Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Running Tales with Craig Lewis podcast! In this episode, Craig sits down with Joe Hardin, the incredible host of the 'Beyond the Finish Line' podcast. Joe's story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of running in recovery. Join us as we delve into Joe's personal journey of overcoming substance abuse and addiction, and how running became a cornerstone of his recovery and mental health. 🎙️ Introduction and Podcast Network (00:03 - 10:09) Craig kicks off the conversation by introducing Joe Hardin, a passionate trail runner and the host of the 'Beyond the Finish Line' podcast. Joe shares how he became a part of the Everyday Athlete podcast network in January and his involvement with Run Tri Bike. He also talks about his innovative project, 'What's in Your Earbuds?,' where he dives into the music that motivates runners. 🏃 Joe's Personal Story (10:10 - 18:54) Joe opens up about his struggle with substance abuse and addiction, sharing his journey towards sobriety. Celebrating his sobriety birthday on December 1, 2019, Joe recounts the health issues he faced, including a lung abscess and pancreatitis, and his rock-bottom moment that led to his decision to turn his life around. 🌟 Recovery and Running Journey (18:55 - 30:03) Running played a pivotal role in Joe's recovery. He discusses the support from his family and 12-step programs that helped him along the way. Joe shares his first running experiences, starting with a turkey trot 5K and eventually progressing to longer distances. He talks about his transition from road running to trail running and ultramarathons, emphasizing how running has become a vital part of his life. 🏞️ Ultra Running and Community (30:05 - 41:36) Joe dives into his experiences with ultramarathons and backyard ultras, highlighting the inclusive nature of the trail running community. He explains how running has helped him confront mental health issues and the importance of slowing down and enjoying the journey in ultra running. 🎵 Music and Running (41:36 - 50:06) The discussion shifts to Joe's podcast, 'What's in Your Earbuds?,' where he shares his favorite music for running. He recommends bands like Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, and artist Norman Sand. The conversation touches on various music genres and how expanding musical horizons can enhance the running experience. Joe also shares his favorite race fuel: Uncrustables! 🔮 Future Plans and Reflections (50:06 - 59:37) Looking ahead, Joe discusses his ambitious plans for future races, including a 100-mile race and potentially a 200-mile race. He reflects on the growth of the Everyday Athlete podcast network and the importance of sharing everyday athletes' stories. Joe emphasizes personal growth and the ongoing journey of recovery, inspiring listeners to pursue their goals and dreams. If Joe's story resonates with you or if you're looking for motivation to kickstart your training, this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the full conversation and get inspired by Joe's journey of resilience and the transformative power of running. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories and training tips. Share your thoughts and let us know what motivates you to run!