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A woman's 9-year journey to the finish of a 100-mile race

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Western States is a grueling 100-mile race through California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, and in 2015, amateur ultra runner Julie Moffitt set her sights on participating. For nearly a decade, Moffitt ran a 100k or 100-mile race to qualify and reentered the Western States lottery. This year, at 57 years old, she finally crossed the finish line.

On this Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with Moffitt about the race and her advocacy for women continuing to participate in sports as they age. Later, Nebbe speaks with Dr. Evelyn Ross-Shapiro of the University of Iowa menopause clinic about staying active through menopause and Iowa State kinesiologist Gregory Welk about all adults staying active as they age.

Guests:

  • Julie Moffitt, amateur ultramarathon runner, cardiovascular physiologist
  • Dr. Evelyn Ross-Shapiro, MD, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, University of Iowa Health Care
  • Gregory Welk, Barbara E. Forker Professor of Kinesiology and distinguished professor of human sciences
Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.