Q&A: Josef Mcgrath - Trail Runner

RS: Are you ready for your next event?

JM: My next trail event is the SUM50 in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and Garigal National Park in Sydney (St Ives). I’m doing a lot less training volume at the moment, but I’m ready to go.

RS: What footwear will you be wearing for this event?

JM: I’ll be wearing Nike Vaporfly 3’s with Kathmandu trail socks. You’re probably thinking that’s a wild shoe choice for a trail event, but these work really well for me for this terrain.

RS: Can you tell us about your nutrition choices for training vs what you’ll be use on event day?

JM: Training and race day nutrition is pretty similar for me, I like to train and race on the same fuel. On race day I’ll be taking:

- 2x 500 ml bottles of Tailwind 2.5 scoops

- 1x 500 ml bottle of Gatorade 2 scoops

- 1x 500 ml bottle of electrolytes

- 2x winners gels 2x CAF winners gels

- Salt tabs

- Pickle juice

- 1x caffeinated Clif Bloks chews

RS: As we know, you’re running SUM50 this weekend, what Ultra Trail event has been your favourite of your career so far?

JM: Can’t beat UTA 100

RS: How do you cope with mental fatigue during a 50km+ race?

JM: I just focus on staying in that moment and try to stay focused on getting my nutrition in. It works for me.

RS: You ran 3rd this year in UTA 100KM at the Blue Mountains with a time of 9:56:55, what are you chasing next year?

JM: I’m still angry/frustrated at both attempts at 6 foot track so I’ll be focusing on that and chasing a PB there.

RM: After SUM50, what’s your next upcoming event we can catch you at?

JM: Not too sure what’s after the SUM50, I’m working on getting my body right at the moment after some minor issues.

Thanks for chatting with us Josef - good luck tomorrow!