Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman [Paperback]

Todd Crandell (Author), John Hanc (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006

Todd Crandell’s drug use and drinking destroyed his life. In his 20s, he had gone from being a promising student to a homeless, starving, and drug-addicted ghost of himself. After several brutal and harrowing encounters with rock-bottom, he decided to quit cold-turkey; then he took up triathlons, and found that athletic effort helped him overcome his addictions. He now competes regularly in full Ironman triathlons, works as a professional speaker and drug counselor, and runs a foundation (Racing for Recovery) helping others to use sports and positive endeavor to escape addiction. A mesmerizing, inspirational story of self-destruction and resurrection.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A truly inspiring book about overcoming obstacles most of us can’t even begin to comprehend." -- Chris Legh, winner, Ironman USA California 2000 and Ironman USA Coeur d’Alene 2004

"The kind of book Dad would have loved--one that reaffirms the truth and the power of running and fitness." -- George Sheehan III

"Todd has proved that if you persevere you will not only finish an Ironman, you can create a new life." -- Mike Reilly, Voice of the Ironman

About the Author

Todd Crandell is widely recognized as a leading expert on substance abuse. He has overcome a thirteen-year addiction to drugs and alcohol. He is the founder of Racing for Recovery, an organization dedicated to preventing all forms of substance abuse and providing positive alternatives for those battling addiction. He regularly competes in triathlons to bring awareness to his organization. John Hanc is a contributing writer for Newsday and a frequent contributor to Runner's World magazine. He is the author The Essential Runner and The FORCE Program, among other books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Breakaway Books; 1 edition (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189136961X
• ISBN-13: 978-1891369612
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #821,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brutally honest. Inspiring to anyone who battles any kind of addiction and is looking for a better way., November 13, 2006

By 

Here And Now - See all my reviews

This review is from: Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman (Paperback)

Crandell is an inspiration. He pulls no punches in chronicling his nearly lethal addiction to alcohol and drugs -- and the price he and those around him paid for that addiction. What clicked for me, in addition to the requisite war stories, was the notion that you can't get sober until you decide to do it for yourself. As inspiring as Crandell's recovery is his desire to help others who struggle with addiction by founding his non-profit Racing For Recovery. This is a guy who can't do things half-way -- not drugs, not sobriety. So, what does he do after he sobers up and is looking for a new challenge? The Ironman. And he's risking everything to turn this new interest in sports and triathlons into a support program for recovering addicts.

I'm biased as I had the privilege of watching Todd run the Ironman Kona this summer 2006 as his guest. Todd's for real. If you're an addict or know an addict and are looking for some answers or simply some sympathetic company this is a good place to start. And the book is just the beginning. To really understand where Todd's from and where he's going -- and how you might be part of that -- get in touch with him and the foundation. He'll probably take your call or answer your email. himself. He cares this much.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Todd Crandell is a true inspiration & roll model since his recovery, May 2, 2006

By 

Jake Moore "Jake" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman (Paperback)

Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman is an inspirational story. How it conveys that if a dream exists, even the darkest depths of addiction can be overcome once you decide to and make the effort to get help. The way Todd Crandell brought himself from these depths and has dedicated his life to the pursuit of preventing drug and alcohol in children and showing those currently battling addiction that, through a lifestyle of fitness and exercise, proves that you can recover and dreams can come true.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational., January 29, 2008

By 

Denny Allen Marshall "new and better" (Rossville, ga) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman (Paperback)

I wish more addicts would take their recovery towards a physically healthful path. Todd shows that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live. The book has a lot of war stories that I am very familiar with and uses them to show that a turnaround is possible for anyone suffering from the disease of addiction. If you are an addict or know someone who is, don't give up. Recovery is possible if you or they want it. Comgratulations Todd. You inspired me to continue on my triathlon path and spreading the word of healthy living. Thanks.