A Perfect Storm at the 2023 Western States 100
An update on the restoration of the Western States Trail ahead of the 2023 Western States 100.
Andy Jones-Wilkins
Title: AJW’s Taproom Columnist
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
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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.
A Day at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile
AJW recounts his experience of volunteering at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile, and what it is that makes 200-plus-mile races different from other ultramarathons.
Race Director Chronicles: Sidónio Freitas and the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail
A profile of Sidónio Freitas, race director of the Maderia Island Ultra-Trail.
The Three-Day Training Camp
AJW writes about the benefits of a three-day training camp for ultramarathon build-up, especially 100-mile races.
Three Possible Ultrarunning Rule Changes
AJW muses on a few possible rule changes that could alter the sport of ultrarunning.
Exploring the Limits of Age-Group Running at the 2023 Jackpot Ultrarunning Festival
A recap of and reflection on the age-group races at the 2023 Jackpot Ultrarunning Festival.
Race Director Chronicles: BJ Haeck, Angela Shartel, and the San Diego 100 Mile
A profile of San Diego 100 Mile race directors Angela Shartel and BJ Haeck.
Staying Connected to the Community
AJW writes about the rewards of staying involved in the ultrarunning community, beyond one’s own racing days.
Analyzing the 2022 UltraRunner of the Year and Trail Runner of the Year Awards
A look at who took the top spots in both the 2022 “UltraRunning Magazine” (North American) UltraRunner of the Year and Freetrail Trail Runner of the Year awards.
The Curative Power of Nature
AJW’s thoughts on the restorative power of nature and time in green spaces.
Introducing the Race Director Chronicles
AJW introduces his new article series honoring the race directors who make our sport possible.
AJW’s Five 2023 Predictions for the World of Ultrarunning
AJW’s predictions for 2023 in the world of ultrarunning.
AJW’s Taproom 2022 in Ultrarunning Awards
AJW’s nominees for various 2022 end-of-year awards for ultrarunners.
Three Intriguing Storylines for the 2023 Western States 100/Hardrock 100 Double
A look at a couple of the lucky runners who will be taking on the 2023 Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 double.
Lottery Thoughts and a Challenge
Ahead of this weekend’s Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 lotteries, AJW offers some words of wisdom to the many who won’t be chosen.
Thankful for the Community
In this season of thanksgiving, AJW is grateful for the running community.
Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
AJW talks about his new venture into gravel bike racing, and how it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks!
The Future of Ultrarunning
AJW recounts recent chats with five strong figures in ultrarunning about the future of the sport.
Seasonal Swings
AJW reflects on the significance of the changing seasons and their effects on his running.
Eleven Years in the Taproom
A look back on the history of AJW’s Taproom thus far, reminding us of some great past articles.
Where Toughness Comes From
Building toughness through deliberative training, thoughtful nurture, and a flexible culture.
The Extraordinary Ultrarunning Career of Kilian Jornet
An article about the long, and still progressing, ultrarunning career of Kilian Jornet.
