477 Days Sober: My Unexpected Journey to Clarity
EverBold Newsletter: 04/1/25: #getbolder
It’s been 477 days since I last poured a glass of wine—January 1, 2024, to be exact. I’m a 5-time CrossFit Games Masters Champ, but for years, I leaned on two, three, sometimes four glasses of wine every night. I wasn’t stumbling drunk or causing a scene, but I was poisoning myself, and I knew it. Here’s the story of why I quit, what’s changed, and why I’m never looking back.
The Wake-Up Call
I didn’t think I had a problem. I’d drink boxed wine—Bota Box, the sneaky kind where you lose track of how much you’re having. Two glasses at dinner, maybe one or two more after everyone went to bed. Never in the afternoon, never driving, always “under control.” But by 2023, I was opening a new box every three days—four bottles’ worth. Even when I cut back for competitions, I’d still have one or two. I woke up fine, hit my workouts, won titles. No big deal, right?
Wrong. Deep down, I knew I was hurting myself. New Year’s Eve 2023, I was sick as a dog but still drank four glasses. The next morning, my wife called it out: “You were sick and still drank.” I was pissed—mostly at myself, because she was right. That was it. I was done. Angry, resentful, but done.
The Swap: Root Beer and Resilience
Quitting wasn’t pretty. I swapped wine for sugar-free root beer, Topo Chico, Pellegrino—anything to keep my hands busy. Early on, I guzzled caffeine-free A&W, then got a SodaStream for carbonated water with a splash of lemon. Now, I’m a 49-year-old sipping tea at night (don’t tell anyone). I didn’t feel like Superman after a week, or even a month. Honestly, I was disappointed—I thought sobriety would make me feel invincible. It didn’t. But something shifted.
My HRV (heart rate variability) shot up—from 70 on a good day to 150-180 now. That’s double, and at 49, it’s a big deal. My recovery scores are higher, my engine’s running cleaner. I’m not poisoning myself anymore. I fall asleep easier—no more worrying I’d toss and turn without wine’s numbness. I’m saving a ton of cash, too—no more Bota Boxes or bar tabs. And the best part? I don’t crave that sedation like I used to. I’m more at ease, whether I’m at home or out with friends.
The Real Win: Showing Up Clear
Sobriety carried me through the toughest CrossFit Games yet in 2024—100% sober. The stress was brutal, and old me would’ve leaned on extra wine to cope. But I didn’t, and I won. Maybe I wouldn’t have if I was still drinking. I’ve also had moments I’ll never forget: rocking a Tool concert stone-cold sober, ear protection and all, and waking up feeling like a million bucks. No hangover, no haze—just me, fully present.
Sponsor Spotlight: Thirdzy Fuels My Recovery
Recovery’s been key to this journey—mental and physical. That’s where Thirdzy Rest and Recovery Collagen comes in. It’s my go-to for deep, restorative sleep, keeping me sharp for training and life. If you’re grinding hard, give it a shot with code Jasonzzz at checkout. Better rest, better you—it’s that simple.
Coaching Takeaway: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
I’m not preaching—sobriety’s my path, not everyone’s. But I learned this: you don’t need a rock-bottom moment to make a change. I wasn’t a mess; I was just stuck. Admitting I might be an alcoholic took guts, but it set me free. Whatever you’re holding onto—a habit, a crutch—know you can let go. It won’t be easy, and it might not feel like a movie montage. But it’s worth it.
Your Move: Start Small, Stay Bold
Want to take a step? Here’s how:
Swap One Habit: Trade a nightly drink for sparkling water or tea. Small shifts add up.
Track Your Wins: Use an app or watch to monitor sleep or HRV. Data keeps you honest.
Lean on Support: Tell a friend or join a community like Bolder Athlete. You’re not alone.
I’m 477 days sober and counting, deep into 2025 with a clear head and a fire for my sixth Games title. What’s your next bold move?
Stay Bold,
Jason Grubb
5-Time CrossFit Games Masters Champ
Bolder Athlete Founder
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