The running accomplishments of Rachel Drake and Tyler Green are awe-inspiring. However, their story extends far beyond paces and race results. This high-achieving couple juggles demanding careers, education, coaching, and family life with their one-and-a-half-year-old son, Lewis. Recently, Drake secured her spot in the 2024 Western States 100 with a strong win at the Black Canyon Ultras 100K in Arizona, while Green finished second at the 2023 Western States and capped off his season with a sixth-place finish in the men’s race at the UTMB 171K. We connected with the couple to understand how they manage to balance it all.
Roots and Goals
Drake, 32, hails from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and the family currently resides in Green’s hometown of Portland, Oregon. Soon, they will relocate to Salt Lake City, Utah, for Drake to begin her anesthesiology residency this summer. The dynamic duo met at the McKenzie River 50K, and now they combine their strengths in raising a family while excelling in high-level running. Green, 40, is a trail running coach and also coaches high school cross country and track.
Both Drake and Green have ambitious goals for the 2024 season. They are set to race at the Western States on June 29 and aim for another top performance at a World Trail Majors race, with plans to run the Ultra Trail Cape Town in November. Their adaptability was evident when a trip to the Ultra Trail Madeira was derailed by travel difficulties, yet they enjoyed their time at home instead. Similarly, Drake showcased her resilience when the Black Canyon Ultra 100K was delayed due to bad weather.
Embracing Parenthood
Balancing running and parenting, Drake and Green find joy in bringing Lewis to events. “Just a few weeks ago, we were at the Gorge Waterfalls trail races, and it’s so fun to bring Lewis into the fold,” Drake shared. Despite the challenges, they cherish these moments, even when travel logistics become complicated.
Drake and Green have different athletic strengths. Drake excels in shorter distances like the 50K, while Green specializes in 100-mile races. “Tyler is more of a strength runner, and I’m more speed-oriented,” Drake explains. As partners in life and running, they support each other in unique ways. Green coaches Drake, offering advice and helping with race strategies, while Drake provides input on their competitive calendars.
Both athletes are sponsored by Osprey, a partnership that reflects their values. “Rachel has partnered with Osprey for five years, and I followed suit three years ago,” Green explains. “Our connection with Osprey runs deep; they support us as people first, whether celebrating race results, our pregnancy announcement, or caring for us through injuries.”
Drake’s return to top-notch performance after having a child is remarkable. However, she emphasizes that it wasn’t a fast return. “I had a sacral stress fracture at four months postpartum and had to take time to recover,” she says, highlighting the often-overlooked challenges of returning to running after childbirth. Drake also prioritized nursing Lewis for a year, which limited her training but was important to her.
Balancing Act
The key to Drake and Green’s success lies in their communication and planning. “Lots of communication with each other, planning our days out, and capitalizing on getting stuff done during Lewis’s nap time,” Drake shares. Their social media captures enviable images of family, travel, running, and mountains, often with Lewis in tow.
As they continue to inspire and achieve on and off the trails, fans eagerly follow Drake’s and Green’s journeys, anticipating their performances in the upcoming Western States and beyond. Their story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of partnership in achieving greatness.
