#740 - Kelsey Boyer: Competitive Snowboarder to Endurance - Overcoming Serious Brain Injury and Running a Marathon

In this episode, Kelsey Boyer shares her inspiring journey from competitive snowboarding and traumatic brain injury to embracing marathon running and advocacy. Her story highlights resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of neuro-recovery.

Key Topics

Kelsey's background as a competitive snowboarder and early involvement in the sport

The severity and impact of her brain injury, including the emergency surgery

The challenges of navigating medical diagnoses and the importance of self-advocacy

Recovery journey from initial hospital release to intensive brain rehab

The emotional and physical toll of sustaining a brain injury at age 23

Debunking misconceptions around traumatic brain injuries and "mild" concussions

The significance of education, prevention, and safety gear in brain health

Transitioning back to snowboarding and coaching after recovery

Setting the goal to run her first marathon, driven by a desire for challenge and community impact

The process of training with a brain injury and managing stress and nutrition

Developing a new relationship with endurance sports and embracing the beginner mindset

The importance of vulnerability, community support, and redefining athletic identity

Advocacy work through the nonprofit Save a Brain and the Running for Brains campaign

The role of neuroplasticity and dedicated rehab in her journey to regain athletic ability

Links:

Save a Brain Website — Learn more about brain injury advocacy and helmets

Save a Brain Instagram — Follow updates and campaigns

Cognitive FX Brain Rehabilitation — Innovative neurotherapeutic facility

Podcast: The Save a Brain Headquarters — Neuroscience insights and recovery stories

Running for Brains Campaign — Donate and support helmet safety for children

Kelsey's Instagram

Sponsors

Mount to Coast - Explore the H1, one the most critically acclaimed running shoes of the past year, and all of its road or trail glory, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.mounttocoast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use code RAMBLING to save 10% on your order.

CurraNZ - CurraNZ is a natural runner’s recovery supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrant extract, with over a decade of peer‑reviewed research showing real‑world gains for everyday runners – better performance, smarter fuelling, and faster muscle recovery. Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠curranzusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more, and use the code RAMBLING20 to receive 20% your first order from their website.

Tailwind Nutrition - Tailwind set the standard for running nutrition and hydration. Head to ⁠tailwindnutrition.com/RAMBLING ⁠or use code RAMBLING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices