11 - Brad Kelley

Everyday Ironman Podcast

In this episode, Brad Kelley shares his diagnosis with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a medical disorder that affects the immune system, and the prognosis that he “may never walk normal again.” He presents his determination to prove his doctors wrong and the journey he has traveled since that day in 2003.
Six years later, after a chance meeting at the gym, Brad found himself signed up for a local sprint triathlon which included a 500-yard open water swim, a 12-mile bike, and a 3.1-mile run. Given only 3 weeks to prepare, he finished second in his age group! His second was not a podium but second from last in his age group! He was thrilled not to be last!
After that, he was hooked. Brad progressed increasing race distances and eventually signed up for the Ironman 70.3 in New Orleans. Once again faced with an open water swim and this time motivated by the fear of being eaten by an alligator in Lake Pontchartrain, Brad finished in the top 25% of his age group! Brad shares how he was given the ability to honor John Blaze by wearing his race number in Kona at the Ironman World Championships in 2017.
Brad details how he manages to train while out of town for work and he breaks down his day-by-day approach for completing the upcoming Quintuple Anvil in Virginia. This race is five times the Ironman distance and will have him swim 12 miles, bike 560 miles, and run 5 full marathons in less than 132 hours (5 ½ days).
Not satisfied with being an Ironman, Brad ventured into the world of mountaineering by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. He had planned to climb to basecamp on Mt. Everest in 2020 but had to postpone to 2023. He currently plans to climb Mt. Elbrus in Russia in 2022.
As part of his desire to leave a positive imprint on the world, Brad has become involved with Heroes for Hope. He also donates soccer and footballs to less fortunate children worldwide.
Brad’s book Why (Not) Me is nearing completion and you will be able to read more of his first-hand accounts of his experiences since being diagnosed with GBS.
You can contact Brad directly at [e-mail] For media and speech inquiries at [e-mail]