El Vaquero Loco

Western States 2009

2009-06-28T20:29:00.001-07:00

After Logan Peak yesterday, like many other geeky ultrarunners I have been following the WS 100 online. It was as deep and talented field (maybe toughest ever) and when the dust settled Hal defended his title. The rest of the Patagonia team fared well also taking places 1,4,11,13,27, & 40. I was able to slip down to Logan and run the Logan Peak Run-testing out my under-raced fitness. I wasn't able to run down the defending champ and course record holder but we gave it a good go. The top four all wasted the old course record. Other than not being able to finish up with the win I feel I'm on track for some good stuff this fall. (Full Report to follow soon).

Teton Dam Marathon Relay

2009-06-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I was able to travel to Rexburg, ID to run with the BYU-Idaho Alumni relay team in the Teton Dam Marathon. It was a blast getting to stay with Coach Stutz and his family, meet some of the other alumni (the majority were part of the 2001 NJCAA National Championship team). I felt a bit like a geezer-I am 8-10 years older than any of them. I managed to hold my own running the 2nd leg from miles four to nine in 29:57. I was hoping to run faster but the hills took their toll. Coach was all fired up because the race directors wouldn't let us compete in the men's division because Jen was running with us-it didn't matter though we crushed the old open record by nearly 20 minutes and the co-ed division by nearly an hour. Good work guys!

The Cowboy Spectrum (Slow Down!)

2009-06-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of this seasons articles for the Star Valley Independent our local weekly paper. It came out yesterday with the following headline:

Searching Your Soles: Running can offer a time for reflection.

The Cowboy Spectrum (Slow Down)

One of luxuries of running is slowing down. I don’t mean running slower, but just plain slowing down. We rush everywhere. We have responsibilities-work appointments, schedules. There are too many things to do in too little time. Running can be one more daily dragon to slay or a way to take a deep breath (I would recommend several) and relax.
I have had the opportunity of living and running in several spectacular places in my lifetime. I cut my running teeth running the dirt of Tygee Valley and the roads in and around Afton. Sometimes I combined the two, bolting from the school and slipping over the west hills along the old telephone line trails-trying to beat the bus home. I have also run the beaches and muddy trails of the Oregon Coast; chasing herds of Roosevelt Elk through the fog and blackberry brambles.
During Christmas vacations I find myself battling the winds of Eastern Oregon.
One bright morning I was putting in a few easy miles around town, enjoying the warm sunshine and people watching when I realized that La Grande was the center or meeting place of my running universe-collision of “hippiness,” loggers, and cowboy cultures mish-mashed into one town. It wasn’t uncommon for a VW bus to pass one minute and for a Dodge “Dually” Supercab flatbed pick-up to come roaring by the next.
I reflected on the similarities and differences between the bearded, flannel clad hippies and the rough and tough chaw-chewing cowboys. Society today seems to be pushing everyone in polar opposites. The right vs. the left, the environmentalists vs. the miners, the Democrats vs. the Republicans-we fight, we argue, and we push the extremes. The reality is that most of us fit somewhere in between.
If you refuse to shave and own multiple types of clothing made of wool or bough from a second hand store you know where you fit on the spectrum. If you have a ranch (or wish you did), only listen to Chris LeDoux, and own more than one color of Wranglers, you also know where you fit in the spectrum. Myself, well, I’m not sure where I fit in. I grew up on a dairy, but prefer shorts and flip-flops and running in the mountains instead of riding a horse. This may be the only way running 100 miles could be the mark of “moderation.” Maybe if I keep running I can figure it out.

Middle Ridge-Little Greys River

2009-06-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to travel south and check out some of the beautiful, albeit muddy sloppy single track near Alpine. Eric showed me some of his home turf. The middle ridge is nestled in between the Big Greys and Little Greys rivers a dose of pure singletrack bliss. We put in about 20 miles and +/- 5000 ft. of climb and descent. The climb from the trailhead at the confluence of the rivers was a real grinder but it was a blast blitzing back home.

