Happy New Year everyone,

Well once again, I am humbled to the core about what sobriety, God, family, friends and life in general provides.  

I was just notified that the loan for our book Racing for Recovery From Addict to Ironman has been paid off. My former hockey coach, friend and overall great individual Jim Cooper is responsible for this kind gesture.  If you do not know who Coach Cooper is, please view the ESPN clip or our documentary ADDICT.  This is a man who has done nothing but help the lives of people in this community for years.

I will never forget being expelled from high school and kicked off the hockey team for cocaine usage and having this man call me on the phone saying “How could you do this to me”  It was then I really started to realize my actions were affecting other people and that hurt.  After I was sober for a number of years, I approached coach Cooper and simply said I am sorry for what I did.  From that moment on the slate was clean and he was in my corner with endless support with his ever encouraging words “The world need to hear this story” and Keep going”.

 When it came time to have a book out I did not have the funds to make that happen so I once again asked him for help and without hesitation he got a loan for me which enabled me to have the book published.  I do not think I have to state what that book has done for others but I will say this, I am so thankful to know that his support helped me save many lives and I am grateful for that.

Many people think if you have a book you are so how well off financially and that all is ok?  That is not the case people and it has been a struggle to financially keep that book out there.  Buying books from the publisher then selling them to make monthly payments is a difficult path to follow but the end results are totally worth it.

So if you have purchased From Addict to Ironman, THANK YOU, if you have not done so buy one please and get that worthy story of Racing for Recovery out to those who need it.  

Secondly, I just had another blessing that I want to share with you all.  Mr. Bob Floyd just came by our house and made a considerable donation to Racing for Recovery.  It is very difficult to accept money knowing that it is from the loss of a dear friend and amazing human being Eric Floyd.  I can not imagine what this man or the rest of the Floyd family has endured this past year.  As I stated when Eric unfortunately was lost, I am motivated more than ever to not let this happen again and I re-stated that to Mr. Floyd.

So as 2008 closes I am thankful for all the good that Racing for Recovery has done and appreciate each and every one of you who supports this program and I look forward to 2009 and all the goodness we will bring to those who are suffering from addiction.

Be safe tonight and God bless.

Todd

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas.  It is awesome to see the joy on my kids faces when they see all the stuff “Santa” brought for them.  I love this time of year and Christmas is my favorite holiday.

We have a new bookkeeper which is a huge relief.  I receive many emails with people wanting to know how they can support our program and we are fortunate enough for having someone in Georgia who will handle our books.

I am back training again as I will run the Phoenix, Arizona Marathon on Jan 18.  I took 13 days off and did nothing but it was time to get back at it again.  Yes I utilize training and racing as a way to promote Racing for Recovery but I need the many, many, many additional benefits that an active lifestyle provides me.  

I want to apologize for the state our website is in.  I am deeply disappointed in the lack of development it has.  This website is nowhere near to being completed and this organization paid a lot of money for the creation back in July.  Again, I apologize and will have this up-to-date in January.

Here is a pic of from Ultraman Hawaii day 2 171 bike ride.  This was with about 25 miles to go on a 6 mile continuous uphill grind.  Thanks Eric for the huge gust of wind that you brought from behind me.

TC

I was asked to be a groomsmen at John Wentworth III wedding last night as was honored and humbled to do so.  As many of you know, being asked to be a groomsmen or bridesmaid is an honor but in this case it was extra special and here is why.  John was like many of us and had a severe alcohol problem.  Like many of us John has endured some horrible acts as a child and as a result looked to alcohol to deal with those emotional traumas.  Last August, John saw the ESPN feature on Racing for Recovery and at that moment put down his drink and has remained sober ever since.  He called me the following day of the story, came to our support group meetings and I provided him with individual counseling.  

I was like a proud father during the ceremony last night and was so happy for not only John and the great life he has today but for his family and friends who are now back in his life.  Again, for me I was simply honored and humbled to be asked to be a part of this great day and I wish John and his beautiful bride Jennifer all the best in the years ahead.

Well once again my local college the University of Toledo has denied me acceptance into their Ph.D program.  The reason “I did not state why I wanted to pursue a Ph.D” in my application which is a laugh.  This the same university that denied me entrance into their Master of Counseling program years ago for the reason of “life experiences are not as important as academic achievements and an overall G.P.A.  So what did I do, you guessed it, I went to another college and obtained that Master of Counseling degree with a G.P.A of 3.8.  So the bottom line is this, I will be pursuing that degree elsewhere (maybe Arizona, California or locally in Bowling Green, Ohio) but I will not stop because one group does not believe in me or what I professionally do.  

Perseverance is not only tattooed on my arm it is something that I practice in many areas of my life.  For example, overcoming addiction (I am not an addict or alcoholic today) Ironman & Ultraman finishes, education, Racing for Recovery etc.  I applied for the Ph.D in Counseling because I want to be as a credible and educated in this field as possible and being denied at UT just makes me want it more.

