Stories That Save Lives: Todd Crandell’s Books for Children Facing Risk

Ironman triathletes are known for their determination, but Todd Crandell’s resolve seems to operate on an entirely different level. Thirteen years after taking his last alcoholic drink, Todd has rebuilt his life and accumulated an extraordinary list of achievements. He has completed 133 triathlons, including numerous Ironman 70.3 events — 1.2 miles of swimming, 56 miles of cycling, and a 13.1 mile half marathon — as well as many full Ironman races where those distances double and finish with a marathon. He has even tackled multiple Ultraman events, each covering twice the full Ironman distances.

Sobriety was the foundation, but Todd’s transformation didn’t stop there. His determination to help others escape addiction led him to create Racing for Recovery, an organisation that supports individuals in overcoming dependency and often introduces endurance sport as a pathway to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Veganism has been central to Todd’s rebirth. It fuels both his racing and his everyday life, and he has written a book that powerfully dismantles the myths and excuses that keep people from embracing a plant based lifestyle.

Recovery and lives lived

This intersection of veganism, recovery, and endurance sport is shared by several other athletes. Vlad Ixel emerged from tobacco and alcohol addiction. Rich Roll‘s own journey means addiction features heavily in his podcast. Catra Corbett’s Reborn on the Run chronicles her transformation, and Yassine Diboun overcame alcohol dependency. Alan Bateson‘s Kelp & Fern documentary — filmed during his 1,047 mile Fastest Known Time around the border of Wales — also explores his fight with alcohol. Their stories inspire millions.

For Todd, going vegan was a natural part of healing.

“I buried my heart in an ocean of alcohol for 13 years. I chose sobriety on April 15, 1993, and my heart began to heal. When I went vegan on February 1st 2016, my heart was full, and the ability to truly feel compassion for all sentient beings ensued.”

“We shouldn’t wait until children are struggling to teach them how to navigate life.”

Todd now aims to reach younger age groups through a series of novels following a troubled teenager — an expansion of his mission to support people before addiction takes hold. The books are moving, but also practical.

“The books help children and families navigate conversations about mental health, grief, resilience, addiction prevention, recovery, and hope,” Todd explains.

They focus on building:

• Healthy self esteem

• Emotional awareness

• Coping skills

• Personal responsibility

• Resilience

• The ability to make healthy choices

A wealth of experience

As Todd says, “We shouldn’t wait until children are struggling to teach them how to navigate life.”

The stories draw heavily on Todd’s own experiences, giving them authenticity and emotional depth.

“My work isn’t based on theory alone. It comes from lived experience, clinical knowledge, decades of service, and working with real people facing real challenges.”

“The character is me growing up. It depicts what my mom battled with mental health, which led to her suicide, and how that affected me. The story shows how trauma leads to emotional and mental anguish, and how the good in us as kids gets buried under addiction.”

It’s difficult to connect that troubled child to the prolific triathlete, 11 time author, and founder of a successful recovery organisation — but the growth has been real, and hard earned.

“I’m passionate about helping people of all ages discover that adversity can be transformed into purpose.”

Todd’s passion is unmistakable, and his books offer valuable support for young people navigating one of the most destructive challenges they may ever face. They deserve — and hopefully will receive — a wide and appreciative audience.