The Star Valley Independent

2009-06-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, when I completed the Rocky Mountain Slam, I chronicled my adventures for the local paper, The Star Valley Independent. Doing so helped me carry through 4 very tough races (Bighorn, Hardrock, Leadville, and the Bear) in one very long summer-it keeps a person honest when eighty-year-old grannies are checking on your training when you bump into them at the local hardware store. This summer they have asked me to try again as I prepare for the U.S. 100k trail championships (Where's Waldo) and defending my title at the Bear, which only shows that I am a lucky man with an exciting life-or that things are really slow for local media:) Above is an example of my last article I wrote during the Rocky Mountain Slam.

My New Favorite Running Photo

2009-06-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Enough said!

Summer Is Here!

2009-05-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

It has been an amazing school year but finally summer is here and I am stoked. I have begun the season with a bang. After graduation and the last day of school Kayli, Noah, and I took a hike up to the "Star" above Afton. We all camped in the back yard last night and I got in 16 miles and 3000 ft. + of climb and descent with Eric this morning and then the kids and I did another hike with about 1000 ft. of climb this afternoon. I'm looking forward to many more adventures this summer.

Happy 35th Birthday!

2009-05-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when your wife knows your password and you go to sleep at 9:00pm! Love you, Happy Birthday!

Exowind

2009-05-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I received a pair of the latest and greatest from Rudy Project. The Exowind comes from the ImpactX Photorchromic Collection. They come in four different lenses, all of which change according to light conditions. When I first pulled them out of the box Andrea commented, "Nice safety goggles." A quick trip outside in the sunlight and "presto" they were shades. I have worn them in varying light conditions so far and they have performed perfectly in all instances. I have worn them in the dark while bushwhacking, in spring snowfields, and in varying light conditions while running intervals on the track. Now I only have to break the habit of putting my shades up on my head while going inside and keep hoping I might look as cool as Bronco in my Rudy's!

Bonneville Shoreline Marathon

2009-04-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

After a long (too long) break from racing on dirt I was amped to finally get the chance to test my winter training in the foothills above Salt Lake City. Roch and Catherine were kind enough to let me crash at their place the night before the race. As I putted down 33rd in search of their turn suddenly the car behind me flashed me his brights repeatedly. After a long day at a track meet and being tired of driving in the rain, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. I pulled to the side of the road and the driver jogged up to my window. It was Jared Campbell of LaSportiva and Hardrock fame and RD for the Pocatello 50. He said, "We wondered who was driving so slow, saw the NUUN sticker and the Wyoming plates and thought it might be you." We chatted for a minute and then promised to catch up at the race in the morning. It wasn't long until I found Roch's place (the gigantic Black Diamond van obviously helped). After a few minutes' wait Roch and Catherine got home and I crashed for the night. Rocho was having serious doubts about running in the slop but I knew in the morning he would cowboy up. Sure enough, as I was eating breakfast he came slogging upstairs ready to run. We got to the race with time to spare and chatted with a few of the runners before the start. Roch had informed me that Karl was super fit and ready to go after his course record. At the start it was obvious that he was a man on a mission from the start. After we bombed into City Creek and settled in I quickly fell into the chase pack with Christian Johnson and Kevin Schilling (who was trying to pull off a Boston/BOSHO double). After rounding the radio towers Kevin and I pulled ahead slightly and bombed the long downhill. We just cruised and chatted-until we came to houses..dang!, wrong turn. I didn't panic too much but hustled back to get my spots back. I figure we lost 8-10 minutes. By the time we circled back to City Creek again I finally caught up with Jared. Apparently he had started late and was in the same predicament. We continued to reel people in for the rest of the day. About half way we caught up with a runner, I believe his name was Chuck. I asked how many more we had ahead of us. He wasn't sure but he said there was another "guy with a green shirt" just like mine;) Jared and I knew that it was probably only Christian and Karl in front of us at this point. We continued to push but didn't end up catching them. Jared pulled us up the big last climb. It was all I could do to keep up. It may of been the first time I ever went anaerobic and saw stars while hiking. I threw down a couple of gels at the top and Jared was kind enough to no blow my doors off in the last couple of miles. We finished 3rd in I believe just under 4:20. All in all this was my best time for this race. My best previously on this course was 4:15 but it was short a couple miles because of snow. The 6500 ft. of climb/descent beat me up a bit but I am already feeling better and back at training. Due to construction on our new house I am not running a spring 100. My winter training has been solid and I'm looking forward to building my strength and mileage and the dirt melts out from under the snow here in Wyoming. RESULTS

