The Todd Crandell Story
Racing for Recovery; From Addict to Ironman
The book Racing for Recovery, co-written by Todd Crandell and John Hanc, details Crandell's 13-year addiction to drugs and alcohol, and his road to recovery. A former hockey goalie, Todd has been sober since April 15, 1993 and has used his love of sports to help him with his recovery efforts.
Ironman Training
After giving up drugs and alcohol, Crandell was looking for a new activity to occupy his time. The long hours required to train for an Ironman distance triathlon seemed quite appealing to Crandell; "We need to channel our addictive energies into something positive, and away from the craving that still gnaws at us. With my hockey career over, triathlon seemed like that positive outlet to me."
For anyone not familiar with an Ironman triathlon, it is a grueling event which includes a 2.4 mile open water swim, followed by a 112 mile road bike ride, followed by a 26.2 mile marathon run, all done in a single day.
Todd completed his first Ironman triathlon back in November of 1999, in a time of 14 hours, 12 minutes. Since completing that first Ironman, Todd has gone on to complete over 14 more Ironman distance triathlons.
About the Author
Todd formed the non-profit, Racing for Recovery Foundation, in 2001, as a way to help other substance abusers recover from their addictions. Crandell is the Founder and Executive Director of the Racing for Recovery Foundation. According to their website, "The mission of Racing for Recovery is to prevent all forms of substance abuse and to provide positive alternatives for those currently battling addictions by encouraging a lifestyle of fitness and health through 5K run/walk events across the nation."
The first 5K Race for Recovery took place on October 26, 2002 in Crandell's hometown of Sylvania, Ohio. The foundation now organizes 10K run/walks and half triathlons, in addition to their 5K events, throughout the country.
When he's not out training or racing, Todd gives motivational talks to high schools, community groups, drug treatment centers and other interested organizations. Crandell, along with the Racing for Recovery Foundation, also conducts a variety of support group meetings throughout the United States.
Personal Information
Todd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Lourdes College and a Master of Counseling degree from Spring Arbor University. Todd is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III. He lives and trains in Sylvania, Ohio, with his wife, Melissa, their two sons, Konor and Mason, and daughters Skylar and Madison. Crandell is currently researching schools to obtain his Ph.D. in counseling.
Racing for Recovery Book Details
- Authors: Todd Crandell and John Hanc
- Title: Racing for Recovery; From Addict to Ironman
- Publisher: Breakaway Books
- Date Published: 2006
- ISBN: 1-891369-61-X
Resources
- Racing for Recovery book
- Racing for Recovery website
- Email interviews with Todd Crandell
- ESPN story on Todd Crandell
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