Piedmonter Prepares for 100 Mile Race, Busted Ribs And All

The Western States Endurance run–or "States" as it's affectionately known–is to ultramarathons what Boston is to marathons, according to Piedmont running enthusiast and blogger Sarah Lavender Smith. Piedmonter Graham Cooper won the race in 2007, finishing in 18 hours, 17 minutes. Now 41 and despite breaking his ribs on a ski slope in March, Cooper is gunning for a top 10 finish in this year's race June 25.

Smith knows Cooper better from their kids' playdates and dinner parties than competition. She's never run States, but she's been known to track the participants' progress online, and she calls Cooper an inspiration.

Read Smith's interview with Cooper on her blog, The Runner's Trip: Run Long, Travel Far, Discover More: http://www.therunnerstrip.com.