Once a Hippie....

2009-04-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

All our track meets this spring seem to be taking up my opportunities to get out and race but it looks like I'll finally get to run the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Marathon next weekend. A nice little scamper around the trails above Salt Lake with a mere 6500 feet of climb and descent. Last weekend at the Tiger/Grizz Invitational in Idaho Falls they had a huge hippie van selling concessions-I couldn't resist the photo-op. (photo by Josh Henderson)

The Outdoor Parent

2009-04-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Steve Bohrer was featured in The Dirtbag Diaries. Today he emailed me the link to a new project he is participating in with Fitz Cahall. It is called "The Oudoor Parent." Check it out when you get a chance...then get your "nalgas" outside...

A nice break...from spring!??!!!

2009-04-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Trailhead?

Although it has been anything but springy-spring break has been nice. We have been lying low here in Afton with no real responsibilities except running track practice from ten to noon each day. I have logged miles, taken naps, played with the kids and even watched 3 entire movies-a big step for me. Today started out with intervals with the track kids in a blizzard (6 inches of snow last night + 16 degree temps). We did 16x200 @ just faster than mile pace with 30 seconds rest between each one. I clipped them all off in 33-34 seconds. I then drove to Alpine to meet up with Eric for a long run. We decided to drive north to what we hoped was less snow near the Palisades Dam. For some reason my camera didn't keep the nice footage of the cornice blowing over the dam. We crossed the dam and headed north. Needless to say there wasn't much if any dirt and we spend the majority of the time post-holing in nice wet, fresh, knee-deep snow for about half of the run. It was the toughest 13 mile/1600 ft. run I've ever completed. It felt like we ran 50k. Maybe it's time to take up skijoring...

REGISTRATION 2009 AVAILABLE ONLINE!

2009-03-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Intermittent Spring- 50k turn around/25k start

Registration for the 2009 Vaquero Loco races are now available through Active.com. Just look to the right side of the page and click on the link. To help save paper and race management we are doing all registration online. If this is not possible and you would like to keep it old school send a SASE to:

Ty Draney
83410 U.S. Hwy 89
Afton, Wy 83110

and I will send you a registration form. This is a difficult, but scenic and rewarding event. We recommend that unless you are familiar with running difficult, technical trails at altitude that you try the 25k before you register for the 50k. SLIDE photos at the right can give you an idea of what you have in store. After you have registered-get out and start training if you haven't already.

Rochomatic Rides "El Coyote"

2009-03-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

With another serious demonstration of intestinal fortitude-Roch Horton, ultrarunner extrordinaire, and maybe the best pacer that ever lived, continues to roll with an early season triumph in the Coyote Two Moons 100 mile. Maybe now they'll have to call it the Coyote Dos Huevos 100. A few years ago he lost a bet (or won...I'm not sure) at home by breaking 24 hours at the Bighorn 100 (see photo above) and had to shave his "bigote macho." The extra aerodynamics have propelled him to multiple personal bests including a crimson cheetah's at last year's Wasatch 100. Keep rolling hermano...more exploits await at Hardrock this summer.

Free Time!

