This is the forty-first edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where I get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.
Intro
Today’s guest is one of my favorite elite/professional runners out there. He works extremely hard, runs races his own way, and isn’t afraid to push his limits or speak up when necessary regarding various issues in the world.
He has a laundry list of professional accomplishments and I will include several highlights to give you a taste of his dedication and success in the sport:
- 18-Time USA National Champion
- 8-Time World Champion
- 10-Time USA Mountain Runner of the Year (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- First Black American to win the USA Snowshoe National Championships, to win the USA National Mountain Running Championships, and make the USA National Mountain Running Team
- 7-Time USA Mountain Running National Champion (2009, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
- 12 Years Consecutive Representing USA Mountain Running Team at the World Mountain Running Championships (RECORD)
He is also an avid “foodie”, loves to travel, and has a Masters of Science Degree in Sociology with distinction in Criminology. Today’s guest is…Joe Gray!
Interview
Why is running important to you?
It is one of the most basic and interesting ways to explore new places. Being such a curious person about life and parts of the world, running gives me an opportunity to seek adventure around the beautiful places on this Earth!
What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?
The most important thing is rest and recovery. Knowing when to run through pain and when to rest it. Granted, some of that is luck and a bit of it is just experience from years past or from peers. No real injuries beyond the mishap here or there where you might fall or tweak an ankle on technical terrain.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
Life keeps me motivated. I know life is not promised and it is a gift, so getting out of the door each day is also a gift and I make sure to cherish that!
2020 was a tough year for races. As a professional runner, how did you navigate those waters? Did you find sponsors being supportive during this time?
One way was to find Fastest Known Times (FKTs) to chase. My sponsors were awesome during this time as they knew it was tough on us as athletes as well.
For me, racing is the biggest prize and not having head to head races were a nightmare. The FKTs at least gave me something close to head to head battle as many of the FKTs I ran were routes heavily attended by folks I race against regularly.
Who is in your running support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
My family is the biggest piece of that group. My coach and training partners at American Distance Project are also great partners to help me push, but also to bounce ideas off of in terms of where to race, and at times how to prepare the mind and body.
Assuming they happen, what are your tentative racing plans in 2021?
No idea, Covid has already canceled a few events early 2021 so I’m just training and learning patience at the moment. Would love to represent the USA at the World Championships once again if possible.
You are a beast on the trails, what made you gravitate to trail vs. road running?
I think the nature of the challenge was one of the biggest factors. Mountain races seemed to be purely guts and not so much tactical as you might see in a track event. Honest efforts were needed to succeed and it reminded me of XC in many ways, so I fell in love with racing to the tops of peaks fairly quickly.
What do you think about while you run?
Many times nothing. Just simply admiring the moment and the experience. Other times I find myself planning my day or future.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
After winning my first World Mountain Running Championships in 2016 I was pretty pumped to not only take home the Gold for myself, but also for my country as we as a team won our first men’s team Gold!
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
None. Each race was a learning experience and a gift. Of course many races won’t go as planned but at least I was able to race. So, in the end, I wouldn’t want to forget any of them because they’ve allowed me to be who I am today.
What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?
Basketball was my first love and today I still enjoy the game, and of course still an avid fan of the NBA!
Closing
Many thanks to Joe for agreeing to stop by The Duluth Runner and share some of his knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!