Loehr Young: From BMX to Running – A Journey of Resilience and Transformation

From BMX racing to running…..not your typical journey. Growing up, Loehr Young dabbled in every sport at the local YMCA, excelling in track meets but finding running too monotonous. BMX racing became his passion, leading to dirt jumps, backyard halfpipes, and an all-in lifestyle: until a driver’s license changed everything.

A brief stint with jet ski racing led him to cross-train on a mountain bike, unknowingly introducing him to his lifelong love: cycling. But life had other plans. After battling alcoholism, suffering a near-fatal internal bleed, and spending weeks in the ICU, he found sobriety and a renewed sense of purpose. Eventually, he gave running another chance and this time, it stuck.

What Is Your History With Sports?

As a kid, I played all the sports at the YMCA and did really well at the yearly track meet. I ran for a bit and lived near the UGA track, so I’d jump into meets for fun. But I thought running was boring, so I quit.

BMX was my thing: I went all in with racing, dirt jumps, and even had a halfpipe in my backyard. That lasted until I got my driver’s license. After a break from sports, I got into jet ski racing but lived too far from water, so I started mountain biking to cross-train. It wasn’t long before I ditched the jet skis and went all in on cycling.

How Did Your Relationship With Fitness Evolve After Getting Sober?

I knew for a long time I was in trouble and deep down wanted to stop, but I was terrified. I ended up nearly dying from a ruptured portal vein and spent two weeks in the hospital, mostly in the ICU. That was actually a blessing in disguise, I went through detox there.

I was diagnosed with moderate liver damage (cirrhosis) and varices in my GI tract, which caused the rupture. The doctors told me to avoid strenuous activity because it could trigger another rupture. I stuck to their advice for a couple of years: no alcohol, strict diet, all of it…but I was miserable. I was alive, but not really living.

Eventually, I decided to get back on the bike. I was out of shape and it was a mess, but I stuck with it. It brought me back to life. (And just to be clear: I’m not recommending anyone go against medical advice like I did. I know I’m lucky to even be here.)

How Long Have You Been Running?

About four and a half years now. Once I was back in decent shape, I was curious about other things. My wife has always been into fitness and occasionally ran 5Ks, so I thought we could try running together. We did a few times, but she wasn’t really into it and I was hooked. I kept at it and after a ton of work, I guess I’m a runner now. 

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Do You Still Train For The Same Things As When You Started?

Not really. I’m not training specifically for anything right now. The only race I’ve got on the calendar is the Peachtree Road Race on July 4th, I’d like to run under 40 minutes there. I’d also like to give the marathon another shot and run something closer to my potential. Cocoa Beach around Thanksgiving is on my radar: it’s flat and the weather should be great.

What Does A Typical Training Week Look Like For You These Days?

Usually about 25–30 miles of running over four days, 10–12 miles of walking, and 100–125 miles on the bike across three days. I desperately need to get more consistent with lifting. I did a sprint triathlon last summer too, which was fun, so I need to get in the pool again and actually learn how to swim.

What Advice Do You Have For People Who Want To Start Running?

Just get started. Be open and flexible, but stay consistent…that’s where the real magic happens. You are capable of WAY more than you think.

Anything Else You Want To Add?

Make taking care of yourself a habit. One hour a day is only 4% of your time: no excuses. And seriously, if you’re going through something, whether it’s health or addiction, ask for help. Change is possible, even when it feels impossible.

From BMX tracks to mountain bike trails to pounding the pavement, he has embraced every challenge with an open mind and a relentless drive. His BMX to running journey has gone through addiction, recovery, and rediscovering fitness. Loehr’s story is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your own book. Whether it’s cycling, running, or just committing to an hour of movement a day, his message is clear: your body and mind are capable of more than you think. The key? Start, stay consistent, and never stop exploring what’s possible.

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