I ran yesterday (Scott my coach I hope you are not reading this) for 30 minutes on the treadmil and will set up my bike and possibly ride today as well.  I took 13 days off and gained 11 pounds and I must say I am not happy about that so back to my normal way of living.  My next race is a half ironman in New Orleans on April 5 so there is no rush and I am not on a strict training schedule but rather just wanting to exercise for the joy of it and that is nice.

On a business note Racing for Recovery is looking for a new bookkeeper.  If you are interested, please contact me at racing4recovery@aol.com.  Special thanks to Jodi who has been doing our books for the past 2 years and simply is overwhelmed with work and life to continue handling our books.

I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays with your friends and family.

Todd

Ok another amazing gift of sobriety is this, I was asked to be a speaker at my daughter Skylar’s 5th grade class today and I must say I was completely nervous about this gig.  I was humbled that I was actually asked by a school in my hometown to share the Racing for Recovery message and as always it was effective.  The principal of the school thanked me for coming as well.  I am never amazed at how smart these young kids are and the questions they asked were very thought provoking.  

I want to say I know how hard times are financially for all of us but I do ask that if you can support Racing for Recovery in any financial capacity, please do so.  We need to create our 2009 5k fliers and pay the utilities over the next couple months before entries come in for the half ironman.  I am not one to ask for funding but I realize how badly we need it.  So if you have been touched by this program, please support it so we can continue delivering our message while improving our existing program.  In case you have forgotten look at Eddie Freas and what Racing for Recovery has done for him.  I am not forgetting any of the thousands who have benefitted from what we do either.

If you are company looking to sponsor Racing for Recovery and myself for all promotional races, that is welcome as well.  Please contact me personally to discuss details at toddcrandell@racingforrecovery.com 

Thanks and Happy Holidays.

Todd

Hello everyone,

I got home late last night and today I am 42 years old.  I just want to say I am thankful to be home safe and sound and looking forward to some serious rest.  I also want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has helped me achieve this amazing goal.  You all know who you are and you are greatly appreciated.

TC

Hey all I really don’t have anything to say except I am totally cooked right now and just need to do something.  I have another 2.5 hours before my flight and I have been at this airport for 10 hours already.  I know I have a very long journey ahead of me and I am not really wanting to do it.  Does anyone have a “magic” carpet that I can borrow.

I go through this phase after each ironman where I get really emotional and my mind just races.  I am completely spent and just want to sleep but cant under these conditions.  I know I sound like I am complaining and I do not mean to be I think my body is finally saying WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH GIVE US SOME REST.

I need sleep along with physical and mental rest. video clip here airport fried video

Ok that is it for now.

Todd

To understand how this finished is to realize how it started.  When I put Racing for Recovery together in 2001 with the purpose of preventing substance abuse in adolescents and showing addicts and their families that recovery is possible, I also had the thought in the back of my mind of “how cool would it be to have someone see Racing for Recovery and do an Ironman with me.  Well I am honored to say that Eddie Freas is that guy who saw the ESPN clip while addicted to drugs and now is sober and yesterday completed his first Ironman in Western Australia with me.  As we stood in the cold waters of the Indian Ocean yesterday morning, I shook his hand, told him how proud I was of him, that I loved him and this was his day and by God it was.  We saw each other often all day long and each time we would quote a line from a movie as we passed each other on the bike and run.  Eddie had a finishing time of 12:27 and drove me to 12:20 finish which is my best ever.  I want say thank you to Eddie’s mom Sara for the sacrifices you have made to make this trip possible for Eddie.  Believe me the look on his face after he finished and how he will be hobbling around today is all worth it.  Like I told Eddie last night, it is not about the Iroman but rather realizing how good life is sober and that anything is achievable.  Go out and enjoy what life has to offer you my friend.  You have been through hell and have come out of it, now take that knowledge and not only better yourself but share it with others.

A couple quick things here regarding the race, I want to thank my volunteer (Tellie I believe that is how you spell it) for saving my race.  I was so cold after the swim I was shivering and had to be in transition tent for 20 minutes while I warmed up.  They were going to pull me from the race because I could not use my hands as the were shaking so much.  Tellie went out of his way to get me a blanket and other warming things to get me going and even went to my gear back and got me a jacket and pants so I could start the bike.  He was there when I finished the bike and at the end of the race and I just simply hugged him and thanked him for saving my race. 

I also want to say thanks to Melissa who has been at home the past 3 weeks watching our kids while once again dad goes off to run 2 crazy events to somehow share a message of HOPE to others.  I know this whole thing has been hard on you and our marriage has suffered and I will assume my role big time when I get home.

To my beautiful amazing kids, Skylar, Konor, Madison and Mason, daddy loves you and is coming home soon to spend all the time I have with you guys.  I know it is hard for you when I travel but I hope someday you see the importance of what your dad has done to help other people as that is what life is all about.  I will be home for my birthday on Friday and what a great present that is going to be.

