I'm honored to welcome Coach Forest Braden (former UCLA Assistant Coach, Mid-Distances, Distance, and Cross Country) to the locker room as we have an open and candid conversation, now in hindsight about the circumstances that led to the collapse of my running career while under his tutelage. Now in his seventh season as head distance coach at William & Mary University in Williamsburg, Virginia, Braden shares how his coaching philosophies have evolved as mental health discussions in distance running have continued to take center stage in comparison to the delicate and even nonexistent nature of these topics during our time working together, as well as his time as a student-athlete at Boise State University.

Braden completed his Boise State career as the most decorated distance runner in the history of the program, and the only distance runner to earn three NCAA All-American honors in school history- earning accolades in indoor and outdoor track as well as cross country.

Prior to his time developing some of UCLA's all-time best middle distance and distance runners, Braden also coached at Gonzaga University.

Braden also ran for Team Indiana Elite for one year and placed in the top-10 in five USATF Championship meets.

• View Braden's PR's here: https://worldathletics.org/athletes/united-states/forest-braden-14233143
• Instagram: @theboisebruiser
• William & Mary Bio: https://tribeathletics.com/sports/mens-track-and-field/roster/coaches/forest-braden/3472

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