I Quit Alcohol to Train for a 30K. The Result Was Actually Not What I Expected.
Runner's World
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Giving up alcohol was a pivotal step in the author’s journey to train for a 30K run on their 30th birthday. Initially, they thought quitting drinking would help them achieve their running goal, but the experience turned out to be more complicated than expected. After years of relying on alcohol to cope with stress and negative emotions, the author found themselves struggling with sleep deprivation and hangovers that interfered with their training. However, a wake-up call during a night of excessive mulled wine consumption inspired them to make a change. They decided to cut out alcohol for the remainder of their training period, which included navigating the challenges of Christmas and New Year’s Eve sober—a feat not accomplished since they were 14.
Reflecting on their past, the author reveals how alcohol became a crutch starting at 15, influenced by their parents’ divorce and a desire to fit in with a group of peers. Over time, this habit escalated into heavy drinking and smoking, which eventually led to panic attacks when they moved to the U.S. and had to quit smoking due to their host family’s strict rules. Exercise became an escape, but it wasn’t until their 30th birthday training that they truly committed to breaking free from alcohol’s grip.
The author’s story highlights the often-overlooked connection between substance use and mental health, particularly in relation to achieving physical fitness goals. By quitting alcohol, they not only improved their running performance but also gained a new perspective on their relationship with drinking. However, the aftermath of completing their 30K challenge revealed that their feelings about alcohol had shifted in ways they hadn’t anticipated. This unexpected emotional journey underscores the complexity of habit-breaking and the importance of self-reflection when pursuing major fitness milestones.
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Originally published on Runner's World on 2/13/2026