Braden Keefer: From Smoking in College to a 2:47 Marathon

Braden Keefer's running story is one of redemption and consistency. After running mediocre times in high school and never making varsity, Braden quit running entirely in college—gaining 40 pounds, smoking American Spirits, and developing some unhealthy habits along the way.But in December 2019, a girlfriend got him back on the track. What started as casual runs slowly turned into something more serious. Fast forward to November 2024, and Braden just ran 2:47 at the Indy Monumental Marathon—a 10-minute PR and a testament to what happens when talent meets structure.In this conversation, we cover:Why he never made varsity despite running cross country and track all four yearsThe five-year gap where running wasn't part of his lifeRunning his first marathon (3:08) with zero structured trainingThe turning point: hiring coach Jeff Cunningham and joining Pegasus RunningBuilding up to 80-mile weeks and learning to run easyHis tactical mistake at Indy that cost him in the final milesWhy he's targeting sub-2:40 at the Boston MarathonThe importance of running for yourself, not comparing to othersBraden's message is simple but powerful: it doesn't matter where you start or how long you've been away from the sport. With the right community, coaching, and mindset, you can accomplish things you never thought possible.Subscribe to DFW Running Talk: dfwrunningtalk.substack.com