Tim Twietmeyer is one of trail running's most accomplished athletes. Over a career of 30 years, he's competed in and won many of the most prestigious events in the sport. Racing distances between 50 and 100 miles, sometimes more, Twietmeyer has had a distinguished running career, while also maintaining what would be considered a normal marriage, career and family life.

He's completed the Western States 100 25 times in less than 24 hours -- finishing in the top five 15 times and taking first place on five occasions. Twietmeyer still holds the masters division title. He was the first to complete the Lake Tahoe Rim trail route (165 miles) in less than two days. And he's finished the American River 50-miler 21 times. The list goes on and on.

Despite all his accomplishments, Twietmeyer will tell you he's not an ultra-running fanatic. When he's not on the trail, he's an everyday kind of guy with a wife, three kids and a very responsible job as the R&D manager for Hewlett Packard. He doesn't let running run his life.

Now, at the age of 49, Twietmeyer looks back on his career, reflecting on what he's learned after so many miles on the trail.

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