Sobriety, Sport, and Self-Worth | Enduring Minds Guest: Loehr Young
In episode 13 of Enduring Minds, presented by Run Tri Bike, hosts Jason Bahamundi and Evan Burch sit down with endurance athlete and storyteller Loehr Young to talk about something far deeper than miles and medals. This conversation dives into the raw, honest journey of overcoming alcoholism, managing mental health, and using endurance sports as a tool for healing and growth.
This isn’t just another athlete’s highlight reel. It’s a reflection on what happens when we face our darkest moments and how movement, mindset, and self-compassion can become lifelines.
The 4% Philosophy: One Hour That Changed Everything
Loehr celebrates 8 years of sobriety this year. But his recovery path didn’t follow traditional routes like AA or therapy. Instead, he leaned into a philosophy he calls the “4% Rule” spending one hour per day, or just 4% of his day, moving his body with intention. Whether it’s mountain biking, walking, or yoga, that time is sacred. It became a daily practice of emotional release, mental reset, and self-care.
When Life Demands More Than Fitness
Loehr’s journey isn’t just about addiction recovery. It’s also about navigating his wife’s cancer diagnosis, the grief of losing family, and the ongoing pressure to keep showing up. Which means doing it for others, and for himself. His approach? A mantra of “relentless forward motion.”
He doesn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff. Pain, physical and emotional, doesn’t get a voice. Not because it’s ignored, but because it doesn’t get to lead. Loehr focuses on presence over performance, joy over metrics, and giving himself permission to show up imperfectly.
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>Redefining What “Winning” Looks Like
As an endurance athlete, Loehr’s approach stands out. He avoids power meters and doesn’t race for data. He rides and runs for clarity, not comparison. In a sport that often celebrates speed and distance, Loehr reminds us that showing up for yourself especially when no one is watching is the biggest win of all.
Why This Episode Matters
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re carrying too much. Whether you’re battling alcoholism and addiction, facing grief, or simply trying to make it through the world of endurance sports, this conversation offers something powerful: hope, humor, and a way forward.
You’re not alone. And like Loehr says, “What’s the alternative? Give up? That’s not the answer.”
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