Episode 101: Visually-Impaired Marathoner, Matt Rodjom

At 20 years old, Matt Rodjom, while attending college and running on his college XC team, began gradually losing his central vision. Eventually, doctors diagnosed Matt with Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, which only allows Matt to see peripherally. Over the next several months Matt lost his central vision, but he did not lose his determination to keep running, which led him to becoming a sub-three hour marathoner at the California International Marathon (during which Scott Jurek served as a guide) and a top finisher among blind runners at the Boston Marathon in a time of 3:06. Matt, who is the father of three and a program specialist at the Department of Homeland Security, relies on his peripheral vision to run solo during his training runs. Matt's journey of acceptance and determination serves as a reminder that obstacles are meant to be overcome! Interested in becoming a guide for a blind runner? Check out United in Stride (www.unitedinstride.com) and Achilles International (www.achillesinternational.org). Lastly, check out our personalized coaching! Head over to our website (www.runfartherandfaster.com). Follow us on social media @runfartherandfaster (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Thank you to our sponsors, @soupergirl—use the code RUN20 for 20 percent off—-@oofos, @lilytrotterscompression, and @SPIbelt.