My name is Christy. Or you can call me RoS. Or you can call me BAMF. I’ll answer to just about anything.
I am a runner. I have run a few half-marathons, and I completed my first full marathon last November!!! I started running with the Couch to 5k program, and as cheesy as it sounds, it really did change my life. This June, I’ve started training for Marathon #2 sometime in late Fall. Apparently, I’m a glutton for punishment. Though, really, I’m more of a glutton for cookies and Reese’s, and running lets me eat without too much guilt.
I am a music, book, quote and movie geek, but music is my main love. I love all music, even rap and country. Singer-songwriters and acoustic stuff are my favorites though, because they combine poetry, story-telling and song all together. My favorite artist will always be Sade — she’s an angel.
I love mandarin oranges, apple rooibos tea, cookie dough ice cream, french vanilla coffee creamer and Reese’s peanut butter cups. I am currently obsessed with Greek Yogurt – Fage 0% Greek Yogurt is my current addiction — and I deplored yogurt as a child, go figure.
I have a small zoo; I love all animals. Well, if they have legs. Fur helps too. I currently have a cat, two dogs, two donkeys, and nine cows (with two more calves on the way as of today) (Scratch that, no calves, apparently I just have some really fat cows.) I’d have more animals, but I have a husband too.
I am a recovering alcoholic. I’m generally not big on labels or one-word definitions, but truly, I cannot drink in moderation. My drinking started to create problems, drama, stress and unhealthy habits for me and my loved ones, so I quit. It took me a few tries, but my last drink was on May 06, 2011. I believe there are many paths to a healthy recovery; I don’t believe any one single method or program is better than another, as long as it works for you and helps you stay sober. AA and lots of sugar helped me get sober; running, blogging, honesty and not drinking are some current tools that help me stay sober.
As far as posts, I typically average 2 a week; sometimes more, sometimes less depending on how I’m feeling and how much time I have. I tend to share quotes, poetry and music that I enjoy–I try to relate it all to something going on with me or others. I write about life, death, getting and staying sober, music, quotes and poetry, people that I find interesting, recovery, silver linings, bacon, cookies, bacon cookies, running, and whatever else crosses my mind.
I share a fairly regular series of weekend quotes, music, and poetry posts called “Words for the Weekend.” To read more about my typical posts and style, visit my post “Scattered, Smothered and Covered (My blog’s theme?)“. I also have a page for running music, motivational and inspirational videos, and a contact and resources page with all sorts of addiction and mental health links.
My blog name is inspired by the Jackson Browne song “Running on Empty.” Except I’m not empty, I’m just sober.
And if I had to pick a quote to sum up my views on life, I have to borrow from the movie “American Beauty“:
“I guess I could be pretty pissed off about what happened to me
but it’s hard to stay mad when there’s so much beauty in the world.
Sometimes I feel like I’m seeing it all at once, and it’s too much,
my heart fills up like a balloon that’s about to burst…and then I remember to relax,
and stop trying to hold on to it,
and then it flows through me like rain
and I can’t feel anything but gratitude
for every single moment
of my stupid little life…You have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m sure.
But don’t worry.You will someday.”
I currently live in the ginormous state of Texas, but Georgia will always be on my mind.
~
I appreciate, encourage and respond to most comments. While I respect most points of view, I reserve the right to edit or delete disrespectful comments, SPAM, or personal attacks on myself or other commenters. I respect your privacy; I do not track my visitors, nor do I divulge any of your personal information. Any links provided by me are a courtesy only and only for entertainment and education; I do not generate any revenue from this blog. I do my best to provide links to original work or links to purchase material via Amazon, though if you are the original work’s owner and would prefer it removed or edited, please contact me. Yes, feel free to reblog; you may quote my work as well, just please list RunningOnSober.com as the source and provide a link to the post you are quoting. Any questions about anything, please email me via my “contact and resources” page.
