Crack A Brew With AJW

In this first episode of Season 9 AJW cracks a brew with legendary Colorado Ultrarunner Darcy Piceu to discuss high altitude running, her memories of the early days in her career, and her incredible legacy at the Hardrock 100.   Follow Darcy on Instagram @darcypq

1/18/25 • 52:45

In this year end episode of AJW Unplugged AJW looks back on his predictions from 2024, makes a few more predictions for 2025, and provides listeners with an update both personally and professionally. AJWs 2024 Predictions AJWs 2025 Predictions   Pictured left to right; Chris Worden, AJW, Rob Martin.  

12/28/24 • 53:14

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Finn Melanson to discuss the year in ultrarunning.  In addition to sharing their picks for these prestigious awards they also comment on rookie of the year, surprise of the year, most inspirational of the year, and best trail running film of the year.  They wrap up with predictions for 2025.   Check out Finn's excellent podcast here Like a Lead Balloon by Billy Yang  Alpine Connections produced by Nnormal Pictured: AJW (in denim vest) and Finn at the Georgia Death Race 2019, the first time they met.

12/14/24 • 83:09

In this episode AJW welcomes Don Freeman and Scott Warr from Trail Runner Nation to look back on the Council of Elders Series and reflect on some of the "golden nuggets" that emerged out of those conversations.  And, along the way, producer Ryan Warr chimes in with some great nuggets of his own!   Check out Trail Runner Nation here  Check out Stan Jensen's Web Site here

12/7/24 • 78:36

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with veteran ultrarunner to discuss her dramatic finish at the 2017 Western States as well as her unique approach to the mind/body connection and some of her secrets to success over a long career in the sport.   Check out Karen's website here   Listen to Karen's podcast here   Watch Karen's 2017 Western States finish here    

11/30/24 • 56:12

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with veteran ultrarunner and writer Jeff Kozak.  In their wide ranging discussion they touch on the intersection of writing and running, some of Jeff's fondest 100 mile memories, and the wild and wooly Quarry Road Aid Station at Western States where Jeff has volunteered for the past several years.   Read Jeff's Ultrarunning Magazine column here.

11/16/24 • 72:41

In this episode of the Council of Elders, AJW chats with Eric Clifton about his early days in trail and ultrarunning, brain an east coaster running big West Coast races, and the art and science of aging gracefully in the sport.   Eric does not participate in social media but if you want to see something incredible check out his Ultrasignup page here!

11/2/24 • 69:50

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Arizona legend Geri Kilgariff.  Back in 2002 Geri and a few friends staged the first ever Javelina Jundred.  Little did they know what it would become.  Sit back, relax and enjoy some great stories from one of the all-time greats in Arizona trail running.   Geri stays away from social media but for a glimpse into the old days at Javelina check out this video from the 2007 race.

10/25/24 • 48:03

In this episode AJW Cracks a Brew with ultrarunning legend David Horton.  In their wide ranging conversation they discuss David's intense training regimen in his yourh, his experiences at some of the most iconic events in the sport, and his work in recent years as a race director.   Check out David's website.

10/19/24 • 52:32

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with John Medinger to talk about how he discovered the trails, his early days as a runner, the Ultrarunning Magazine, Ultrarunner of the Year voting, and some of his fondest memories gathered over four decades at the Western States 100.   Learn more about John on his Facebook page @johnmedinger

10/12/24 • 67:50

In this latest edition of AJW Unplugged AJW reflects on his experiences this summer at Western States, Hardrock and Leadville, provides some early thoughts on North American Ultrarunner of the Year, and gives an update on his own running and life.   Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins Learn about AJW's coaching practice here https://trainright.com/coaches/andy-jones-wilkins/

9/7/24 • 50:55

In this episode AJW sits down with veteran ultrarunner and Cocodona 250 Race Director to learn about his background in running and event production as well as the unique challenges and opportunities of directing North America's most prestigious 200+ mile race.    Learn all about the Cocodona 250 here https://cocodona.com/

8/31/24 • 56:10

In this episode AJW chats with Arizona ultrarunner Callie Vinson to discuss her journey to 200+ mile success as well as her incredibly inspiring story of personal triumph.   Follow Callie on Instagram @callievinsonn

8/24/24 • 52:49

In this special episode AJW cracks a brew with David Roche a few days after his historic course record performance at the Leadville 100.  In a wide ranging discussion they discuss the history of the race, David's training plan, his nutrition strategy and his flawless race day execution.   Follow David on instagram @mountainroche Read Matt Carpenter's report on his 2005 Leadville finish here.

