‘I learned that running helped me replace the role alcohol used to play’
Tara Estevez-Seickel is running to raise awareness and funds for substance use disorder recovery services.
In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon runners share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston. If you’re running the marathon, you can share your #WhyImRunningBoston story here.
Name: Tara Estevez-Seickel
Age: 51
From: Old Tappan, N.J.
At 14 years old, alcohol became my coping mechanism, my social primer, and the center of my world. It progressed into full-blown substance use disorder and slowly brought me to my knees at the age of 40. After 26 years, I’m getting sober.
I learned that running helped me replace the role alcohol used to play. I run marathons to celebrate the freedom of replacing 26 years of active addiction with the extra effort it takes on a daily basis to stay sober. I’m running for the Herren Project to raise awareness and funds for SUD recovery services.
Editor’s note: Entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.
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