I hope to still be running races when I am in my 60s or 70s, just like today's guest: Ruth Kohstall. She got into running in her 40s when she was playing soccer and decided to challenge herself on the trails by running longer and longer distances. In the last episode we talked with the race director about how Eastern States was cancelled due to flooding and a state of emergency. Ruth was signed up for Eastern States, but then tried to run another 100 mile race a couple weeks later, since she had been training. That race ended up with her needing stitches, so at 70 years old she decided a couple weeks later to go run a "fatass" (unsanctioned & self-supported) race. The running community came out to cheer her on and run some of the night loops with her as she set out to run 100 miles.

No one wants a race to be cancelled, but sometimes mother nature, in this instance named Tropical Storm Debby, has other thoughts. Ben Mazer is the race director with dozens of races under his belt. This year he had his work cut out for him the days leading up to Eastern States 100 mile race. Heavy rain from the storm forced them to make course alterations several times leading up to race day, but ultimately the Governor of Pennsylvania made a declaration of emergency and the race had to be cancelled. The race organizers still tried to make the best of the situation and Ben goes into that. If you are interested in running Eastern States 100 next year, check out their website for more details.

Stephen uses the mentality of "No Take" when it comes to rock climbing and running some tough races. His first 100 mile race was Hellbender, which is one of the toughest races in the Eastern United States. He recounts the crazy weather as he was cresting Mount Mitchell during the race.

Check him out on Instagram, Strava, or his Not Take Mafia climbing adventures on Facebook and Instagram accounts.