Running Saved My Life | Beyond The Finish Line Guest: Doug Fingliss

Doug Fingliss’ story is powerful and can be considered to be indicative of the phrase, running saved my life. As endurance athletes, we often find ourselves searching for deeper meaning in our training. For Doug, that search began at rock bottom. In this episode of Beyond The Finish Line, hosted by Joe Hardin, Doug reveals how running and endurance sports helps him with his sobriety. In this conversation, Doug also chats about rebuilding his life after addiction, mental health struggles, and a near-death experience.

Hitting Rock Bottom: Doug’s Turning Point

In 2015, Doug was struggling with alcoholism and deep emotional trauma. Years of pain and silence led to a suicide attempt that landed him in the ER. That night became the moment everything changed. For the first time, Doug chose honesty—with himself and with his family. With support from Alcoholics Anonymous and therapy, he began walking the long road to recovery. From that day, the phrase running saved my life became more than 4 words. It became a guiding light.

Now over nine years sober, Doug shares that sobriety isn’t just about avoiding alcohol. Sobriety is about rebuilding trust, healing past wounds, and learning how to live again.

Running as a Lifeline

For Doug, movement became medicine. What started as daily walks turned into a love for running, and in 2017, he crossed the finish line of his first marathon. Running became more than a goal—it was a way to process emotions, find clarity, and cope with life’s ups and downs. He compares it to the high he used to chase with alcohol, but now it’s anchored in purpose, not pain.

Doug also speaks openly about the emotional crash that can come after a big race—the sense of emptiness that many endurance athletes experience. Through therapy, mindfulness, and meditation, he continues to do the work it takes to maintain mental and emotional balance.

ADVERTISEMENT – Use Code RunTriBike To Save 20% Off Your Order

Building Community Through Recovery Roadrunners

Doug didn’t stop at personal transformation. He’s now on a mission to help others through Recovery Road Runners, an organization that supports people in addiction recovery by connecting them to running. Recovery Road Runners funds race entries, provides gear like shoes, and helps establish local run clubs—creating a sense of community and belonging for those in recovery.

His next big project? Running across the state of Indiana this August to raise funds and awareness for the cause. Doug is also working on launching a virtual race with custom awards and expanding run clubs to new cities like San Luis Obispo.

Setbacks, Self-Awareness, and a Bigger Vision

Doug’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. He shares his struggles with injuries, unsuccessful Boston Marathon qualifying attempts, and family challenges—including caring for aging parents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He also reflects on how sugar cravings replaced old drinking habits, revealing the complexity of recovery.

But Doug never lets setbacks define him. Instead, they fuel his work—including his nearly completed documentary Beyond the Finish Line, created in collaboration with international filmmakers. The film captures his authentic highs and lows, furthering his mission to show others that healing is possible.

Why Doug’s Story Matters to Endurance Athletes

Doug’s transformation is a reminder that the miles we run are never just physical. His story is proof that running can be a powerful tool for mental clarity, emotional healing, and community impact.

Doug’s story encourages you to show up with intention, embrace the process, and remember that beyond the finish line lies a journey worth taking.