The Western States ® 100-Mile Endurance Run is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race. Starting in Squaw Valley, California and ending 100.2 miles later. Following the historic Western States Trail, runners climb more than 18,000 feet and descend nearly 23,000 feet before they reach the finish line at Placer High School in Gordy’s hometown of Auburn, California. It is held on the last weekend of June each year. I got to volunteer at the race and witness this spectacle of endurance last year, and was lucky enough to meet up with Gordy a couple of days later. In the next few episodes, you’ll hear my extended interview with Dr. Gordon Ainsleigh, which I recorded just after last year’s Western States 100. Part 1 In this portion of my interview, Gordy tells the story of how it all started, how the horses actually held him back, and why caffeine is a recipe for disaster in ultra runs.