Teva Mountain Games – Josiah Middaugh Interview

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With the Teva Mountain Games starting Thursday, June 2nd, we thought it would be appropriate to start talking to some of the amazing athletes of the games and what better way to start off by interviewing Josiah Middaugh, 4 time TMG Ultimate Challenge winner!  So without further ado…

(Kevin)
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
(Josiah)
Born and raised in Northern Michigan (East Jordan)

(Kevin)
Where do you train now?
(Josiah)
I live in Eagle-Vail and train up and down the Valley

(Kevin)
What 3 pieces of gear could you not live without?
(Josiah)
I am fortunate to have some great equipment, like my Felt Edict LTD mountain bike and AVIA shoes.  That said, I am not a slave to my equipment.  I tend to focus more on the engine.

(Kevin)
What do attribute your 4 wins in a row to?
(Josiah)
I think it is a unique combination of events which are well suited for an XTERRA triathlete.  There are few pro mountain bikers that can run fast, let alone kayak.

(Kevin)
What events do you like to watch at the Teva Mountain Games while not participating?
(Josiah)
I like watching the kayak events like the 8-ball on Gore Creek, the freeride bike events, and the climbing.  I am in awe of the world class athletes that come to town.

(Kevin)
What are your 3 favorite outdoor activities?
(Josiah)
Swim, bike, run, but not in that order…

(Kevin)
What has been your hardest mountain bike race ever?
(Josiah)
The first summer I moved to Vail I had never mountain biked before.  I bought a bike from the pawn shop and raced the Vail Ultra 100 mile mountain bike race two weeks later.  Bad idea, but I finished.

(Kevin)
What foods do you like to eat the days leading up to a big race?
(Josiah)
I don’t change much before a big race but I do try to focus a little more on carbohydrates and hydration leading into a big event.

(Kevin)
What foods do you stay away from leading up to a big race?
(Josiah)
The day before and the day of I stay away from foods that are too high in fat or protein although some balance is good.

(Kevin)
Do you prefer energy gels, blocks, or other?
(Josiah)
I race almost exclusively with First Endurance products including  their EFS energy and electrolyte drink and their liquid gel shot which comes in a 400 calorie, 6 oz flask.  In training I tend to eat more real food on longer rides.

(Kevin)
What would you suggest to those who want to get into the sport of mountain biking?
(Josiah)
Now is a great time to get into the sport with the recent advancements in technology.  Start by just getting on the dirt and the technical skills will come.  Remember that different types of bikes have different advantages (26 vs 29”, hard tail vs full suspension) but as long as the bike is reasonably light then it is more about the rider.

(Kevin)
How have you prepared for this year’s TMG Ultimate Mountain Challenge?
(Josiah)
This year has been tough with the record snowfall, but I have already had 5 off-road triathlons that I have traveled to so I have had some good race experience.  I don’t feel like I need to prepare specifically for the TMG but rather draw from a career of endurance training—and it helps to live and train at the same altitude as the races.

For more information about Josiah and other Teva Mountain Games winners, visit http://www.tevamountaingames.com/summer/mountains/athletes-to-watch/umc-athletes-to-watch.aspx