The reason I’m taking on 10 runs in 10 days is bigger than just running.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an addictive personality. Whether it’s been gambling, drinking, darts, sea glass collecting, work, or something else entirely, I’ve always needed something to throw myself into. I often found myself chasing the next thing, the next buzz, or the next distraction.

For many years, alcohol became my coping mechanism. It was my way of dealing with stress, switching off, escaping problems, and getting through difficult times. While it may have felt like a release in the moment, it often created more challenges than it solved.

Running has given me a different outlet. It has shown me that the determination, focus, and drive that once fed unhealthy habits can be redirected into something positive. Every mile is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about giving something up, it’s about finding something better to move towards.

These 10 runs in 10 days are a personal challenge, but they’re also a statement. They represent resilience, growth, and the belief that our struggles don’t have to define us. If anything, they can become the fuel that drives us forward.

I’m doing this to prove to myself that positive habits can be just as powerful as destructive ones. I’m doing it to raise awareness of addiction and recovery. Most importantly, I’m doing it to show that change is possible, one step, one mile, and one day at a time.