The Mile 99 Interview

The Mile 99 Interview

The Mile 99 Interview podcast is here to support runners and athletes in Northern CA and is a place to keep the community in touch and share stories.

  1. Episode 134 - The Road to Western States with Mike Dimond

    APR 4

    Episode 134 - The Road to Western States with Mike Dimond

    Send us a text In this episode of The Mile 99 Interview, we sit down with Mike Dimond, a hometown ultrarunner from Auburn, CA, who just punched his ticket to the 2025 Western States 100—not in the main lottery, but through the exclusive M45 Automotive Auburn residents raffle! A Sacramento Metro firefighter, father, and long-time runner, Mike shares how living in the shadow of the Western States finish line shaped his dream, and how his name being drawn at the post-lottery raffle changed everything. 🔥 In This Episode: 🏠 Auburn Roots – Mike’s journey from where he grew up to making a home in the Endurance Capital of the World.🚒 Balancing the Firehouse & the Finish Line – Insights into life as a Sac Metro firefighter and the delicate balance of career, family, and ultrarunning.🏃‍♂️ Running Journey – From school sports to long miles on the trail, and how he first discovered the magic of Western States.🎟️ The Lucky Draw – How the M45 Automotive local raffle gave him an unexpected shot at 100 miles in 2025.🏋️‍♂️ Training Talk – Who’s helping him prep? What does his training look like? And how do work shifts factor in?🧠 Mental Grit – How Mike deals with setbacks and tough races, and the mindset he’s building for the big day.🥾 The Support Squad – Crew, pacers, and the power of local running groups and training partners in the Auburn area.This episode is a testament to perseverance, community, and what can happen when preparation meets a little bit of lottery luck! 🔗 Resources & Mentions: Western States Endurance RunSacramento Metropolitan Fire DistrictM45 Automotive – Auburn, CA🎧 Whether you’re a Western States hopeful or just love a great story from the trail, this one will leave you fired up! --- The Mile 99 Interview | Linktree Your Hosts: Jessica Harris / Greg Larkin The Mile 99 Interview is creating podcast episodes | Patreon Venmo | The Mile 99 Interview Intro/outro music: Joseph McDade - Elevation: https://josephmcdade.com/music/elevation Support the show

    56 min
  2. Episode 133 - Trail Work, Advocacy & Dirt-Fueled Passion with Elke Reimer & Tim Tollefson

    MAR 25

    Episode 133 - Trail Work, Advocacy & Dirt-Fueled Passion with Elke Reimer & Tim Tollefson

    Send us a text In this inspiring episode of The Mile 99 Interview, we sit down with two passionate trail stewards: Elke Reimer and Tim Tollefson. You might know Tim for his elite trail running accomplishments, but today, he’s wearing a different hat—one of advocacy, stewardship, and public lands protection. Alongside him, Elke shares her deep experience in trail maintenance and volunteer coordination. Together, they unpack the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our trails runnable, beautiful, and accessible. 🌲 In This Episode: 🥶 Seasonal Worker Freeze – Tim explains the impact of federal hiring freezes and what that means for public lands and trail maintenance.🏛️ Advocacy in Action – Learn about Runners for Public Lands and their push to mobilize the trail running community to lobby and engage with Congress.🚫 Permits at Risk – What happens if races lose access to public land? Tim and Elke share real concerns about shrinking outdoor access.🛠️ What is Trail Work, Really? – Elke walks us through what it takes to show up and dig in: the tools, the clothing, the snacks, and the heart.🥾 Elke’s Trail Work Journey – How she got started, and why it's become a core part of her outdoor life.🌐 Volunteer Power – With limited government staffing, volunteer groups are essential. Elke explains how trail systems are divided and maintained by local crews.📍 Trail Work Across California – From the Western States Trail to Mammoth Lakes, there are opportunities to give back all over the state.🌄 Looking Ahead – Tim and Elke talk about expanding the nonprofit Sierra Nevada Trails Alliance and how you can get involved in the next chapter of trail stewardship.💬 Whether you’re a trail runner, hiker, or just someone who loves the outdoors, this episode is a call to action: our trails need us. 🛠️ Volunteer. Advocate. Protect. This is your trail too. 🔗 Resources & Links: Runners for Public Lands[Sierra Nevada Trails Alliance (coming soon)]Volunteer Opportunities – Mammoth Lakes Trail SystemWestern States Trail Foundation🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts – hit that play button and get inspired to get dirty! --- The Mile 99 Interview | Linktree Your Hosts: Jessica Harris / Greg Larkin The Mile 99 Interview is creating podcast episodes | Patreon Venmo | The Mile 99 Interview Intro/outro music: Joseph McDade - Elevation: https://josephmcdade.com/music/elevation Support the show

    54 min

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The Mile 99 Interview podcast is here to support runners and athletes in Northern CA and is a place to keep the community in touch and share stories.