~
Last updated: June 9, 2013
Christy,
Thanks for the follow on WP. Good for you: getting and staying gettingsober, a year recovered, being a runner, loving animals, etc. We may have a lot in common. Hope to get to know you as we blog together. When is your sobriety anniversary? I’ll be following your blog. I like everthing you wrote. There is so much power (the freedom kind of power) in the written word. Keep it up.
With love, Lisa Neumann
Hi Lisa, I saw this comment as I decided to make a few minor updates to my page. Can you believe you were my very first commenter on my About page? I LOVE THAT! I don’t love that I didn’t reply back, but being brand new to blogging, I didn’t know to do so–I left you a comment on your blog instead. So here I am, saying thank you, and I am so happy to have you as a friend. Love you lots! Christy
nice to meet you Christy! thanks for stopping by my blog, and welcome to the blogosphere.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping by as well. Enjoy your weekend!
great Blog your journey will touch many, many lives… We all have some sort of darkness that within us that attacks our insecurities and weaknesses and we use other things to mask our pain.. You just pulled off your mask and empowered your true self which in turn will help others remove the masks that do not need to be worn.! Blessings
Thank you so much WOW. Powerful and touching message as always. Yeah, some people have a shoe or purse collection, I collect masks. I find myself going more and more without hiding behind one though- it truly is a journey. Blessings to you too friend.
I’M A QUOTE GEEK TOO!!!!! All my work emails have random quotes that I LOVE ~
I am an on-again/off-again runner. I prefer ice hockey & biking …but all physical activity makes me happy. I just need to MOVE daily – for mental clairty and to have an excuse to have more music playing in my ears.
I just read The Blogess – she’s hilarious. I love hilarious!! Thank you!!
I’m glad you checked her out! I met her a few months ago at a signing and she is just the sweetest and funniest lady. I have a ton of respect for her.
I think you hit the nail on the head on why I have clicked so much with this whole running thing. Mental clarity and music me time. I was never a runner growing up. Why else would I even *want* to run twenty-six miles? The days I don’t move, like my “rest” days, I can really tell a difference with my mood. Ice hockey, huh? I had a Canadian boyfriend who loved it, so I tried to got into it for him briefly, but as he and I parted ways, so did my interest in ice hockey. I’ve just never lived anywhere with ice.
And quotes…. I. Love. Them. I could post them everyday, but I am conciously trying to flex my own writing voice muscles. I used to write in my younger days, but it slipped away over time. It’s coming back. It’s been a long time, but it’s coming back. ::happy dance:: Just be gentle with me, oh Grammar Princess, as my inner grammar geek is coming back slower than my inner writing voice. I am well-intentioned.
And the music. Ohhhhh the music……. Couldn’t live without it. Soul sisters indeed.
Thank you for the comment RMR. <3
I started playing hockey with a friend (I have always loved ice skating) and I loved playing (just defense) – then we both started running- she’s now doing iron man…I peaked at 6 miles and now I just try to run when the weather is nice (in Tucson, that’s late fall thru March)…but I’m a 3 miler.
WHOO HOO FOR US!
I found you through a comment in another blog. The word sober in your blog name got me here. I am on that same journey. That and your music choices and writing will keep me following!
I’m so happy you found me! I wish you the best on your journey… life without buffers is quite a ride and so worth it.
There are some wonderful folks who blog about sober living; I have a few links up on my blog roll of writers who share their experiences from all stages of the game, feel free to check them out.
I look forward to sharing with you, thanks so much for the kind comment and for reaching out.
I have checked a few of them out and have begun to follow them! So many great living sober blogs. I love to get others experience to help in my journey!
Awesome! Hey, I’m glad you checked back… I’m going to add a few more sites to my list this week, I was hoping I could add you too. I’ve been laughing like a mad woman tonight reading some of your posts! May I add you to my recovery list? Or would you prefer my “other awesome blogs” list?
Either would be fine. I have 1 page called “The Chronicles of the Frame” that is the journey from arrest to my beginning in AA. Most of the rest are like you have read. I am thrilled that you enjoy them!
