Editors note: This is or second interview with Joe Gray. To read our first interview from 2015, click here.
When one thinks of mountain running, they picture Joseph Gray floating over trails on his way to victory in events like the Pikes Peak Ascent or the GoPro Mountain Games 10K.
But what exactly is mountain running? Isn’t it just trail running?
Well, not exactly. While some mountain running is trail running, not all trail running is mountain running. And not all mountain running is trail running. Huh??
Trail running is summed up as running on an unpaved surface, like a trail (go figure). But it could also be running on a beach or grass. What makes mountain running different is the significant elevation changes. Running on the Highline Canal would be trail running, but not mountain running. Running up the road to the summit of Mt Evans would be considered mountain running, but not trail running. Make sense?
Most mountain running events have significant elevation change – both up and down – but are not necessarily long (like an ultra). The US Mountain Running Championships are usually shorter than a half marathon. Mountain running events that are longer than a half marathon are usually called Skyrunning events.
What sets Joe Gray apart from his competitors is his ability to run uphill (and downhill) at incredible speeds. Because of this, over the last 15 years, Gray has become arguably the best mountain runner of all time.
He is a two time world champion, six time XTERRA World champion and 21 time national champion. He has represented the United States on 15 consecutive World Mountain Running teams. He is an eight time winner of the GoPro Mountain Games 10K and a four time winner of the Pikes Peak Ascent. He also owns numerous FKT’s (fastest known times) on Colorado’s mountain peaks.
Gray is also a speed demon on the roads, having qualified for the 2016 US Olympic Marathon Trials and owning a 1:03 half marathon personal record, 28:18 10K PR and 22:50 8K PR!
But it is not just on the roads and trails where Gray shines. As an African-American, Gray has noticed that there is not a lot of diversity in the sport of mountain running. To try and combat this, Gray speaks on the issue and has formed his Project Inspire Diversity to help make the sport more inclusive. He also tries to provide gear and inspiration to young runners of color to keep them motivated.
Joseph was kind enough to answer a few questions for us. He hope that by reading about him, you will also be motivated to pursue your goals.
Quick Stats
Name: Joseph Gray
Age: 38
Hometown & Current: Lakewood, WA and Colorado Springs
Professional & Educational background: Professional Athlete, Coach, Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Masters of Science in Criminology
Sports participated in: XC, Mountain, Trail, Track, Road, Snowshoe, Sky
Years in current sport: since 2007
Sponsors/Affiliations: Hoka, Kriva cbda, Tanri, Never Second, Momentous, Foxriver, Ultimate direction, Knockdown, Casio, Go Sleeves
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career (please explain reasons why and any other pertinent details)?
One of the biggest highlights for me was winning the World Mountain Running Championships in 2019. I have seen many great athletes win a world title then never win again. I’ve also seen athletes win on uphill courses and not on the uphill/Downhill Champs. So, to come back from injury and put together a win on the up/Down Champs after winning the uphill in 2016 was a truly great moment in my journey.
What are your long-term goals?
Longterm I’d like to contend for more World and National Titles representing my country
What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I want to achieve goals I had only dreamt about in the past. I also want to achieve greatness to be an example for other up and coming minorities in the outdoor sports world
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
Colorado for me was a no brainer. I met my coach (Scott Simmons) here and he challenged me in ways I needed. He lived in the Springs so I followed him and the team here. I do think the area is a great boost for altitude races. Colorado has also been great at creating competitive events annually whether on the road or off road
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I don’t talk a lot about my training to be honest. I don’t find it interesting. I often feel top athletes are all doing similar things. One thing that might set me apart is I’m a huge believer in taking breaks throughout the year resting completely from any activity.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
Make sure I recover using Gosleeves Recovery Sleeves, using Neversecond C30 and C90 drink mixes during hard or long efforts.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are you favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
I eat what ever I crave! Big fan of gnocchi ai Quattro formaggi, pizza and of course a good cut of steak
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Biggest challenge I’d say for any Athlete especially in this time frame is staying healthy. Immunity is under attack when you travel and also when training hard. If you’re stuck on a plane or other forms of public transport en-route to a race, you inevitably will get sick at some point. When doing high volume you are also physically at risk of injury as well. So, staying healthy is the biggest piece of the puzzle in my opinion.
What are your favorite races in Colorado? Why?
Gopro Mountain Games. I love the event because it pulls in many types of sporting events and allows you to take your mind off of simply competing. You ha e the music, the food and other sports to be entertained with all week which makes it fun for the family
Where do you like to train in Colorado? Why?
If I told ya, then it would be overrun with people!
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Hoka Clifton at the moment
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Neversecond P30
Favorite post-run/race meal: Steak and Shrimp
Role models: Jesse Owen’s, my Dad
Day job: PRO Athlete
Solo runner, running partner or team/group?
I love them all and each have a vital role throughout the year
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
I’d say yes. I think my biggest breakthrough came when I began running 7 days a week and consistently sticking to a regimen when training. The years of consistency and breaks from racing each season allowed me to grow mentally and physically over time
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Do what you love, don’t do something simply because others love it.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
Love is short, live it to the fullest
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My children, my community and my supporters. I don’t race for myself anymore. I realize the world is much bigger than my own happiness. I want to be able to inspire people around the world and some who aren’t even born yet. This motivates me daily