finish Line
Listen to Joe Hardin on Beyond The Finish Line
Listen to Joe Hardin on Beyond The Finish Line
Since swapping alcohol for ultras, Joe Hardin's life has expanded in directions he never expected.
One of these is becoming a podcast host on the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network, where he presents the Beyond The Finish Line and What's in your Earbuds podcasts.
Honest funny and informative, Joe's podcasts are a must listen.
Read Joe Hardin's story on Substack
Listen to Joe Hardin on Beyond The Finish Line
Listen to Joe Hardin on Beyond The Finish Line
There was one constant throughout Joe Hardin’s sobriety journey.
But it wasn’t running.
The sport has helped Joe become a more positive, happier and confident person. But it wasn’t there for him at 3am when he woke up in his truck having blacked out at the wheel.
When Joe needed someone, his ex-wife, Cassie, was there for him.