I think I forgot to say thank you for wanting to add me to your blog roll. That is very kind of you and I really appreciate it!!
You’re so welcome. It’s a rare gift to offer someone the gift of laughter. Especially to us recovery nuts that tend to take everything wayyy too seriously. You’ll be a fantastic addition.
Hi There…
thanks for following me, I’m always honored. I’m running out to see my sponsor get a cake for 15 years tonite, but wanted to say hi, and am looking forward to reading your blog.
Looks like we have a lot in common, sobriety, grief….but I will NEVER run!! Hah!
Michele
Hi Michele, it’s nice to “meet” you!
You said Caaaaaaake….
Hope it was delish!
Hi Running…. thanks for cruising my blog. Good to know a bit about your journey. Blogging has helped me tremendously in my recovery. Can gain perspectives in ways quite unique and distinct to other recovery experiences and communities. See ya on the blogs.
Chaz
Nice to meet you Chaz
Blogging has been a cool world to delve into. I’ve met some really awesome folks who are walking similar paths.
I appreciate the comment, take care.
HEY I LIKE YOUR ABOUT, I DID HAVE THAT I AM IN RECOVERY IN MY ABOUT BUT I TOOK IT OUT, MY CLEAN DATE IS SEPTEMBER 24 I’M GETTING READY TO CELEBRATE 2 YEARS,,,HORRAY FOR ME(:!!!! THX I THINK I WILL PUT IT BACK IN MY ABOUT.
Hey girl, I’m glad you commented! I hear ya, in fact a lot of my sober friends and bloggers talk about trying to find that balance of accepting recovery as a part of who they are, without being “defined” by it, you know? I think it’s actually something to be proud of; fighting an addiction can make you a stronger and softer person. Follow your heart and share that if you want, but don’t “not” share it because of fear of what someone else would think; YOU be in control of your motivation. Hope that makes sense.
Congrats on your upcoming 2 year mark! That’s so inspirational! Less than 3 weeks- you got this girl!
I’m really enjoying your work, and I’m so happy you dropped by. Much love, RoS
What a great ‘about’ page. I’m impressed with the marathon running, your honesty, and your sobriety. Oh, okay, and the six cows, too.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I appreciate it!
One day I’ll be able to say, “I knew her when…” since you’re about to go all big time on us.
Cows are really just like big dogs. Except they poop a ton more (literally) and have scratchier tongues. But unlike dogs, they make excellent tax write-offs.
Honesty and running- two concepts that scared the beejeezus out of me just a few years ago. Life is strange!
Thanks for stopping by my corner of the blogging world, much appreciated!
Ha ha–”all big time.” Not likely. Big time for me is going to Target on a Friday instead of a Saturday.
Going to have to check out your weekend posts to see what you’re highlighting. And the music too. Can never find enough new stuff to listen to…
I think you found them, but I’ve got the weekend posts all filed as “Words for the Weekend.” I need to add my most recent running songs to the “Running Song” page, but in the interim, I’ve got them all marked in categories along the side of my homepage (songs & lyrics, running music). Hopefully you’ll find something you dig; I’m loving all the music on your blog! Tres cool!
Hey Christy… listen I enjoy your online journal, yours is one I still like to follow. It’s nice to know there are others that honestly get what I go thru on a daily basis. On a hour by hour basis really… with doubt and failure only a few steps behind. I’ve realized as tough as this journey is going to be it’s encouraging to see other addicts that are beating the odds and overcoming temptation everyday. Anyhow thanks for your inspirational quotes and positive feedback… keep on runnin sober.
Craig, wow! Thank you for the kind words, you really made my day. And I know there are so many awesome blogs out there, I humbled that you’ve stuck with me and found some things that inspire you here.