2009-03-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

A busy winter/spring with coaching and work has left me little time to get out and enjoy time in the woods. I have been cramming in as much mileage as possible during practice and by headlamp in the morning. After a Friday track meet in Preston left a Saturday free, I was able to get together with Eric to put in a few miles. We jammed up to the radio/cell phone towers overlooking Pallisades. 14 miles in 2:45 with 3300 climb and descent made for a nice morning. The footing on the snowmachine trails was good and the sidehills are starting to bare up. It won't be long now. The weather has been spectacular this year compared to last. In fact up high we're probably 2 months closer to dirt that we were last year at this time. It can't come soon enough. With spring break coming up I'm hoping to run some dirt with Rocho and get online entry for El Vaquero lined up also. If things go well I might even be able to race before June.

The Simplot Games

2009-02-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I took a select number of my track athletes to the Simplot Games in Pocatello, one of the premier indoor high school track meets in the U.S. We were able to compete against and watch some spectacular athletes. We had a few make finals and two top ten finishes. Several other athletes also came very close to qualifying for the races on Saturday.

Friday morning I met with Luke (Vaquero 50k record holder) for a morning run. We hammered out about a 10 mile loop--way too fast. Both of us were wondering why the other was running so fast. I guess neither of us have had much company while training this year.

Saturday morning I ran the coach's mile at the meet. I had a goal of running sub 4:40 but I couldn't quite pull it out. It was a blast to break out the track spikes and try to show the kids how it's done. My goal was to run perfectly even splits on the 200 meter wooden track. I came pretty close (36, 35,36,36,35,35,36,34) for a 4:43.07 which is faster than I have run a mile in 15 years. If I can still run that pace in another 15 years I may actually be competitive:)

Cuttin' Teeth& Chasing Rainbows-Cape Lookout

2009-02-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

We spent this last weekend on the Oregon Coast. I have been swamped with work and will continue to be until May. We had a little break and a little cash from tax returns so we beat it for the beach. We had planned this trip during Christmas but due to the horrendous weather we pulled the plug. Knowing we may suffer the same fate we packed our bags, said our prayers, and beat it westward. Way too many hours later as my "nalgas" can attest, we landed in Newport. We spent the next 48 hours checking different beaches, visiting friends, and revisiting old haunts from our days as low-landers. The weather was spectacular! 50 degrees and only a few hours of rain in Lincoln City. To wrap up our trip my valentine (love you babe!) gave me a couple of hours to run the trails at Cape Lookout. A few years ago I spent a lot of time out there, preparing to run my first ultra and dreaming of the exotic and seemingly impossible places and races, pots of gold like Hardrock and Wasatch- cutting my teeth on rooty, muddy singletrack. On my very best day there I ran just a few minutes under two hours for the three trails (out and back on trails of 2.4, 2.3, and 1.8 miles with 2900 ft. of climb and descent). I was stoked and it took me days before I could walk normally again. This time I was determined to take my time, enjoy the mud and the scenery but as I churned along all the sea level O2 got me fired up and I ran every step, dodging whale watchers and couples enjoying their valentines on the trails. I finished in 2:03 and change. The sunset was spectacular--just like the good old days. Minus the thrashed quads.

Mixing It Up

2009-01-31T17:59:00.000-08:00

Cold! This morning's long run was a combination run. I pounded the roads for 3.5 hours then spent another 1.5 taking the kids on their first XC ski. The second part wasn't much of a workout but it was fun spend some time outside as a family. Racing on trails and dirt seems forever-away but I am trying to enjoy the winter and the recreation opportunities it brings.

Tiempo Loco

2009-01-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

The locals say if you don't like the weather in Wyoming, just wait five minutes and it will change. Last week was no exception. On Monday morning's run it was -19. The same time on Thursday morning it was 40 and I ran in a light-weight wool top and shorts-which I must admit was much nicer-even though I finished sans beard-cicles. The R1-hoodie/beard combo worked great. Noah tells me he wants to get bigger so he can have a ninja jacket too. For some great cold-weather running tips check out www.runjunkie.blogspot.com.

