Jun 18, 2026 · 1h 41m
Send us Fan Mail Western States 100 has a strange power over people, even the ones who swear they’re not into hype. We talk with AJW, a 10-time Western States finisher, coach, longtime volunteer, and storyteller with deep roots in the race, to put real words to what makes this ultramarathon feel like sacred ground. From the nonprofit ethos to the lived reality of the course, we get into why this event keeps its mystique even as trail running grows louder and more commercial. We also go practical. AJW lays out what to handle months in advance so race week stays quiet: lodging, crew and pacer plans, vehicles, and the Memorial Day training camp. Then we zoom into the Western States 100 course itself, breaking it into four sections and highlighting five pinch points where runners often lose the plot. We talk wet feet, river crossings, shoe changes, aid station spacing, and why “it’s all downhill” is one of the most dangerous lies you can believe after Foresthill. Heat is the final boss, and we treat it that way. AJW shares how he approaches heat training with sauna-based heat acclimation, what “cooling” really means in the canyons, and the rookie mistakes he sees every year, from hammering the opening climb to trashing quads on the descents. If you’re chasing a sub-20 Western States finish or just trying to make it to Auburn with a clear head, this gives you a roadmap that’s equal parts strategy and respect for what the day demands. Subscribe for more conversations on endurance, leadership, and the miles that change you, and if this helped, share it with the person dreaming about Western States and leave us a review. Contact Thad - VictoriousVeteranProject@Gmail.com Thanks for listening!