You’re right, sometimes it is hour by bloody hell hour. They’re fewer and farther between the longer you stay sober, but you never know when those cravings are gonna jump out at you. Like little whispers from the devil on your shoulder. But I liked how you said the other day, choose to live or choose to ddd (drink, drug, die). I’m gonna die soon enough, I don’t need to speed it along.
I’ll keep running Craig, as long as I’m able. Then I may be walkingonsober, lol. You stay sober too man- start that running plan! Thanks for the nice message!!!
Enjoyed and now following too! Keep on keeping on
That’s very kind, thank-you so much! I’ll keep on- somedays I’m a little slow- but I’m still moving forward.
Always nice to have company along for the journey- it makes those tough days a lot more bearable. So happy for your comment and your follow. My gratitude!
Hi Christy. I am not a marathoner, or even half-marathoner, but I do run (among other things) to stay healthy. Like you, I love animals, mandarin oranges and music – every kind. Glad to have found you. It was through Le Clown. He seems to be everywhere these days
Hi Fern! We’ve got a lot in common! I’ll be sure to check your blog out in more detail tomorrow.
That dang Le Clown has some magic tricks up his sleeves, he’s really been on a roll lately. A well deserved roll for all the time he invests, truly. So glad you found me through him!
Really glad you reached out, thank you! I look forward to sharing with you.
PS- your picture is badass. Totally.
As a rule of the Prolific Blogger Award, http://mentalnotes1.wordpress.com/ wanted me to write a poem which incorporated all the blogs she nominated. You were in that list. I finally wrote the poem and on Thursday, November 8th, at 4pm EST, the poem entitled “The Bloggers” will be posted on my blog. The name and link to your blog are within the context of the poem. Let me know if this is ok to post. If I don’t hear back, I’ll take that as permission. I think you’ll like it though, so when it’s posted you should check it out! http://sagedoyle.wordpress.com
Hey sure, why not?! If Latoya at MentalNotes thinks you’re cool, then you most certainly are.
Thanks for the heads up and for mentioning this. Marathon training and recovery have left me with a little catching up to do.
I look forward to following your work! ~ Ros
Great, thanks! Take the time you need after training, it’s important. Take care, Sage
http://mentalnotes1.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/the-challengethanks-httpsagedoyle-wordpress-com/
RUNNING ON SOBER YOU ROCK! (: HERE IS MY CHALLENGE,,,WHEW AND IT WAS A HARD ONE, MOST CERTAINLY NOT THE HARDEST THO , NOT BY A LONG SHOT (:
Tee hee, it was a hard challenge! But you’re right, we’ve conquered harder! Thanks again for the nomination!
And now I wanted to come and visit you! I love that you have a zoo. LOVE! I admire anyone who is a recovering substance abuser, because I know how much work goes into changing such a core thing. And I’ll just cheer you on for your marathons while I sit on the couch eating Cheetos.
Well come on!!! What are you waiting for? You’re welcome anytime, just be sure to bring extra Cheetos. Bacon flavored if they make ‘em that way. If not, we should totally make some. We’ll be rich!
(and thank you so much for your kind words, they mean the world to me.)
Congratulations! You’ve been nominated for a blog award!
See:
http://thelifeofathinker.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/blog-awards-thank-you-award-six-very-inspiring-blogger/
Thank you Liam! That’s very kind of you, and I greatly appreciate it.
You’re welcome!
Congratulations on being sober today & I love the idea of a couch to 5k programme. I am pretty much doing one of those now, but have injured my Achilles’ tendon so can’t run as obsessively as I would like (lol)
Love the American Beauty quote…. That’s one of my favourite films
And you’ve done a marathon!! Wow!! That is one of my goals…. If my foot ever gets better!!
One day at a time xx
Hi Barbara, thank-you! It’s lovely to meet you!
-Christy
If you love animals, then I love you! I like animals more than most people actually. Congrats on running a marathon! Wow, awesome! Thanks for the follow, you seem like an awesome person.
