Running for a bigger cause: Toledo's Todd Crandell, founder of Racing for Recovery, completes 97th Ironman

SANDUSKY — Todd Crandell is one step closer to his goal of running 100 Ironman events. Crandell, a Toledo native who runs Racing for Recovery, a counseling practice devoted to addiction recovery, completed his 97th Ironman course on Sunday when he participated in the Ironman 70.3 Ohio. He finished the Sandusky Ironman in 5 hours, 51 minutes, 52 seconds in front of a large entourage of supporters. "It's nice to finish another one," Crandell said. Crandell said he overcame a 13-year addiction to drugs and alcohol. Since then he has dedicated his life to helping those struggling with addiction do the same. Racing for Recovery is Crandell's non-profit organization that helps those affected by addiction, including family members. His goal with the nonprofit is to have more and better trained practitioners to help aid the problem America has with addiction. By competing in triathlons, Crandell hopes to show that there is a better and healthier way to live. "We have free counseling services, educational groups, support groups, we have a vegan kitchen and gyms," Crandell said. "We're doing it all to help people stay off of drugs and find a lifestyle that is healthy." Crandell has been training to reach his goal of 100 Ironman races. Crandell plans for his 100th race to be the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii in October. As a former hockey player, he had no background in triathlons until he wanted to change his life for the better. Sandusky's course was predominately flat but the wind was difficult. "I've been training with some hills, but you could never prepare for wind," Crandell said. "I ran well, which is rare." He sticks to a vegan diet, and since he has been doing triathlons for so long he averages 7-8 hours of training a week to stay fit and healthy for the triathlons. Crandell also does yoga to help keep his body going. As he closes in on 100 Ironmans, Crandell's biggest advice to aspiring triathletes is, "Don't get out of balance with having triathlons being your No. 1 thing in your life. Family is more important than triathlons. "So have some balance, make sure you're in balance when you are doing these things, and thank the people that support you." Crandell is a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor (LICDC-CS) and licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC-S). After completing Sandusky's Ironman, his main focus now is preparing for his 98th Ironman course in Augusta, Maine, on July 31. ----- Race recap Top finishers at Sunday's Ironman 70.3 Ohio in Sandusky: Men's winner: Justin Riele (3:56.12) Women's winner: Devon Dabney (4:39.16) Top local finisher: Victoria Luma, Castalia (5:08.15) More online: Stories from last week and from race day can be found at: SanduskyRegister.com