Clean Break Chats

Mark Long has been losing his sight since he was 12 years old. For most of that time, he pretended everything was fine - hiding his condition, masking it with alcohol, and performing a version of himself he thought the world needed to see. It took a car crash, a divorce, and a gym full of tears listening to a podcast about suicide to finally make him stop.

Now registered blind, 16 months alcohol-free, and training for a 25K SAS selection route through the Brecon Beacons, Mark is a qualified positive psychology life coach who's building a life he actually recognises. He talks to Rich and Andy about using drink to cover up his vision loss in social situations, the moment he realised his relationship with alcohol was quietly destroying his marriage, what it feels like to run when you can barely see, and why he refuses to be defined by his blindness.

He's also running the Fan Dance on 2nd May to raise money for Guide Dogs UK - the charity that gave him Mary, his black lab and, by the sound of it, his best mate. Links to donate in the show notes.

Sponsored by Authentic Brew. Use code CB10 at authenticbrew.com for 10% off.

Tpo Sponsor Mark use this link - https://www.justgiving.com/page/pounds-for-puppy-penny?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020

What is Clean Break Chats?

🎙️ Clean Break Chats – Mindful Miles and AF Lifestyles.

Hosted by Andy and Rich – two ordinary guys who’ve discovered something extraordinary through living alcohol-free. Andy lives by the sea in sunny Spain, and Rich’s home base is in Leeds, UK. What they share is a passion for running, a commitment to alcohol-free living, and a desire to help others unlock the same freedom and joy.

Formerly known as The Running Dryy podcast, this re-branded podcast is part of their new venture Clean Break – a growing community dedicated to helping runners break free from booze and tap into their full potential. Between them, Andy and Rich have run multiple marathons and ultra events, and they credit going alcohol-free as their superpower.

Each episode features raw, honest conversations between the two – full of laughs, insights, and the kind of chat you'd have on a long run with your best mate. They also invite brilliant guests to share their own stories of transformation, triumph, and what it means to live, run, and thrive without alcohol.

Whether you’re sober-curious, in recovery, or just want to hear real stories about finding meaning through movement and mindset, Clean Break Chats is your new go-to listen.

👟 Come for the running.
💬 Stay for the community.
✨ Leave feeling inspired.