Hi Lily! So great to meet you. I’ve been noticing your comments everywhere lately on mutual friends’ blogs, so I knew I needed to come over and check out your blog. You seem like a really awesome person too! And yeah, if you’re an animal lover then we will hit it off instantly. I’m a huge softie when it comes to any animal.
I look forward to following you Lily!
xoxo, Christy
Christy
Thank you so much for all your comments, especially on my post Wylie & Me, they were as always gratefully received.
I’ve nominated you for the Reality Blog Award.
http://thebottomofabottle.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/my-first-blogging-award/
Once again, thank you so much for all your support.
Wayne
Awww, you are so kind Wayne, thank you. I will be sure to pay it forward, I’m hoping later this week. I hope today finds you well my friend.
- Christy
Congratulations! I’ve nominated you for a blog award! See:
thelifeofathinker.wordpress.com
For more info!
Thank you so much! You are spoiling me with awards *blush*. I really appreciate you, thank you again my friend.
Haha! You’re welcome!
Christy,
I have nominated you to received a star for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award.
http://thebottomofabottle.wordpress.com/2012/12/22/another-the-bottom-of-a-bottle-awards-ceremony/
Thank you so much for all your support over the last few months.
Forever grateful,
Wayne
Pingback: Let The Humorous Christmas Continue | The Bottom of a Bottle
March 13, 2011. No AA, yes sugar. And tea, lots of tea. I don’t run, I read. And, no, I haven’t written about it yet; don’t want to jinx it…
Hey Ross, thanks for the comment! Congrats on the 3/13/11, that’s really cool! I can understand not wanting to jinx it, I’m very cautious with a lot of my choices too. Feel free to “talk” about it (or anything) here anytime you’d like, everyone is pretty awesome–a good mix of sober folks, writers, music lovers, readers, and more.
Look forward to getting to know you and your blog! Thanks again for dropping by.
Not sure if this will notify you or not, Ross, but wanted to say happy two years! I don’t know why the heck I thought it was the 20th.
Anyway, I’m proud of you and I really love your blog and sense of humor. Congrats on your milestone!
You got me. Wow! And thanks so much. Now I’m off to a faculty reception to enjoys delightful Perrier with my peers. Cheers!
Congratulations on your road (and running) to recovery. The life of sobriety is a great way to live, and the only way to live for addicts. My boyfriend is almost 10 years sober this May, and if it weren’t for living a sober lifestyle, he’d either be in jail or not alive. Keep letting people know about your journey, one day at a time.
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for stopping by and for the kind words. Huge congrats to your boyfriend for nearing the ten year mark–that’s awesome! And that’s so true, given the progressing nature of addiction, most of us who don’t, won’t or can’t stop, ultimately end up in jails, institutions or morgues. Some days aren’t always easy, but when I look at those three choices, I will always gratefully choose sobriety.
I’m glad you found me–I look forward to following your work!
Christy
Hi Christy, I’m really glad to have found your blog because most people don’t know what sobriety means, and don’t understand the disease and the mind set of an addict or some one in recovery. It took me a while to fully grasp this, and I think it’s a huge accomplishment to embrace a sober lifestyle. I look forward to more of your posts as well.
Thanks for reading my blog-i will follow yours and invite you to follow mine as well. best wishes, beebeesworld
Hi beebee, thanks for the follow! Welcome!
So nice to meet you,
Christy
Hello friend. I made a note that I wanted to come back here when I had more time to really take some time to get to know you. I was impressed by our little chats yesterday and your warmth. I’m trying to be a more conscientious blogger, lol, and not just click like but give some attention to my new friends. Not always easy with a busy schedule but rest assured you touched me and now after cruising through your site I can see why; you’re one admirable kind hearted animal loving sober gal pal! So glad for this connection. I’ll be back. Paulette
You are an absolute sweetheart, Paulette! Thank you for every kind sentiment.
They’re like little waves “hello.”
I understand busy–please feel free to stop by as time permits and I’ll do the same. And I don’t mind “likes” at all, especially if they’re from known friends or followers, in fact I rather like them!
