 Joe Kulak
Joe Kulak  Bio: Joe was first introduced to trail running in Colorado and thought it would be a nice way to explore the outdoors and maybe make a few friends. He probably wasn't thinking that ten years later he'd be one of the best ultra-runners on the scene. Perhaps Joe's biggest running accomplishment came in 2003, when he shattered the record for the Grand Slam and the Last Great Race series, which consisted of his cumulative times for six of the country's most renowned 100-milers: Old Dominion, Western States, Vermont, Leadville Trail, Wasatch Front, and Angeles Crest. That meant running six 100-mile races in only 16 weeks, a feat that pushed his physical and mental limits, and barely left enough time to recover between events. Even though, or perhaps because, he excels at such an extreme sport, Joe manages to live a surprisingly normal and balanced life. "I'm a normal guy who holds a professional job and lives in a typical suburban community. I just happen to like hammering myself into oblivion at 50- and 100-mile races . . . Running is a part of my life but hardly all-encompassing. It brings focus to other areas of my life and is my outlet for restless energy. But, first is family—always has been." He recently moved back to the Philadelphia area, where he and his wife were born and raised, and where they are now raising their two daughters. Joes say's, "I like being sponsored by The North Face vs. another company, because of their commitment to developing the best products for outdoor athletes." Birthdate: 11/12/1967 Nickname: Joe, Kulio, Kula Shaker, Spoon, Snoopy, etc. Favorite Destination: Europe, beaches, mountains. Favorite The North Face Product: Enduranec 50 BOA shoes. Can't beat them for ease of use. The fit is nice and the provide a good ride. Proudest Moment: My wedding day and the birth of my daughters. Running: My first 100 miler, the Leadville Trail 100 in 1997. Words To Live By: Carpe diem. Favorite Cook and Dish: Loaded question! My wife - of course! Everything! Favorite Moment In History: Roger Bannister's four minute mile, Bruce Fordyce's Comrades record, Ann Trason's epic race battles, and Yiannis Kouros' records. Ambition: Ride a bicycle across the USA, swim the English Channel, play guitar, sail across the Atlantic. Three Things People Should Know About Me I rest three months a year. I don't high mileage. I drive cheap cars and keep running gear in the trunk in case I break down somewhere. Three Things I Always Pack: Running gear. Always have running gear! And deodorant. Career Highlights: 2006:
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