Finding Fitness
AJW reflects on that run on which one finds they’ve returned to fitness.
Andy Jones-Wilkins
Title: AJW’s Taproom Columnist
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Social Media Links
Expertise
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, ultrarunning, run coaching
- Amount of Expertise: 22 years trail running, 30 years ultrarunning, and 12 years coaching running, along with more than 500 articles published in the AJW’s Taproom column.
Education & Certifications
- Education: Bachelor of Arts, American Studies, Hamilton College; Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Villanova University
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Years of Professional Experience Relevant to iRunFar: 11 years writing AJW’s Taproom
- Club Memberships: Aravaipa Running, Virginia Happy Trails Running Club, Charlottesville Area Trail Runners Club
- Other Relevant Positions, Current or Past: Senior-level coach with CTS, frequent contributor to Trail Runner Nation Podcast, Koopcast, and the Adventure Jogger podcast.
A Word from Andy Jones-Wilkins
I aim to inspire and motivate others about and through trail running and ultrarunning by providing thoughtful and provocative columns. My personal interests include trail running, ultrarunning, gravel cycling, and pizza making.
The Future Is In Good Hands
AJW ponders the effect young ultrarunners will have on the sport and talks to two such runners – Dylan Bowman and Timothy Olson – to get their takes.
Ray Miller 50: Quad Hammering Under the California Sun
AJW recounts his run at the 2013 Ray Miller 50/50.
Performance – The Beauty of Racing
AJW offers tips on how to perform best on your ultramarathon race day.
Running and Mindfulness Practice: Staying Calm and Alert
AJW explores finding a balance of calm and alertness and where that balance has taken him while running.
Ode to the Old School Ultra: Willis River 50K Report
AJW writes about his experience at an “old school” ultramarathon.
Second Annual AJW’s Taproom Year in Ultrarunning Selections
AJW hands out his second annual AJW’s Taproom ultrarunning awards.
Community – What It Means To Us
A look at the importance of community in the growth of ultramarathons.
Planning Time (and an Awesome Opportunity!)
AJW talks of planning for the upcoming year over the holiday season.
Ian Torrence – Inspired Stubbornness
A look into Ian Torrence and his inspired stubbornness that have made him such a strong ultrarunner for so long.
Motivation: Some Tricks of the Trade
Five tips to keep you running through early winter and the holiday season.
My Return to Racing
AJW writes of running the 2012 Mountain Masochist Trail Run after a long, injury-induced break from the sport.
Further Ruminations on Grit (And an Unscientific Study Proposal)
AJW looks deeper into grit and ultrarunners.
AJW’s Taproom – One Year Later
A look back at the first year of AJW’s Taproom as well as a look forward to the next year.
Unitasking – The Simple Beauty of the Solo Long Run
AJW talks about the joy of uni-tasking while running in a multi-tasking crazed world.
Is Fast Always Best?
AJW reflects on whether one’s fastest running is necessarily his or her best running.
Running and Time: How Important Are The Numbers to Runners?
A look at how important the numbers are to runners.
Matt Carpenter: Will His Records Stand Forever?
A look at the legacy of Matt Carpenter’s course records at the Leadville 100 and Pikes Peak Marathon.
Saving Waldo
A look into Craig Thornley’s successful attempt to direct the Waldo 100k when a wildfire threatened the race.