Enjoy today!
Awww, I like that, little waves of hello as we run by each other in cyberspace. Big hug to you.
I apologize I just now responded to your email. Don’t think I ignored it, I just didn’t see it. If I don’t respond, it’s a mistake, never intentional, don’t forget that
I would like to nominate you for the Liebster award which is given to up and coming bloggers to encourage them to continue their work. What is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. http://simplymejustbe.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/feeling-the-l-o-v-e-twice-as-nice/
Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you!
Haven’t seen you around in a bit.
Hope all is well, and you and the pooch and family are having fun.
Hi Guap, thanks for checking in. Been a bit under the weather, but starting to feel better I think. Thank you for dropping by, hope all is well for you and yours.
Hi! Just found you! Fellow marathoner here and recovering addict. We’re in this together! Blessings!
Hey there, I’m glad you found me! I love the name of your blog!
Blessings to you too, feel free to browse around and comment freely. Congrats on your recovery–running has been my saving grace in that regard. And maybe a few cookies too!
I love it when the about page of a blog tells me more about the blogger her/his life and yours is awesome. I am so honoured you came and liked what you saw, I admire you for finding all those tools to keep you sober and I am looking forward to know you better
Anyes
Thank you so much Anyes, what a beautiful comment!
I fell in love with your blog name, because I always try to walk in the light, and also because a few of my favorite people would call me Sunshine.
Oh forgot to mention I’ve been to your beautiful city. A past beau went to SFU, and I visited a few times. It’s gorgeous!
Thanks for dropping by–so happy our paths have crossed!
Christy
I feel the same Christy. I am not surprised you loved it when you visited SFU. I feel so lucky to be living in Vancouver, and I am glad we are going to get to know each other better
Love American Beauty and that quote is the best in the whole movie. So nice to meet you. Congratulations on your first marathon. That is quite a transformation from alcoholic to marathon runner. Gives me hope that we can all change. I was contemplating a saying today–it’s not the person you were born, but the person you become. {{{hugs]}} Kozo
Hi Kozo, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m glad Eric (Le Clown) mentioned you in a comment!
Thank you for the kind words. I truly agree that it’s not where we come from, but where end up that is most important. And it’s all about the journey… some of our journeys are just a little more arduous than others’, but I think that’s what gives us character and that oh-so-important compassion and empathy you discussed. Struggle can embitter or embolden. So nice to meet another emboldened spirit, Kozo!
Love, Christy
I could probably run 26 miles in a week if I really put my mind to it. No, seriously, that is very cool. Peace and strength on your roads ahead…
These days I’m thrilled if I can get 20 miles in a week! I still find it unfathomable that I ran 26.2 (don’t forget the .2!) all in one day. I think I may be crazy, but it keeps me from going insane (most days). Thanks for stopping by, and for the nice comment!
FYI – I found my way here when I saw your comment on Cayman Thorn’s blog. Your blog name was intriguing because I first thought of ‘Running on Empty’ (love that song), and I next thought of my father who has been sober for a few decades now.
Your writing is beautiful. I love the way you think. So much so, I’m sticking around for awhile. So run, Christy, run! I’ll hold your towel.
Woo-hoo! I’m so glad you’re planning to stick around, I’ve quickly grown quite fond of you and your work!
So much to love in your comment–I am thrilled for your dad with his double-digit sobriety, and I’m thrilled you found me through Cayman. I’d only recently “met” Cayman via mutual mentions on Guapola’s blog. I really love this domino effect of meeting new friends through blogging. And, yay!, you immediately got the Jackson Browne reference!
I’m so glad you commented, thank you!
~ Christy
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m looking forward to reading more of yours. Happy running.
Hi Patty! I found you via a “recommended link” when I was drafting my next training recap post, so you’ll actually be getting a mention on Tuesday.
I can’t wait to explore your blog more in the coming days. Thanks for visiting me in return, keep on running! ~ Christy