Näak Ambassador Joe Grant

Professional Trail Runner

Durango, CO

« Simplify, simplify. » « One 'simplify' would have sufficed. »

I was born in England, and then moved to France when I was 6 years old. I spent my childhood through university in France. In my late teens, I began rock climbing and long distance hiking, then gravitated to running as a simplification of both of those activities. I now live in Durango, Colorado with my wife, Deanne, and our two dogs Luce and Honey.

I've been fortunate to travel the world to compete in mountain and trail running events. I derive my inspiration from exploring wild places under my own power and I'm passionate about working to protect these places. I'm also a writer, photographer, and document my work on my website www.alpine-works.com.

My goals for the 2021 season are:

- I'm working on a book/art project on the Colorado Trail called Home to Home.
- I'm creating a 400 mile route in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, called the Southwest Classic, that I'll be fastpacking in late June.
- I'm the aid station captain at Hardrock's Kroeger's Canteen.
- Colorado Trail Race (self-supported MTB race on the Colorado Trail)
- Tor des Géants (if travel to Europe is possible)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2019Colorado Trail - 8 days 20h09.

2018 Nolan's 14 - 49:38 - Colorado

2016 Tour de 14ers - 31 days 8h33

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY TO TRAIN?

I love being outside and roaming in the mountains. For me training is more of a way of life and wanting to be fit to do the things I enjoy.

DO YOU HAVE A PERSON WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I'm inspired by all kinds of people, but especially passionate and driven individuals who aren't afraid of being themselves.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NUTRITION TIP TO SHARE ?

For longer runs, eat and drink frequently in small amounts to keep energy levels consistent and not overload the system.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST RACING MEMORY?

I have so many great racing memories, it's hard to pinpoint just one. Running with the Tarahumara in Mexico's Copper was my second trail race ever and it was pretty special. The people, the culture, the place were all amazing. The course preview hike that we did over several days was just as fun as the race itself and made for an overall very unique experience.