A fan of the sport | My Western States 2026

I came to Western States with a knee issue and a lot of uncertainty. It was a gamble, and I knew it. But I wanted to try, and I am happy I did, even if the outcome wasn't the one I hoped for. The colder conditions made it the fastest editions in history and I was doing well from the start, running with the lead pack, feeling good. Then things unravelled, and by mile 38, I made the call to stop. What happened next is something I will remember for a long time. We went to Forest Hill, then to Pointed Rocks, then to the finish line. And we got lucky to witness one of the greatest days in the history of the sport: both men's and women's course records broken, races so close and so fast they will be talked about for generations. Standing there cheering, I realised something: before being an athlete, I am a fan of this sport. I love watching runners push the limits, I love the golden hour at Western States, when the last runners come home and the crowd is still there, still roaring. Sometimes a race falls apart and that's when you remember why you love the sport. Filmed and edited by: Nick Danielson Additional filming by: Hans Kristian Smedsrød Discover NNormal: https://www.nnormal.com