The Road to Western States 2010: Amy Palmeiro-Winters

March 24, 2010
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Amy and the kids

Today we’re beginning a series of podcasts profiling participants in this year’s Western States 100. We’re calling it “The Road to Western States 2010.” Western States is one of the oldest ultra trail events in the world and one of the most challenging. It starts in Squaw Valley, California, and ends in Auburn, California. The trail ascends from the Squaw Valley floor to Emigrant Pass, a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in the first 4½ miles. From the pass, following the original trails used by the gold and silver miners of the 1850’s, runners travel west, climbing another 15,540 feet and descending 22,970 feet before reaching Auburn. Most of the trail passes through remote and rugged territory, accessible only to hikers, horses and helicopters.

Amy Palmeiro-Winters will be one of the athletes participating in the June 26th event. The mother of two, lost her left leg below the knee following a 1994 motorcycle accident but has gone on to compete at the elite level in triathlons, marathons, and now ultramarathons.

Click here to download audio.

Comments (7)

  • Suzanne Weightman says:

    Amy, I think it's awesome that you are taking on this challenge. Having worked in Physical Therapy, I understand the potential problems that can occur with a prosthetic limb just with normal use. As an ultrarunner, I have experienced foot and skin problems relating to repetitive motion and weather conditions. You certainly do have quite a bit to deal with to complete the distance given the terrain of WSER. I know with your determination and dedication to finding the best prosthesis and gear for these conditions, you will do very well and enjoy every minute of it!

    Congratulations on all of your previous athletic accomplishments!

    I look forward to seeing you at Western States!

    Suzanne Weightman

  • Andy Mc Breen says:

    Amy,

    I ran the Run to the Future with You in Arizona and met my own goal for the day. I remember You giving Me alot of inspiration to do so. I will be out to California to witness Your and many others inspiration to continue to set goals and attain them.

    Andy Mc Breen

  • I ran seven 100 mile races in 07″and four every since.Western states was the only one I have ever considerd ever dropping out of.So my hat is off too you”good luck. A friend……..

  • Ken Smith says:

    Great interview! Very inspiring!

  • Mark Kramer says:

    Amy

    I met you at about mile 18 of the OKC Memorial Marathon as we were running uphill into the wind. As we ran together (and I was suffering) you gave me some great words of encouragement that I will NEVER forget. Thank You!!

    Good luck on your adventures. You are truely my hero and a wonderful role model for my young daughters!

  • amy says:

    Suzanne, Andy, Cory, Ken and Mark,
    Thank you for taking the time to listen to the interview. I hope to get the chance to meet those of you who will be in Western States. We all have the ability to do amazing things if we keep trying. Good luck to you all,
    Everyday is a new day to define who we are, be great-Amy

  • Tom Jennings says:

    Congrats on your WS100 finish, Amy ! I tried catching you at the 2006 Erie Law Day 5K before I had any idea who you were, but you just kept pulling away from me at the end to finish in 25th at 20:48 and I was in 36th at 21:42.

    We'd love to have you at our Oil Creek trail ultras in mid-October in Titusville! You are such an inspiration, best wishes for your continued success.

    FYI – the OC100 will have a display at the Crawford County Fair on Monday 8/23 (only) in case you are back in NW PA visiting in a few weeks.

    Tom Jennings

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