Western States would have been this Saturday, June 27th! All entrants had the option to roll over into the 2021 race. Jeff Browning is one of those runners.
Jeff, aka Bronco Billy, has finished in the top 10 the last 4 years: 2016-2019. He was 3rd overall in 2016; 4th in 2017; 5th in 2018 and 9th last year–which was his fastest time by 35 minutes clocking under 16hours! Oh by the way: he did that at the age of 47!
Jeff has been kind enough to visit the shop over the years doing group runs and presentations on running and nutrition. He has been on our mind as the lost Western date of 2020 approaches and was gratious enough to answer these questions.
1) You were on such a roll at Western States! How have you dealt with the cancellation? What have you been up to running wise instead?
We moved to Bozeman last year, so I’ve been exploring my local Montana trails mainly this spring. Bozeman had an early spring this season, so I’ve spent a lot of time in the Bridger range. I did head down to Idaho recently and covered 94 miles in 3 days of the Scout Mountain Ultras 100 mile course near Pocatello. Camping and running with a couple of friends.
2) How have you balanced work, running, and family during this pandemic?
My wife homeschools our three kids and I work from home, so our life at home didn’t change much. We just didn’t have a social life for a while or kid’s sports — definitely a bummer. I mainly just got out and did a bunch of running locally and we did some family day trips in SW Montana to hike and explore.
3) When is it healthy, mentally and physically, to start prepping for 2021? Have you thought about next year’s running of Western States at all?
I haven’t really thought about next year yet. I usually don’t until the beginning of the year since I’m typically racing multiple 100s per season. I’m working on some big adventure runs this year, so my time has been spent exploring maps lately. Plus, I’m contemplating an FKT attempt too.
4) You are an Altra Elite runner so are probably clued into their new shoes. I got to try the Lone Peak 5.0 for 2021. Wow, was that nice! Is that your likely shoe for Western States next year?
We’ll see. I haven’t had a chance to run in the Lone Peak 5 yet. I should have a proto soon, but I’m jealous you got to try it! 🙂 Probably the Timp 3. I was a big wear tester for the Timp 2 and really like that shoe. I ran WS100 last year in the Timp 2 prototype, so I’m pretty stoked about the Timp 3 updates.
5) If you have been daydreaming a lot about Western States the last few months (like me!) what have been your most vivid memories or recollections? Is there one race that stands out to you from the others? Do you have a favorite section of the trail?
Last year stands out in my mind because it was so close and so fast for the top 10 with the entire men’s top 10 running sub-16 hours! It was such a throw down the last 50K of the race with the men’s 7th through 10th places only being 1 minute, 57 seconds apart! We hammered. Also, 2016 stands out since it was my first year back at the race since running Western States as my first 100 in 2002. So, that was special to come back and be on the podium after such a hiatus — plus, it was part of The Double record year when I ran both Western States and Hardrock 19 days apart.
6) I saw that you coached a runner through a 100 mile run without any calories; just water and salt. Are you a miracle worker? 😀 😉 Was that your strangest “ask” since being a coach?
That was actually the second person I’ve coached at the 100-mile, no calorie attempt. I helped another runner, Mikey Sklar, a couple of years ago too. He made it 75 miles in 24 hours and his legs seized up. Mikey was instrumental in feedback and strategy for us in Michael McKnight’s successful 100-mile, no calorie run. I have to say I was a bit skeptical, especially Michael’s goal of running it at moderate altitude of 4700 feet in sub-20 hours. I was stoked to see him go sub-19 and he felt solid the whole time.
7) Are you still taking new clients as a coach? Since most races have been cancelled, has the coaching business slowed down too? I’ve found it hard running this spring without an immediate race goal. What do you tell your clients who have similar motivational struggles?
Yes, I’m still taking athletes at the moment. Initially I lost a few athletes, but then gained new ones too. The main thing I’ve emphasized with my athletes is finding the reason and the motivation you run. Races can’t be the only motivator. They are nice carrots to get you out the door some days, but that can’t be the only reason. Many of my athletes have simply refocused on adventure running and cool routes. Picking a sweet trail route in their own backyard that speaks to them. Something they can drive to, workout the logistics, geek out on maps and then focusing training toward that self-supported goal. Even better, invite a few friends to share that adventure. That’s been my focus for summer with Western States and Hardrock both being cancelled. Pick an epic adventure, plan, and execute!
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Thanks Bronco!!
#seeyouatStates
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