51 - Candace Gantt

Everyday Ironman Podcast

In this episode, we hear an incredible story of survival. Candace Gantt shares her story. Candace is a wife, mother, and Ironman finisher. Candace is also a survivor of a Traumatic Brain Injury.

Cadace shares that before discovering running at the age of 35 would not have considered herself as an athletic person. Before long she found herself in the world of triathlon. She completed several 70.3 and while on a training ride, in 2005, Candace was hit by a truck and trailer. The impact of the trailer forced her head-first into a telephone pole.

We spend a few minutes talking about the accident and Candace shares that because she was riding with a small group, they were able to get medical attention quickly. We talk about the pros and cons of outdoor riding and indoor training and Candace reveals that not only did she eventually get back in her bike, but she was able to train for and complete a full distance race!

We discuss how Candace’s faith and the prayerful support of her community help with her healing process. I reveal how the is a difference between ignoring your doctor’s advice and choosing not to go to the doctor.

We talk about some of the events that Candace was able to compete in after her accident. Candace has been able to run the Boston Marathon three different times. As well as the full iron-distance race at the Beach to Battle in Willington, NC.

While she took time off from actively competing in triathlon to attend events for her girls, Candace share that she has returned to running over the last few years. Candace gives me a quick lesson on how the differences between a 2 person and 8 person crew team and we talk about how she and her husband are giving back to the team that help her when she needed it the most.

In addition to all the things that Candace has been able to accomplish since her accident she is also a podcast host. She hosts the Mind Your Brain podcast where she speaks to clinical experts, research authorities and TBI survivors.

For more information about the Mind Your Brain Foundation or to donate to the Russell and Candace Gantt CBIR Fund visit mindyourbrainfoundation.org

To view the YouTube video to documented Candace’s story, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ODgEnXqIE0