Unforgettable Moments in Ultrarunning: Gunhild Swanson and the 2015 Western States 100
An article recalling Gunhild Swanson’s historic finish at the 2015 Western States 100.
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 Incomparable Longevity of John Geesler
An article about ultrarunning legend John Geesler, who recently completed his 28th Vermont 100 Mile.
Unforgettable Moments in Ultrarunning: Kyle Skaggs and the 2008 Hardrock 100
An article remembering Kyle Skaggs’s iconic win at the 2018 Hardrock 100, as part of a series on unforgettable moments in ultrarunning.
A Coach’s Chronicles From the 2022 Western States 100
Stories from one group of runners in the 2022 Western States 100.
Food for the Soul at the Western States 100
AJW explains what makes the Western States 100 such a special event.
Remembering Mark Godale
A dedication to American ultrarunner Mark Godale, who recently passed away. RIP.
Unforgettable Moments in Ultrarunning: The 2010 Western States 100
An article about the 2010 Western States 100 and the film about it called “Unbreakable.”
Intriguing Stories and Predictions for the 2022 Western States 100
AJW’s predictions for the 2022 Western States 100 and details of some interesting runners to look out for.
The Long and Winding Road Back From Injury
AJW writes about the long recovery process from a pelvic stress fracture.
Turning Up the Heat: Coping With the Mental Strain of Racing in Heat
In addition to physically training for the heat, you can also prepare for the mental challenges of running in it.
A Vision for the Future: Western States 100’s New Mission Statement
AJW dives deep into the Western States 100’s new mission statement.
One Upside of the Commercialization of Trail Running
Here’s a place in trail running and ultrarunning where community and commercialization do coexist.
Unforgettable Moments in Ultrarunning: 1994 Leadville 100 Mile
How the Tarahumara and Ann Trason changed the sport of ultrarunning at the 1994 Leadville 100 Mile.
The Unique Joy of Crewing a 100-Mile Runner
AJW writes about crewing at the Greenbrier Ultras 100 Mile in Maryland.
The Art and Science of Assembling an All-Star Crew
Here’s a recipe for putting together a successful crew at your next big ultramarathon.
Unforgettable Moments in Ultrarunning: The First Grand Slammer
The first person to finish the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning was Tom Green in 1986, an unforgettable moment in ultrarunning history.
Running Organizations Ban Russian and Belarusian Athletes
Earlier this week, a number of governing bodies and private companies in the running world suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Nils van der Poel: Olympic Speedskating Gold Medalist — and Ultrarunner!
Nils van der Poel is an Olympic speedskating gold medalist from Sweden who found ultrarunning as an outlet and training method during some much needed time off.
Ultrarunners and Retirement
Retirement from competitive racing doesn’t mean you have to retire from the ultrarunning community overall!
Introducing the Unforgettable Moments in Ultrarunning History Series
AJW has a new series for 2022, where he’ll write about unforgettable moments in ultrarunning history!
A Matter of Perspective
AJW reflects on last year, gaining new perspective while moving into the next.
Five Ultramarathons for 2022 That Everyone Can Get Into
A list of five ultramarathons for 2022 that are easy to get into and that have great history.
AJW’s Taproom 2021 in Ultrarunning Awards
Who had the most outstanding, fastest, and most surprising races of the year? Here are AJW’s picks for 2021.
Trail Love Letter: Reader Submissions
This is the final installment of the 2021 trail love letter series in AJW’s Taproom, this time, with reader submissions.
