Sobriety and Endurance Sports: The Story Of Mike Hahn’s Journey

Mike Hahn’s journey into endurance sports is filled with various themes. One of those themes is sobriety and endurance sports. Another is about personal growth and the desire to overcome life’s challenges. This story not only highlights how Mike began his running journey but also how his experiences and lessons can inspire others to achieve their goals despite facing significant obstacles. Mike shared his story, discussing his connection to his father, his battle with alcohol, and his ambition to set new personal records at the age of 50.

Sobriety and Endurance Sports: The Start of a New Journey

Mike Hahn’s introduction to running came from a deeply personal place. “I started running when I was a kid, inspired by my dad,” Mike recalled. “He was a running hero to me.” However, it wasn’t until Mike was 34 years old that he truly embraced running as an adult. This period coincided with a significant and challenging time in his life—his father’s diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer. Running became a way for Mike to honor his father and cope with the emotional turmoil.

“My dad couldn’t run anymore due to his illness, and I felt compelled to pick up where he left off,” Mike explained. “It was my way of showing him that I could do hard things too.” This decision marked the beginning of Mike’s serious commitment to running, a journey that would later intertwine with his struggle and eventual triumph over alcohol abuse.

The Turning Point: Choosing Running Over Alcohol

Mike’s relationship with alcohol began in his youth, heavily influenced by the culture of toughness and masculinity prevalent in the late seventies and early eighties. “Running hard and drinking hard were almost inseparable in my family,” Mike said. “It was the model of toughness I grew up with.” However, this lifestyle began to take a toll on his health and running performance.

“I was always injured, my body revolting against me,” Mike admitted. “I knew deep down that my drinking was the cause.” The breaking point came in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike and his wife decided to quit drinking together, marking the beginning of his sobriety journey. “I felt like I was running to stay alive,” Mike reflected. “Choosing running over drinking was a life-changing decision.”

Rediscovering Running Through Sobriety

Sobriety brought a newfound connection to running for Mike. “Almost immediately, I felt a different connection to running,” he said. “I was no longer running to escape but running to thrive.” The physical and mental benefits were profound. Chronic injuries and inflammation began to subside, and Mike’s performance on the trails improved significantly. “By late 2020, running 25-30 miles a week was challenging. Now, three and a half years later, I feel stronger than ever,” Mike shared.

The Influence of His Father

Mike’s father remained a constant source of inspiration throughout his journey. “I got running from my father and drinking from my father,” Mike noted. Despite his father’s passing in 2013, Mike continues to feel his presence and guidance during his runs. “There’s almost not a run that goes by where I don’t think of my dad,” Mike said. “Sometimes, it feels like he’s right there with me.”

This deep connection to his father not only motivated Mike to continue running but also pushed him to achieve new milestones. “I wanted to prove to myself and to my father’s memory that I could be better at 50 than I ever was,” Mike stated. This determination led to his ambitious goal of setting five new personal records in one year.

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Setting New Goals at 50

Turning 50 marked a significant milestone for Mike. “It’s a nice round number, and I wanted to prove that age is just a number,” he said. His goal to set personal records in the marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and mile distances is a testament to his belief in continuous improvement and pushing boundaries. “I didn’t just want to reflect on my past; I wanted to inspire others who might be a step or two behind me,” Mike explained.

Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

Mike’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone facing challenges. His story emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-reflection, and setting ambitious goals. “Running has taught me that we can do hard things,” Mike said. “Whether it’s overcoming addiction or pushing through a tough race, the mindset of an endurance athlete is crucial.”

Looking ahead, Mike plans to focus more on trail running and potentially longer endurance events. “Next year, I want to run more trails and explore multi-day events,” he shared. “The classic endurance running events like Western States and Hardrock are becoming more attractive.”

Mike Hahn’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start anew and achieve great things. His story of sobriety and endurance sports along with the lessons learned is an inspiration to all endurance athletes. “If my journey can inspire just one person to take that first step, then it’s all worth it,” Mike concluded. As Mike continues to push his limits and inspire others, his story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for anyone striving to overcome their own challenges.

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