Sally Hed Dahlquist talks with the unstoppable Christy Larson, a runner, outdoor lover, wife, and woman who fought her way back to herself after alcohol had taken over her health, confidence, and sense of identity.

Christy shares the honest turning point that changed everything: her husband finding hidden bottles throughout the house and telling her the truth she did not want to hear... that alcohol was killing her. After ER visits, high blood pressure scares, a pulmonary embolism, weight gain, secrecy, and fear, Christy made the choice to stop drinking and begin rebuilding her life one day at a time.

Now more than three years sober, Christy has reclaimed her energy, confidence, love of running, and joy in being outdoors. Her story is a reminder that recovery is not about becoming someone new. Sometimes, it is about fighting your way back to the person you were all along.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• How Christy recognized that alcohol had changed her mentally, physically, and emotionally
• The painful but powerful moment that pushed her toward sobriety
• Why honesty, support, and daily choices became essential to her recovery
• How running helped Christy reconnect with strength, confidence, and possibility
• What she learned from completing her first marathon, even when it did not go as planned
• Why she now looks forward instead of backward

Key Takeaways:

• Recovery starts with honesty, even when the truth is hard to face.
• A strong support system can help you keep choosing yourself when things get difficult.
• Progress does not have to happen overnight to be real.
• Running can become more than exercise. It can become proof that you are still capable.

Medical Disclaimer:

This episode is for personal storytelling and general informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and anyone struggling with alcohol use, substance use, mental health concerns, chest pain, blood pressure issues, pulmonary embolism symptoms, or any other health concern should consult a qualified medical professional.

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or substance use, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help. Call their hotline at: 1-800-662-4357

Support the Mission:

Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose: to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.

Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com
or mail a check to:
PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA

In this solo edition of Sally’s Hotline, host Sally Hed Dahlquist explores one of the most difficult decisions athletes face: knowing when to stop.

After completing 181 marathons, and recording five DNFs (Did Not Finish), Sally shares the story of her most recent marathon withdrawal at Wisconsin’s Pine Line Marathon and explains how she recognized the difference between normal fatigue, mental discouragement, and signs that her body genuinely needed rest.

This episode is about perseverance, self-awareness, and learning that sometimes stopping is not failure... it’s wisdom.

In this episode:

• Sally’s firsthand account of quitting a marathon at mile 16.5
• The physical and emotional warning signs that should never be ignored
• How to tell the difference between discomfort, exhaustion, injury, and illness
• A practical checklist for deciding whether to continue or stop
• Six simple ways to reset your body and mindset mid-race
• The story of Christy, a struggling first-time marathoner who found the strength to finish
• Why helping another runner helped Sally regain confidence herself

Sally’s Six-Step Mid-Race Reset

When things begin falling apart during a race, Sally recommends:

1. Walk briefly and allow your body to recover
2. Correct your posture and stand upright
3. Take several deep breaths to reset your breathing
4. Honestly assess your symptoms and energy levels
5. Adjust clothing or cooling strategies for comfort
6. Seek encouragement, support, or a pep talk

These small adjustments can completely change the trajectory of a difficult race.

This episode is dedicated to Christy, a first-time marathoner Sally met during the Eau Claire Marathon who was ready to quit at mile 17.5. With a little guidance, encouragement, and determination, Christy found the strength to continue and finish her race.

Important Disclaimer

This podcast episode reflects Sally’s personal experiences as an endurance athlete and is intended for informational and motivational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional regarding injuries, illness, chest pain, dizziness, or any health concerns before, during, or after athletic activity.

Support the Mission

Unstoppable: Stories That Move is raising funds for medical research focused on cancer and other diseases.

To support the mission or donate:
unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com

In this edition of Sally's Hotline, we hear from the unstoppable Gregory David, photographer, filmmaker, skydiver, skier, and a man who has had to start over in life more times than most of us can imagine. From breaking his back in a parachute accident, to immigrating to the United States from South Africa, to rebuilding after personal loss, Gregory knows firsthand what it means to fall, literally and figuratively, and choose to get back up anyway.

Rather than offering easy answers, Gregory speaks from deep experience about what actually gets you through the hardest seasons of life: discipline, belief, mental rehearsal, and the willingness to stay focused on your goal even when progress feels invisible.

This short but powerful tip episode is a reminder that the beginning is always the hardest part, and that if you can imagine something clearly enough, you are already closer to doing it than you think.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Why the beginning of any hard thing is always the most difficult
• How progress becomes exponential once you push through the early resistance
• The difference between hope and belief
• How Gregory and his skydiving team learned to do things that had never been done before, one pattern at a time
• Why mental rehearsal is just as important as physical training

Key Takeaways:

• Don't give up just because it starts hard. Everything does.
• Believe you have the capacity to improve.
• Discipline and focus compound over time. Progress that feels slow is still progress.

If you want to hear Gregory's full story including skydiving championships, filming Hollywood movies in apartheid-era South Africa, refusing spinal surgery against doctor's orders, and his philosophy on consciousness and inner change, listen to Episode 43 of Unstoppable: Stories That Move.

Support the Mission:

Unstoppable: Stories That Move is a podcast with a purpose to raise $1 million for medical research to help fund cures for cancer and other diseases. With NIH budgets being cut, your support matters more than ever.

Donate today at unstoppablestoriesthatmove.com or mail a check to: PO Box 12, Afton, MN 55001, USA