Ryan Rivera’s two-month old daughter Ellie has prepared him well for his first crack at the Western States Endurance Run.

“She’s helped me with my training for sleep deprivation,” Rivera joked.

The 1994 Placer High graduate grew up knowing of the 100-mile ultramarathon, but he was busy playing football and basketball when he was a Hillman. He’s competed in adventure races for several years, which led to his interest in endurance running.

Rivera credits his former neighbor Bob Dickinson and Auburn Running Company owner Dan Moores for piquing his interest in Western States. He got into the race through the lottery in December of 2007, but last year’s race was cancelled due to wildfires in the area, pushing back his rookie run to Saturday.

Rivera had an impressive debut at the 100-mile distance last summer at the Tahoe Rim Trail 100. He finished in 26 hours, 10 minutes and placed 19th overall on a course that some consider more demanding than Western States.

“Now I know what to expect,” Rivera said. “You just have to keep going. It all hurts. The mental side of it is the most important part.”

Rivera is counting on his brother Rick to keep him focused as he will pace him from Foresthill to Green Gate. From there, Western States veteran Matt Lambert will pace him to the finish line at Placer High.

“I’m lucky. I have a great crew,” he said.

Rivera, who owns Goldmine Mortgage Co. in Auburn, has always had close ties to the historic Western States Trail. He plays bass in a band with several other Placer alumni called, “No Hands.” The band was once scheduled to play near No Hands Bridge during the WS 100 to accompany the runners, but the gig was called off prior to the race.

The Humboldt State graduate knew he wanted to run Western States when he watched Dickinson cross the finish line in 2005.

“That definitely planted the seed,” Rivera said.

Rivera could be one of the top local finishers on Sunday, but he isn’t concerned about his time or where he finishes.

“I’m not a big time guy,” he said. “I’m just going to give it my all and enjoy the day.”