In 2016 Joe climbed all 57 Colorado 14ers, self-powered, riding his bike to each mountain, taking 31 days - and he didn’t bring a foam pad. Earlier he entered the Colorado Trail Mountain Bike race - on a non-suspension bike with a leather saddle.
"An ideal aesthetic is not necessarily a rational thing, it's an emotional feeling."
He has finished 2nd, 3rd, and 6th at the iconic Hardrock 100. He's done everything from the Iditarod Trail Invitation in the Alaskan winter, the Arizona Trail Race on a mountain bike, to the Tour de 14ers. UTMB was sort of an easy day for Joe.
Comfort does not create happiness - that's a bad but persistent modern myth - but when does a project become so hard it's not worth it? Joe is very thoughtful and articulate - listen as he answers these questions, AND, gives us a heads up on his upcoming project, "Home to Home", which uses both photography and music to share his recent Colorado Trail FKT.
"Style matters"
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Comments
Joe Grant's insights on running and writing in Episode 59 are truly inspiring. His ability to blend the physical and mental aspects of endurance sports with the reflective process of writing offers a unique perspective. It's fascinating to hear how he channels his experiences on the trails into words, making the connection between movement and creativity so tangible. His approach reminds us that running is not just a physical challenge but also a journey of self-discovery, and his writing helps capture the depth of that experience.
Joe's incredible feat of climbing all 57 Colorado 14ers in 31 days, self-powered and without a foam pad. showcases his sheer determination and grit—truly inspiring and hardcore!