Ultra Running Then vs Now: Jeff Browning vs Jeff Garmire

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I brought the cowboy hat out for this one, because Month of Jeff needed full giddy up vibes. Jeff “Bronco Billy” Browning is back, and we go everywhere: Cocodona’s weird and wonderful rise into a spectator cult phenomenon, the tiny weather window that makes that race possible, and what it feels like when you are having one of those perfect days in a hundred.

Jeff talks about his best races ever (including a scorching San Diego 100 and a 19:33 at Wasatch), and what actually made them click, training blocks, timing, and yes, a little luck. We also get nerdy and practical with an underrated, overrated, properly rated game, covering trail super shoes (carbon on trail, and why the foam matters more), heat training, speedwork for ultra runners (hello zone 3), and why you have to practice race nutrition in training if you want race day to feel automatic.

Then we time travel to the early 2000s when ultra gear was basically a fishing vest era, handheld bottles ruled, poles were not a thing, and race nutrition was gels, S-caps, and hope. Jeff shares how mentorship and group long runs shaped the scene back then, and why adventure running and storytelling still matter more than a stat on a results page.

We also get into the realities of long efforts and sleep deprivation, including why Jeff would choose self-supported if he goes long again (less complaining, more problem solving). And yes, there are animal stories, including some genuinely terrifying mountain lion encounters, plus the lightning strike moment at Hardrock that led to one of the most ultrarunning reasons ever to change your earrings.

To close it out, Jeff breaks down how he made hundreds work while raising a family, with a simple framework: flexible training, non-negotiable family time, and getting creative with when long runs happen. We finish with what is next, some training races, Cocodona, a Western States swing, and the itch to do more adventure style projects.

Sponsors: Janji, Garage Grown Gear, CS Coffee

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:48 Cocodona 250: Growth and Popularity

08:38 Memorable Races and Personal Bests

11:51 The Mental and Physical Toll of Long Distances

14:44 Self-Supported vs. Supported Racing

17:48 The Shift in Running Focus: Adventure vs. Competition

20:55 The Importance of Storytelling in Running

23:51 Training Insights: Speedwork and Nutrition

28:29 Preparing for Race Day: The Importance of Training Camps

30:00 Evolution of Gear: Trends from the Early 2000s

33:09 Nutrition and Hydration: Lessons from the Past

35:46 The Social Aspect of Ultra Running: Mentorship and Community

39:43 From Hobby to Career: The Journey of an Ultra Runner

42:36 Race Directing: The Challenges and Rewards

45:42 Wildlife Encounters: Stories from the Trail

55:18 Balancing Family Life and Ultra Running

56:10 Balancing Work and Family Life

59:00 Creating Quality Family Time

01:02:58 Navigating Technology and Family Connections

01:03:50 The Story Behind the Earrings

01:10:13 Future Plans and Upcoming Races

01:18:39 Introduction and Community Connection

01:22:40 The Importance of Supportive Relationships

01:26:49 Fostering a Positive Community

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