In 2011 when Blu Robinson undertook a new job as a therapist working with people struggling from addiction and looking for purpose — he wanted to find a way to connect and help his patients. Having a history of addiction himself, Blu looked back at how he became clean 16 years previously for inspiration. It was through running the trails of the Wasatch Mountains where he learned to build a foundation that led him to erase his addictions and replace them healthy meaningful habits.
Blu, a non-runner, knew that if he was able to find a more excellent way of life through running — so could his patients. Starting the free community group, Addict II Athlete (AIIA), the group quickly gained momentum. AIIA’s vision is to assist new athletes in recovery from addiction and get them on the path of healing and achieving into a life free of addiction.
The AIIA family is not just for those dealing with addiction, but for their families and others impacted by addiction. Many athletes find their legs training for 5Ks and fun runs, but fight their ways to longer and tougher distances. Many athletes have battled ultra running distances of 50, 100 to 125+ miles. These long distances require much mental negotiating and resolve and for many of these athletes while the task at may be difficult, but they know is not impossible — as many of them have overcome so much already.
The Addict II Athlete Podcast highlights many of these of athletes. The ones who have overcome and conquered much — whether it’s addiction, mountain peaks or both. Coach Blu not just sits down with many of these inspiring athletes to not just talk about their journeys, but to also share his own philosophies, insight and motivation. The AIIA Podcast in unlike any on the Radio Ronin Podcast Network — it’s wide range of emotions will leave you inspired and motivated to do the hard things in life and turn your mess into a message.
Currently AIIA has chapters around Utah in Utah, Salt Lake, Davis, Cache, Washington, Iron, Beaver, Uintah counties along with a chapter in Elko, Nevada. You can find chapter meeting locations and times here. All are welcome and invited to join the meetings. Find out more at addicttoathlete.com.
