ESPN's Cold Pizza

Hello everyone,

The great news just keeps on rolling in. Here is the latest. I just got confirmation, that I will be on ESPN's Cold Pizza show on Tuesday April 18 the day after I run the Boston Marathon. I have been commuicating with the host Mr. Jay Crawford for a couple months on this event and he made it happen. I am honored to be going on this show and want to thank Jay for his support and dedication to making it happen.

I also received a call from 97.1 FM and will be a guest on the Deminsky and Doyle Show Feb 24 from 5-6 PM. To have a full hour and a big talk show market is a true honor. Thanks to the guys and my friend Debbie K for making this happen.

I want to thank everyone who has purchased the book Racing for Recovery From Addict to Ironman. The comments you all have shared with me have been tremendous and I am very thankful for how well the book is being received.

I will be doing a speaking engagement at Olivet Church here in Sylvania on April 30. This is open to the entire public and I want to thank my friend Pastor Darrell C for arranging this gig.

I have also scheduled a book signing in Indiana while I am racing a half Ironman nearby. Details will be on the calendar soon.

Overall, things are just exploding and it is a nice ride to be on. Simply taking my experiences both good and bad and sharing them with as many people as possible is a true blessing.

Thanks to everyone who is making Racing for Recovery the success that we are.

Enjoy your week.

TC

Books selling well

I want to thank everyone who has ordered the book Racing for Recovery From Addict to Ironman. My publisher is very surprised at how well it is selling and it is not even in stores yet. Copies will start arriving in the big chain stores soon and once again the official release date is April 17 (same day as I will be running the Boston Marathon to promote the book)

I wanted to share with you all a recommendation letter, I just received regarding the presentation I did at Lynbrook High School back in December. Please keep in mind that not only would this speaking engagement not have taken place but nor would the book be a reality without my dear friend Kathy H of Lynbrook New York. Thanks to you my friend and the rest of your amazing family for being one of the main reasons Racing for Recovery is operating.

I am writing this letter on behalf of Todd Crandell. Mr. Crandell was asked to speak to the middle and high school students in my district about his very personal life experiences. I was able to observe his presentation to approximately 1,000 high school students on December 2, 2005. He highlighted and explained the consequences of making wrong decisions. Many of the decisions he made, he said, involved taking drugs and alcohol. His emphasis was on the consequences he and his family has suffered as a result. This was a very powerful message which was received well by the students. His presentation was complemented by a slide presentation showing his now caring family. During the 45 minute presentation, he has the complete attention of every student assembled in the gym. This is not an easy task for anyone to accomplish!

The true connection he made with the students was clearly seen after the presentation was concluded. Students voluntarily approached him, spoke about their own struggles and asked for guidance. My high school building principal commented to me later that these were many of the same students that he and others have concerns. Similar feedback was given by the middle school principals as well.

Without hesitation, I would strongly recommend Mr. Crandell to any organization looking to help students make the right choices in life.

Sincerely,

Philip S. Cicero, Ed.D
superintendent of Schools
Lynbrook, New York

From Addict to Ironman Books are here

I just recieved the final copy of the book Racing for Recovery From Addict to Ironman. For those who pre-ordered, they will be shipped out by Monday morning.

Thank you to everyone who made this book a reality. Let's show the world this story and benefits of Racing for Recovery.

This is a great day.

Todd

Triathlete Magazine and Wow

Ok I really do not know where to begin as so much has happened since my last post. I guess I will start with the most recent.

There is an article in the March issue of Triathlete Magazie on page 20 promoting the book. This is the 3rd time Triathlete Magazine has covered Racing for Recovery and I am very thankful for their support.

I also was notified last week I will be a sponsored athlete by the company Recover-Ease. This is a true blessing for me and Racing for Recovery. Recover-Ease is a product that replenishes all that is lost due to extensive training for Ironmans. Recover-Ease is also going to donate product at our half ironman on June 11 for other athletes to utilize.

I just provided 2 recent speaking engagements at Olivet Lutheran Church and St. Joan of Arc and both were amazing. Both groups were mainly comprised of young adults and I really enjoy sharing my story to help prevent substance abuse. The questions they all asked were very thought provoking and I appreciate them all. I want to thank Joe Metzger for arranging the St. Joan of Arc gig and my old high school friend Pastor Darrell Cousino for orchestrating the Olivet Lutheran Church gig.

Want to share something unique here. The day after I received my last dui and decided to sober up on April 15, 1993, my best friend Gary contacted me and stated his uncle was dying from cirrhosis of the liver as a result from drinking. Long story short, I had the opportunity to see this man in intensive care and the look on his face was one of complete despair. He unfortunately passed away the next morning but seeing him made a profound statement about my drinking and my recovery.

Two days ago as was swimming, a lady stopped me and informed me she was the wife of the man in the hospital. I was shocked. I told her I could recall exactly what she was wearing that pivotal day 13 years ago and how much that day impacted my life. She stated she has kept up on Racing for Recovery was happy to know that out of one horrible situation helped to create many positive ones.

Additional book signings have been added for Arizona and Michigan and I look forward to implementing more. For the locals here in Toledo keep April 22 open at Borders books for the local signing.

Thanks to EVERYONE who has helped Racing for Recovery in some capacity. Without all of you this program would just be a vision and not the reality it is today.

Off to get on the bike as it is full time training for Ironman Arizona and the Boston Marathon.

Peace.

TC