Racing for Recovery 4th Annual 5k

We just finished our 4th Annual Racing for Recovery 5k run/walk and as always it was a great day. Families, addicts, runners and the community at large took place in this worthy event and all walked away with a great experience.

I want to thank the following people for making this possible, Kenny and Ann-Marie from 3D Racing, John Fisher and the Gallon and Takacs law firm, Dr. Marilyn Agee (Sylvania Family Physicians and her husband Scott Porterfield (Provider Solutions of Northwest Ohio)and all of the volunteers and participants. Without your support this event and organization would not exist. I am truly thankful for your commitment and dedication to making Racing for Recovery the program we are today.

Next year we are adding a 10k along with the 5k to the event set for October 22, 2006.

These events and Racing for Recovery need the support of the community to continue providing our services. This is a worthy program that is saving lives and we appreciate and need your assistance.

Speaking at my daughter Skylar's PTA meeting was a great experience last week. Many parents asked the ? how did this happen to you in our community and I answered them the same way I answer this ? everytime it is asked, this can happen to anyone regardless of how much money you have or where you live. I was truly honored to introduce Racing for Recovery to her school and the parents of our community. Thanks for allowing me this opportunity.

I am really exhausted and want to relax with my family.

Enjoy your week.

Todd

Speaking Engagement Central Catholic

I did a speaking presentation today at Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio for 1,100 students today. I had a great time delivering my story and the Racing for Recovery program and meeting all of the students and faculty. I also met with 3 smaller classes and had the opportunity to do more question and answers sessions. I appreciate the students sharing their comments with me.

I met one young lady by the name of Nancy who I spent a considerable amount of time with. She has been greatly impacted by substance abuse from family members and has maintained a committed drug free lifestyle. She told me how inspiring I was to her but after I spoke with Nancy I informed her how impressed I was about her.

Overall it was a great experience and now I am headed off to my daughter Skylar's school to speak for the parents.

I also was asked to be on a national radio show regarding recovery. Once I have the date booked I will let everyone now where they can tune in.

Want to thank AM 1470 The Ticket for having me on the other day to promote the 5k.


Sobriety is awesome and today I was once again reminded of how grateful I am for the life I have.

Todd

Persevere and Gratitude

Hello everyone,

I was invited to do a speaking presentation yesterday at our local rotary. The audience was full of local prominent business people, our judge, school administrators and other community members. I am always nervous about speaking but this time I was petrified because this was my local town. I was told it was kind of a "coming home" gig and that made a lot of sense to me. This was a big milestone for me to be asked to share my experiences and all that I and Racing for Recovery are implementing in our community. I heard very positive comments when I was finished and I was grateful to have this opportunity.

I want to give a special thanks to Scott P who has donated a vehicle to Racing for Recovery. This is a big help to the organization and I greatly appreciate his support.

We are in the final week before the 4th Annual Racing for Recovery 5k so keep those registrations coming in. We had 404 participants last year and I would like to see us surpass that amount this year. It is not simply a running race but rather an event that people can walk, volunteer or run. Come out and support this worthy program and make a positive impact on our community.

Off to do a speaking engagement at our local youth correctional facility.

Todd

Chicago Marathon

Hello everyone,

I just finished the Chicago Marathon yesterday in a time of 4 hours and 16 minutes. I know it is not the best time in the world but I have never claimed to be the best runner or triathlete out there. I am happy for just getting out there and completing an event like this. I guess this year I chose quantity over quality. Here is what I completed this season 2 Full Ironmans, 4 Half Ironmans, 3 Olympic Triathlons and one marathon. Now it is time to rest up a bit and then get ready for next year.

2 weeks left before the 4th Annual Racing for Recovery 5k run/walk here in Sylvania. Shirts are ordered and the final touches are being done for this big event. If you have not already signed up, please get your entry form in ASAP as race morning is pretty hectic to register.

Off to work on these wobbly legs.

Todd

Book News

I have finalized all legalities regarding my book and we are full steam ahead with completion. Just 2 chapters remain to be finished and then we submit the project to the publisher.

Had a nice phone conversation with Duff Mckagan (Guns N Roses and Velvet Revolver) about his contributing some comments for the back cover. Duff has my same philosophy on what exercising can do to aid in recovery and I am honored he will be a part of my book. Just think the night before I received my final drunk driving charge, I was at a Guns N Roses concert in Detroit and now many years later Duff and I are involved in this same project. Once again our slogan "With Sobriety Anything is Possible" comes into play.

I also have Gordie Howe (Mr. Hockey) and Sheila Taormina Olympic Athlete (Swimming, Triathlon)contributing comments as well. I want to thank them all for helping me with my book and I am honored to have their support.

We received our first registration for the 2nd Annual Racing for Recovery Half Ironman for June 11, 2006. More information is going to be added to the website shortly regarding this amazing event. Keep those entries coming.

Speaking of entries, they are rolling in on a continual basis now for the Racing for Recovery 4th Annual 5k on Oct 23. I enjoy this time of year and look forward to another successful event to share our program with the community. Come on out and support a great cause and get some exercise in as well.

Look for new pictures of the Crandell family by this weekend.

I am off to run the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

Todd

First Time

Since I have the ability to add these entries in myself, I have been putting them in often lately.

Had a couple of "first times" today. My son officially started to play hockey today. I do not know who was more excited him or me, but it was great to see him out there and I enjoyed working with the kids. Speaking of coaching the kids, it turns out my old friend, and a great hockey player, who was expelled from high school with me for the cocaine indcident was there coaching as well. I said to him "did you ever think we would be doing this?" What a great experience it was.

Secondly, Konor learned how to ride his bike without the training wheels on. He did a great job and I am very proud of him for both his hockey and bike riding he accomplished today.

With Sobriety Anything is Possible

Enjoy your night.

Todd