Crandell
For Todd Crandell, traditional recovery programs just weren’t enough. His 13-year struggle with drugs and alcohol destroyed his life, devastated relationships with family and friends, and shattered the promise of a professional hockey career.
In order to successfully rebuild his life, Crandell realized he needed something more, so he chose the most grueling sport imaginable: the Ironman Triathlon. Armed with a new dedication to endurance training, he quit using drugs and alcohol in 1993 — and has been sober since.
Crandell will discuss his story, “Running With Demons: From Addict to Ironman,” Monday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center Oak Room on Main Campus.
He has completed 18 full-length Ironman Triathlons across the world. The competitions consist of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run.
In 2001, Crandell formed Racing for Recovery, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent substance abuse by promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness.
The native of Sylvania, Ohio, wrote a book about his triumphs called Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman, and he released a documentary, “Addict: Racing for Recovery.” In addition to being an author and filmmaker, he is a licensed professional counselor and works primarily in the Sylvania area.
The free, public talk is sponsored by the UT Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention Committee.