 To my crazy Australian mates Dave and James.  I thank God we missed our flight in Sydney because that allowed us to meet you both.  I am thankful for your friendship and the laughs we have had on this journey.  Thanks for saving our asses and getting us down here.  Hey Dave “SMASH MY “C”.

 I am going home to get myself sorted.  I am taking a full on break from training until Feb 1 and will concentrate on studying for my NCE exam the first week of February.  I also will be looking to find a job that is related to my education, experience and interest.  I have given all I can to make Racing for Recovery the best it can be and I simply do not know what to do with it now but to put it in Gods hands and “let it roll”  If you have been helped by this program then please support it in any way you possibly can.  To those who have helped make program the success it is today THANK YOU.

To Clay, Darrin, Shannon, Susan and everyone in Phoenix THANK YOU for your amazing support and the Racing for Recovery meetings you have started.  For everyone who has commented on the “blog” and emailed me your words of support THANK YOU.

Special thanks to Brian, my friend, tattoo artist and filmer for this trip.  I know how long that day must have been becuase of your sun burned face lol.  I hope to get a pic of that up here later

 Last thing I want to say is Warrant makes great music and I swam, rode and ran to you.  (do not even bother trying to figure this out lol)

 Talk to you all when I get back to the USA

 TC

I want to thank God, Jane and Cheryl from Ultraman and my support crew as if it was not for them, I could not have achieved this dream.  I also want to thank Amy Kramer and Chris Hall for their endless financial support to make this possible.

My overall finish time was 32:03.  If anyone cares more info is on www.ultramanlive.com

When I turned my Blackberry on there was a message that a friend of mine Andy Latimore had died.  Andy had a problem with booze and know his drinking did not help matters with his heart condition.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

During the pre-race registration, it was said that Ultraman will change your life and I must say it has.  I have sorted some things out personally and professionally.  I have never, ever done anything that was or is more physically and emotionally taxing as this and believe me I have been through some crap.  

Day 1 started with the 6.2 mile swim and I have never been in water so beautiful for so long. It was fun until about mile 5 and then I was over it and wanted out.  Next up was a grueling 90 mile basically uphill ride.  To see the finish was a relief.  Had some dinner and off to bed.  Day 2 woke up at 4:20 am for the start of the 171.2 mile bike ride which was the hardest and longest ride of my life.  Thank God for my crew to keep me mentally and physically going with food and support.  During one 6 mile continuous uphill, windy climb that I was going 6 miles per hour on toward the end of the ride I was literally talking to my friend Eric Floyd who died this past February and out of nowhere came a gust of wind that pushed me 17 miles an hour.  I knew he was with me there as many of you were as well.  I was never happier to see a finish line in my life after day 2.  A quick massage and a massive cheeseburger while getting my legs worked on and off to bed.  Day 3 I woke up for the 52.4 mile run at 4 am and thought ” This is it.  This is what you have worked your ass off for months and this is what all of the people who care about you have sacrificed to make this happen”  Let me just say that running 52.4 miles is an experience.  We actually ran the ironman bike course which is nothing but the same scenery over and over black top, molten rock, wind, heat and sun.  Running with my coach Scott Horns he said it best “you love this climate and you are getting tan”. With about 6 miles to go I was running hard and not saying a word, which is not common for me and my coach Scott said “what are you thinking about”.  I told him simply I was running on hate,  anger and rage and I then said “and now I am letting all of it go.  The last couple of miles I found myself fighting back tears as I reflected on so many things in my life, from having a gun in my mouth ready to end my miserable drug addicted life, to the birth of my kids, to the endless support of family and friends, to friends I have lost and for the impact of all Racing for Recovery has done on others.  When I crossed the line it was an experience I will emotionally hold on to for the rest of my life and when I am sitting in my office with a client and they ask me about the Ultraman plaque on my wall, I will relate that experience to what they are going through and how they can and will overcome their demons.

I want to take a moment and personally thank my dear friend and coach Scott Horns.  I have the utmost respect for you as a person and athlete and I was humbled to my core for your support out there over the past 3 days.  You kept me sane when I was losing my mind and somehow know just how to handle my craziness.  I could not have done this without you.  To my friend, tattoo artist and video guy Brian Taylor, thank you for being here and documenting this amazing trip.  We still have Australia to go.  To Eddie Freas, I am so proud of you for what you have achieved and I thank you for being on my crew.  I am so looking forward to crossing the line with you in Australia.  To the local people of Kona who cheered for me and knew what I stand for ‘THANK YOU”.  To everyone else you know who you are and I give a huge fist pump to you.

HERE MY WORDS PEOPLE I WILL NEVER,  NEVER, NEVER DO THIS RACE AGAIN.  I HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE TO ANYONE OR TO MYSELF WHEN IT COMES TO THIS SPORT OF TRIATHLON.

Time to rest up get some more sun and then pack.  We leave for Australia on Wed.  Enjoy the pics.

TC