Jared Broughton Sees the World Differently Than Other Runners
Today’s guest approaches running and life a little differently than most.
He was born with a congenital condition that has affected his vision, but it hasn’t slowed him down at all.
I look forward to going a few easy miles with Jared Broughton today.
Jared Broughton
Don’t Waste Your Talent
At the age of eight, Jared Broughton attended a private boarding school for the blind, visually impaired, and deaf where he spent 10 years.
He was born with a congenital condition that affected his vision.
Jared cannot see far, has no depth perception, and is sensitive to light.
While there, Jared met a coach who would alter the course of his life and the way he viewed his abilities.
This individual was a jack of all trades: gym teacher, vice principal, wrestling coach, and cross-country coach.
He was more of a father figure to Jared than his dad.
His mindset and life were forever altered when his mentor told him he had talent and not to waste it.
This was the first person who believed in him more than himself.
Only Limited By Your Beliefs
His coach didn’t believe in people being limited.
Jared first began running at 16 years old.
At 18, he began to see his talent and raced more seriously.
After completing his first marathon at 20, he was fully hooked on the sport.
Jared prefers to be independent and tries to do things he doesn’t need help with.
Running is an activity that Jared can do without the help of others, but it looks a little different.
Since his vision is compromised, Jared compensates with his hearing.
The challenges he has faced in his lifetime have made him more determined to figure out solutions.
Jared Broughton
The Running Community
The running community fully embraced Jared from the beginning.
They were the reason he decided to run a marathon in the first place.
In training for his first marathon, Jared realized that most people overcomplicate running.
Jared didn’t follow a formal plan or have a coach.
Since he was unable to drive due to his poor vision, Jared would often run everywhere.
His frequent runs enabled him to build on his fitness enough to run 26.2 miles.
The marathon distance is special for Jared, because if he can run a marathon, then he can do anything.
The Ups and Downs of Racing
Jared had a smooth build leading into his first marathon.
He didn’t know he was supposed to taper leading up to the race.
Even without critical knowledge, the race went well and Jared finished in under 3:20 without the help of a guide.
Jared has since run more marathons and he has experienced highs and lows.
During his second marathon, he experienced heat stroke mid-way through the race.
He turned it around in his third race and ran a Boston Qualifying time.
During Covid, he ran virtual races but was happy to return to in-person racing.
His experience as a marathoner has taught him that mental training matters just as much if not more than physical.
Jared Broughton
Grateful
Jared continually reminds himself that he is grateful to have the ability to run.
He aspires to be a good role model and inspire others to do things outside their comfort zone.
Practicing what he preaches is important in his day-to-day life.
One way he does that is by running when it’s not always convenient.
Running at inconvenient times of the day or during bad weather will help to build mental resilience.
He has found that runners will often obsess over data too much when they should be listening to their bodies.
Jared became a coach so that he could be to others what his coach was to him.
Consistency over time will determine success in the future.
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Stay connected with Jared Broughton by following him on Instagram and/or Facebook.
Jared Broughton was born visually impaired. An early mentor challenged him to believe in himself and that moment forever changed his life. Share on X
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