Gunhild Swanson

Age: 70

Lives in: Spokane, Washington

Former occupation: Claims adjustor at an insurance company.

Career running highlights: Has finished 60 ultramarathons. Finished the 2015 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run with six seconds to spare, becoming the first person older than 70 to do so.

Started running in: 1978

Longevity secret: “I am blessed with some good genes. I emigrated from Germany when I was 18 and haven’t had many structural deficiencies. I’ve been blessed to maintain high mileage, and I don’t break down too much. I try to eat sensibly. I have a sheer love of doing what I do—it compels me to go out there and have fun.”

Favorite postrace meal: “I crave something greasy, something that’s protein and fat like a cheeseburger. After Western, I had Denny’s—a meal with loaded eggs, potatoes and cheese. I also wouldn’t turn down a Starbucks mocha with whipped cream.”

Advice to your younger self: “Keep moving, don’t stop. I was in the midst of raising a family, and I would go out and run a loop around the neighborhood. I never jogged, I would go all-out and run as fast as I could. I never knew that you could do anything less than all-out. That’s what was natural to me.”

Craziest thing seen on the trail: “The coolest thing is that the love of running has passed on to my son and grandson. My son started running with me when he was a little kid, and my grandson is 15 and runs track and cross country. Sharing the passion is incredible.”

Favorite place to run: “The trails in Spokane. We have rough single-track trails or nice and smooth ones.”

Typical training schedule: “Between 70 and 90 miles a week three months leading up to Western States. Normally it’s 2,300-2,500 a year [about 46 mile weeks]. I still run marathons, 50Ks, 50-milers, and Western States.”