Not Slowing Down

2009-01-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

Life's obstacles can come at a person pretty quick. Amplified by the laid-back vacation in Eastern Oregon, "real life" hit hard and below the belt. Nothing like starting the new year with a couple of shots to the groin. In the last week track season started, first semester ended, we buried two family members (we'll miss you Gramps & Joe), and carrying us through it all was faith, family, friends, and of course running. So throw at me what it may, there will be no slowing down. Even if mandated by the locals. (photo by Chris Baxter)

2008 out- 2009 in

2009-01-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Due to the horrid weather, we decided to hang here in LaGrande for the rest of the Holidays. It always takes me a few days to get into vacation mode. Now that I have been enjoying reading, logging miles in the daylight, naps, snow forts, birthday parties, and bowl games-it is time to get back in the groove of everyday life.

Yesterday after logging 13 miles I decided to add up my miles for the year for the first time ever. I came up with 3117 which, as I could have told you before I added them, is more mileage than some, less than others. Now at least I have a baseline to compare next year.

During 2008 I was truly blessed. To more good times with friends and family in 2009.

Santa's Early Visit

2008-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

Santa came a little early this year and brought me this down hooded pull-over. This is an awesome piece. I am ready to battle winter! I am also honing my 2009 race calendar. Here is the plan-until it changes again.

April-Bosho Trail Marathon
May-Pocatello 50
June-Teton Dam Marathon, Logan Peak Marathon
July- Pace Rocho @ Hardrock
August- Where's Waldo 100k
September- Bear 100
November- Mt. Masochist 50?

Throw in a few indoor mile races early to make for an interesting season with a few old favorites and with a couple of new twists. Pray for the snow to melt. Over the Christmas break I plan on running some mud in the Corvallis area and the Oregon Coast. If anyone is up for some running in those areas let me know! FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO ANO NUEVO!

Mountain Athlete Seminar

2008-12-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

The dreaded "slosh pipe." Photo by Rob Shaul

As an athlete and a coach I am always looking for new ways to tweak and enhance training. Not being a real winter sports athlete and living where winters are really cold and long inspired me to go to Mountain Athlete in Jackson to check out their training methods in the weight room. What really caught my interest was Rob's commitment to sport specificity and love for creating torturous circuits for people who like to suffer. I spent two days learning different lifts and how they program for their athletes at the gym. And of course I was able to experience beautiful and terrifying things like Turkish get-ups, barbell complex, dumbell crawls, and even did a round with Mr. Spectacular. I even survived to tell about it-as long as I don't have to comb my hair or brush my teeth, or anything else requiring me to lift my hands above my shoulders...

alpine loop

2008-12-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Joe's tired of breaking trail

Salt River Range--Looking toward Vaquero course

Summit Photo

Pre-dawn lights of Afton
Inspired by the alpine climbing adventures of some of the Patagonia athletes documented on "The Tin Shed," I decided to put together a route that included approximately 6 miles and 4500+ of climbing and descent. The snow was much deeper up high than I expected. Mid-thigh to be exact and nearly 2 hours of post-holing really wore me out. In the end the round trip took about 4 hours. I had a good time and gained a new respect for alpinists and their fondness for the cold and snow-now if my toes would only thaw...

Equipment-top to bottom

Big Mountain Beanie-(sweet new find. Fleece-lined wool hat, contoured shape keeps ears warm and folds up when overheating.)
Black Diamond Cosmo Headlamp
Capilene 2 T-shirt
Capilene 4 Zip-T
Black Diamond Flash Pack
Cool Weather Tights
LW Endurance socks (2 pair)
Nike Zoom Trail+ shoes
Yaktrax Pro
NUUN- Lemon Lime

Playlist

Cold Play
The Killers
We the Kings
The Republic Tigers
The Raconteurs