Caleb Olson's debut Western States victory was anything but easy. Leading from mile 6 to the finish line, Caleb shares an intimate and brutally honest account of his 14 hours and 11 minutes journey through the Sierra Nevada. This race report captures the full spectrum of ultra running: the early confidence of leading past Kilian Jornet, the conversations and camaraderie with fellow competitors like Chris Myers, and the devastating physical breakdown in the heat of Cal Street. Caleb's narrative doesn't shy away from the dark moments—vomiting on the trail, dark urine signaling dangerous dehydration, and walking when he should be running with just miles to go. What makes this report special is Caleb's writing. His ability to transport readers into those desperate final hours, where stomach cramps force him to choose between calories and forward progress, makes this more than just a race recap. It's a meditation on suffering, family (running with his son Marshall's name on his mind), and the fine line between triumph and disaster in ultra running. From the 3:15am alarm to crossing the finish line to medical tent, this is Western States in its purest form—complete with crew heroics, pacer support, and the stubborn determination required to hold a lead when your body is shutting down.