Frank Shingleton
From: Raleigh, NC
What do you do for a living? Contract Negotiator at Cisco Systems
How did you first connect with Herren Project? My wife Sara introduced me to Pam Rickard back in April 2018 when she ran her first marathon (Blue Ridge Marathon) with Herren Project in support of my journey to sobriety and recovery. I was so intrigued by the mission and support of Herren Project throughout her fundraising effort, soon after I decided to join the team and continue our fundraising efforts with Herren Project for my first full distance Ironman in Louisville in an effort to bring awareness of SUD and the benefits of recovery.
What is your interest in/connection to recovery? To help spread the message of HOPE and fight the SUD stigma! Throughout my past life in active addiction, I’ve lived many years through the destruction and turmoil that comes along with it, and even through some of my most painful and embarrassing moments, I’ve come out on the better side, and is ALL because of my sobriety and journey to recovery. Endurance sports has been my gateway and healing process to a healthier life. There is so much greatness in the life of sobriety!
Who is someone who inspires you? There are so many people in recovery that have inspired me over the past years with their stories, but my wife Sara has been the most inspirational for me. She is the glue that holds our family together and throughout all the hardships caused by my active addiction, she has always shown up and pushes me to be better each and every day in recovery. I’ve learned so much over the last few years in recovering and coping with reality and everyday life, and I’m so grateful for her strength and bravery throughout this process as we both navigate together through this new world of sobriety.
What’s your favorite pastime or hobby? My favorite pastimes are sports and concerts, but I love anything outdoors, stadium tours, family trips and adventures, and watching my kids play soccer in their travel leagues. I’m so grateful to enjoy these precious moments in a sober lens these days!
What are you most proud of? My sobriety without a doubt! My journey to recovery has brought me closer to my family and friends and has given me the opportunity to experience a happier healthier life. By sharing my story over the past few years, I have found the confidence and comfort of sharing this wonderful gift of recovery through my endurance journey, which I’m hopeful that my message touches those struggling with SUD and seeking a better way. Sobriety is Possible!
What does serving as a Herren Project Ambassador mean to you? I’m truly blessed to be part of the Team Herren Project, a family of like-minded and amazing people with a mission of spreading the message of hope, healing, and recovery. Joining the team as an ambassador provides a platform and opportunity to give back to the community while supporting the mission and great work of Herren Project.
