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Ironman speaks at substance abuse prevention event

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The road for Todd Crandell, a 16-time Ironman competitor and founder of Racing for Recovery, has not always been an easy one. From age 3, when his mother committed suicide, to years later when substance abuse and subsequent run-ins with the law took everything he had and forced him to give up on a professional hockey career, the path to his athletic peak has been filled with potholes. 

Then it happened, he took his last drink of alcohol and realized he needed to make a change. He needed to right all his wrongs, to make a change in not only his world but the world of those around him. He began training, both physically and mentally, for Ironman challenges, replacing his old drive to do drugs with a new desire to become an Ironman. 

He created the Racing for Recovery program, a program that has touched countless lives by offering positive alternatives to addicts and their loved ones. 

It is this same tenacity that inspires him to speak to groups throughout the United States and it is what brought him to the Pope Fitness Center Feb. 20 as the guest speaker for an event led by Pope's Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Treatment program. An event in which Pope members heard his story and then had the opportunity to run a 5K around the flightline with him. 

"I believe that Todd Crandell had a great message and was extremely effective," said Airman 1st Class Sagan Barber, 43rd Medical Group. "His life was changed dramatically because he chose to do so. His story shows that no matter how big or small your problem is you can always change it for the better." 

"When it was time to schedule the next speaker for our ADAPT event, Todd was an easy choice," said Capt. John Warburton, 43rd Medical Operations Squadron. "He is an exciting speaker; his cause ties in well with what ADAPT is about and also with our Air Force physical Fitness program. 

"His story is definitely one that started with great mistakes, but is now one of great success -- the success he has had by turning his life around. He is a positive role model and it was great for our Airmen at Pope to see how anyone can turn their misfortunes around." 

2nd Lt. Joshua Meyer, 3rd Aerial Port Squadron and the winner of the morning's 5K run, agreed. "Mr Crandell's presentation was an eye-opener. It is not every day that ordinary folks like us have an opportunity to hear about the less pleasant realities of life. The majority of us live in a comfortable world far removed from the indecencies of the American underground. Todd's story reminds us of the power of choice. His experiences are a sobering reminder that success in life is a choice and misguided decision could quickly land us on the street, in the hospital or in a coffin." 

Like Crandell, both Airman Sagan and Lieutenant Meyer are runners by nature and love running for different reasons. 

"When I run, everything feels right," said Airman Barber. "I started running because I wanted to overcome something terrible in my life and running just seemed to clear my mind and help me think about who I was and where I wanted to go with my life. Running is something I look forward to doing everyday and need it in my life like water and food. I may not be the fastest runner on the flight line, but I will be out there every day." 

"Running is both a source of confidence and well-being for me," added Lieutenant Meyer. "When I complete a 10-mile run or a grueling speed workout I am overcome with a sense of accomplishment that leaves me wondering about what else I can do." 

This was Crandell's first time as a guest speaker to a military audience, though he did participate in several Ironman competitions at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. 

"I am so humbled by what you all do and the sacrifices you give to our country," said Crandell. "This was an awesome venue to speak at, and it is definitely my kind of environment. If I had had this type of environment when I really needed it, who knows how differently my life would have been. 

"I am so impressed by the number of young people and how attentive they were to my story. They have such a healthy environment provided right here to them. I hope they never have to worry about alcohol or drug abuse and continue to work out with their physical fitness programs." 

Airman Barber said, "Todd Crandell's message was something that hit home for me and maybe other. If you just listen to his message, it sheds some light on our Airmen today. You always have a choice and you control what you do with your life. Try to make it a better place than it was the day before and find your passion with it and no one can stop you." 

For more information on the Racing for Recovery program or Todd Crandell's story, visit www.racingforrecovery.com. For more information on ADAPT, call Captain Warburton at 394-4700.