EP22 - “My Brain Fell Out”: Mel Sykes on Running 268 Miles After Brain Surgery

How far would you go after brain surgery? For Mel Sykes, the answer was 268 miles. In this episode, Gary and Ben sit down with Mel to hear her incredible journey from brain surgery to completing the Montane Spine Race—one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

Diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition where part of her brain pressed into her spinal canal, Mel faced surgery with the terrifying possibility that she might never run again. But instead of slowing down, she did the opposite. She signed up for the Spine Race—268 miles of relentless mud, snow, and hallucinations across the Pennine Way.

In This Episode:

• The first signs of Chiari Malformation—headaches, blurred vision, and balance issues
• Facing brain surgery and the mental strength it took to endure it
• Learning to walk and run again — one painful step at a time
• Entering the Spine Race post-surgery and battling through brutal conditions
• What it’s like to run 268 miles when your body has been through hell and back
• The state of cheating in ultra running and why race integrity matters

Key Moments:

00:00 – Intro and Meet Mel Sykes

05:00 – Discovering the Symptoms: Headaches, Blurred Vision & Balance Issues

11:30 – The Diagnosis: Chiari Malformation and the Road to Brain Surgery

19:45 – Facing the Surgery: Risks, Reality, and Mental Strength

27:20 – The Long Road to Recovery: Learning to Walk and Run Again

36:00 – Returning to the Trails: First Steps Back into Running

43:50 – Entering the Spine Race: 268 Miles of Brutality

53:15 – Training for Ultras Post-Surgery: Lessons Learned

1:01:40 – Facing Adversity: Running Through Pain and Pushing Limits

1:11:20 – Cheating Scandals in Ultra Running: Integrity and Fair Play

1:20:50 – Mel’s Mindset: How Brain Surgery Changed Her Approach

1:29:10 – Future Races and Plans: What’s Next for Mel?

1:36:30 – Outro and Final Reflections

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_pklymQxtluqvkNmf41MYI7fOk8Ki_YT

💬 Got a question for Mel, Gary, or Ben? Drop us a message—we might read it out next episode!

#RUNcensored #RunningPodcast #TrailRunning #Ultrarunning #BrainSurgery #SpineRace #ChiariMalformation #EnduranceRunning #MentalStrength #AdventureRaces

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