
Today marks 1750 days since I gave up drinking, and in just 40 days, I'll be running my first full marathon.
I had just turned 39 when I suffered a mental breakdown, and alcohol was a huge factor in the depression and mental anguish I found myself trapped in. For years, I had been battling low self-esteem and confidence issues, turning to alcohol as a way to cope. But every time I drank, I'd wake up feeling worse — physically and emotionally. I got tired of waking up sick, hungover, and feeling the relentless throbbing pain in my side that would wake me up at 4 am as if my body was begging me to change.
It wasn't easy in the beginning. The first few months after quitting were some of the hardest. The energy and willpower it took to push through those initial weeks and months felt like a marathon (or at least, what I imagine it will feel like!) But once I stopped drinking, I realized how much more time there was in the day. Mornings were fresher, evenings were longer, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I had my life back. I wanted to use that time to become a better husband and a better father and to work on my mental health.

I knew I needed something to replace drinking. I chose running.
Now, I wasn't starting completely from scratch. I had run off and on over the years, but only for short distances. Running more than 25 minutes felt impossible back then. But as I got into a routine of early-morning gym sessions — strength training, a couple of kilometers on the treadmill — something started to shift. I began running outside, gradually increasing my distance, and the better I felt, the less I craved alcohol. I didn't want anything, including drinking, to get in the way of my running.
As the months turned into years, I started running a little further and faster. I researched training methods, learned about the importance of slow runs, and began to understand that it wasn't always about going all out. (Though I'll admit, I still struggle following the "rules" about staying in Zone 2!)

I entered my first 10K race — a small event near Tokyo Bay. It was a huge step forward for me. I remember pinning on the race number for the first time, standing on the start line, and feeling the buzz. Most runners around me were wearing the latest carbon super shoes while I stood in my heavy training shoes. And somehow, I won the race. Crossing the finish line, I didn't even realize I had won until someone told me. The rush of emotion in that moment was unlike anything I had ever experienced — certainly better than anything alcohol could offer.
From there, I kept building. My body started to change, and I was running faster. I started doing Parkruns and more 10K races, and eventually, I tackled my first half marathon. I joined a running club, which opened new doors and new opportunities. And now, here I am — 40 days away from the Kobe Marathon.
For those 42.195 kilometers, I'm not going to worry about paces, times, or positions. This marathon is going to be a personal (and probably very long!) celebration of my journey.

I don't like to preach about alcohol or giving it up. I understand the buzz, the appeal. But if you find yourself in a place where alcohol is no longer bringing you joy, or worse, it's affecting your mental health — just stop.
Stop drinking. Start running.
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