Ryan Mains is an Iraq War veteran and a former firefighter of 14 years who just recently won his disability pension case, in light of PTSD forcing him out of his career. Even more recently, on May 22, 2021, he took on a 115K - one kilometer for every firefighter who completed suicide in 2020. It's an annual fund- and awareness-raising run called Run for Our Lives, which Ryan and his wife, Danielle, started in the summer of 2019.

But Ryan was only able to completed about 95 of those kilometers because of overwhelming heat and humidity that left paramedics unable to find a vein while trying to administer an IV at an aid station.

We talked about the insurmountable challenge, and the reality that him admitting enough was enough, that it wasn't safe for him to keep running, was the perfect example of the message he's been pushing: It's OK to not be OK.

To hear more of the Mains' story, check out Episode 13 of the podcast, which stars Danielle. Her perspective on the partner's role in recovery is invaluable.

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This episode was presented by Gateway Foundation. If drugs and alcohol are starting to take over your life, or the life of someone you love, it’s time to be honest and enlist some help. Gateway offers life-saving inpatient services, as well as virtual treatment. Call 877-505-HOPE to schedule a consultation, or visit gatewayfoundation.org for more information.

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Catch me on IGTV (@40000_Steps) and Facebook Live at 11 a.m. CST every Tuesday and Thursday. Join the discussion. Bring your own snacks.

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If you or someone you know would like to star on the podcast, or be interviewed on IGTV, email us at [email protected].

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