Founder's Message
“I realized that I’m stronger than I thought.”
“Being part of a team showed me that we’re stronger together.”
“I learned that I don’t have to go through life alone.”
“I can do whatever I put my mind to.”
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These are some of the many comments I would hear week after week as the volunteer coach of Beit T’Shuvah’s Los Angeles Marathon team. Offered as part of their residential addiction treatment program, the marathon training is a great opportunity to restore one’s physical health while practicing the life skills and developing the mindset that support recovery. Many of the team member have come back years later to tell me that crossing the finish line was life-changing. It was essential to their long term sobriety.
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And that’s what got me thinking. “Every addiction program should offer their clients this experience.” Not that everyone needs to run a marathon, but everyone battling addiction should have the opportunity to learn that regular exercise is physically, mentally, and emotionally healing. And, training toward a challenging goal with the support of their sober community, provides even more benefits.
Coaching the
Beit T'Shuvah Running4Recovery
Los Angeles Marathon Team 2015
That’s why, in 2018, I walked away from a successful career to start Strides in Recovery. Today we bring goal-oriented group walking/running programs to addiction treatment programs throughout Southern California. Our goal is to keep growing and bringing these life changing experiences to more recovery communities..
Substance use disorders have derailed so many lives, but it doesn't have to be that way. With your support, and the support of our partner organizations, donors, volunteers, and team members, the Strides in Recovery community is working together to be part of the solution.
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Thank you for your interest and support.
-Leslie Gold
Today, Strides in Recovery coaches and volunteers bring the healing power of exercise to addiction treatment programs throughout Southern California. Together we are growing physically, emotionally, and mentally stronger. Together we are supporting sobriety, one stride at a time.
