Ultra Chat #4 with Joseph Hillenbrand

What I have learned from being friends with Joe, is that all things are relative. Like the fact that he told me that the North Face Endurance Challenge course in Pine Mountain, GA was easy. Little did I know, “easy” equated to scaling rocks the size of freakin’ couches. Apparently we have varying opinions on ‘easy’ runs vs. ‘hard’ runs.

And another neat fact about Joe– he “has awesome beards”….that sometimes become shaped like a monkey tail on his face. And sadly, no photographic evidence of that for you!

So on that note… let’s welcome Joe

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Quick little bio (when did you start running):

Started running and playing sports as long back as I can remember, got into the ultra running scene probably about 3 years ago.

Brag Time (race you are most proud of, show off your times, winning a race etc):

I always enjoy a race whether I come in 1st or dead last. If I had to pick a race I am most proud of it would be when I beat Don Piper in the 1 mile around the track when I was 11….Don was the fastest kid in school haha.

{and because this is my blog and I can chime in too– the above photo (dude on right in blue) is Joe about to cross the finish line at Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Full Marathon for a 2nd place finish!}

What is your favorite Ultra you have done?

My favorite ultra I have ever done was probably the Tussey Mountain Back USATF 50 mile championship race. It is just a really nice fast course, with rolling hills and nice single track.

How many miles a week on average do you run while training for a 50K? Do you alter your training for 100 mile + races? If yes, how so?

My training dosen’t really change depending on which race I’m am running. I keep a base of around 70-80 mpw and I will try and hit at least one or two 100+ mile weeks before a race.

What is your favorite gear to wear while running? Shoes, apparel, headlamp etc.

Favorite gear while running are 3 inch splits (shorts), a trucker hat, and a beard. Plus Adidas Adios shoes.

Ultras usually have a good spread of food for the athletes. What do you intake during your race?

I find that during a race the more crap I eat the better I do. The last ultra I did all I drank was coke and all I ate was mini fudge rounds and I felt great!!! Honey Stingers work for me on training runs.

What are your running goals for 2013?

Goals for 2013 is getting my knee back to normal. I have been sidelined for almost 2 months with a pesky knee injury which will probably result in surgery and another 2 months of rehab. I certainly know that in 2013 I will never take a injury free training day for granted.

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Thanks Joe for concluding our Ultra chat for this time!

I hope everyone has a great race on Saturday… I’ll be at Aide Station 3 to cheer y’all on!

I hope you all have learned from these guys this week. I know that they are a wealth of knowledge and will help anyone interested in trying out ultras. I know that when I embark on that next step (once my knee is cleared), I have quite a bit of ‘experts’ onto reach out to! Thanks guys!!

And yes, maybe next time I’ll feature the ladies, because there are a ton of awesome chicks that beat the guys on the course. So… stay tuned for future posts!