8/22/24 • 61:24

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Don Freeman, a veteran of over 50 ultras including a handful of 200 milers, to discuss the mysterious 200 mile distance, his thoughts on the evolution of the sport, and his "other" career as a pioneer podcaster with Trail Runner Nation.   Follow Don on instagram @trailrunnernation and visit the extensive podcast archives of Trail Runner Nation at trailrunnernation.com

8/17/24 • 54:56

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with veteran 200 mile runner Mike McKnight to learn more about his transition to 200 milers, his thoughts on the mystique of Arizona's Cocodona 250, and his exciting plans for the 2025 season.   Follow Mike on instagram @thelowcarbrunner

8/10/24 • 50:13

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with accomplished 200 mile runner and artist Mika Thewes.  They discuss her background as an art student ot Rhode Island School of Design, her passion for running really long distances, and her extraordinary experience at the 2024 Cocodona 250.   Follow Mika on Instagram @sugarcrashvegan

8/3/24 • 58:09

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 2024 Cocodona 250 winner Rachel Entrekin.  Along the way they discuss her introduction into the sport, the differences between fixed time events and long trail races, her Cocodona experience and some thoughts about the future of super long runs.   You can read Rachel's blog: Another dumb running blog – y'all welcome (wordpress.com) Support Rachel's GoFundMe: Fundraiser by Rachel Entrekin : Apparently, running is expensive (gofundme.com)    Follow her on instagram at @rachel__entrekin   And, learn more about Tepache. TEPACHE: A Modern Mexican Soda made from fresh pineapples! – De La Calle - Tepache)

7/27/24 • 52:24

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Jeff Garmire, an incredibly accomplished mountain athlete from Montana who successfully blurs the lines between thru hiking, FKTs and Ultramarathons.   Follow Jeff here to read all about the new race he is putting on, his book, his film, and all of his adventures: Twitter Facebook Instagram

7/20/24 • 48:04

In this solo episode of Crack a Brew with AJW I present my Western States Preview, some reflections on last month's Cocodona 250, and an update on my own journey both professionally and personally.   Learn about my coaching practice here Follow me on Instagram @ajoneswilkins

6/1/24 • 46:00

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with legendary runner and Western States Board President Diana Fitzpatrick to discuss her running career, her most fond Western States memories and the various challenges of her role as Western States Board President.   Follow Diana on Instagram @dianafitz11

5/25/24 • 60:39

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with renowned ultrarunning personality Corrine Malcolm to talk about her upbringing in the upper midwest, the Western States 100 and her thoughts on the evolution of ultra and trail running media.   Follow Corrine on instagram @corrinemalcolm

5/11/24 • 52:29

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with the 2014 Western States champion to discuss her early years in Minnesota, her incredible win at Western States, and her incredibly busy life as a coach/nutritionist with CTS.   Follow Stephanie Howe on instagram @stephaniemariehowe Learn about Stephanie's coaching practice here Read Research Essentials for Ultrarunning here

5/4/24 • 51:08

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with two time Western States champion to discuss what trail running means to them, the magic and mystique of the Western States 100, and Rob's annual ultrarunning camp which is one of the most successful in the United States.   Follow Rob on Instagram @robkrar Learn all about the Rob Krar Ultra Camp here

4/27/24 • 55:15

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Western States legend Scotty Mills to discuss his 20 finishes, the uniqueness of the trail and ultra community, and Scotty's thoughts about the future of the sport.   Become a friend with Scotty on Facebook @Scottmills

4/20/24 • 53:11

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Meghan Canfield, AKA "The Queen" to talk about the transition from fast marathons to trail running, her keys to ultrarunning longevity, and her extraordinary legacy at the Western States 100.   Follow Meghan on Instagram @runningmegleg

4/13/24 • 43:56

In the first episode of Season 6 AJW cracks a brew with Western States legend Tim Twietmeyer to discuss the early days of the race, Tim's role as a long time board member for the event, and his thoughts on the future of the sport.   Here is a great bio on Tim https://www.backcountryrunner.com/bios/tim-twietmeyer.phtml

4/6/24 • 67:14

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Jeff Browning, aka Bronco Billy, to discuss his upbringing on a farm in Missouri, the keys to his longevity at the top of the sport and the challenge of transitioning from 100 to 200 mile races and beyond.     Follow Jeff on instagram @gobroncobilly

3/2/24 • 60:37

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Australian ultrarunner Lucy Bartholomew to discuss her early years in the sport, Western States and her adopted hometown of Auburn, California and her extraordinary relationship with her ultrarunning dad.   Follow Lucy on Instagram @lucy_bartholomew Check out Dylan Harris' incredible film "Lucy's Dad"    

2/24/24 • 56:22

In this episode AJW chats with Magda Boulet about transitioning from road marathons to the trails as well as her role as President of Gu Sports and their mutual passion for the Western States 100.   Follow Magda on Instagram @runboulet Read the Western States Mission and Values statement here

2/17/24 • 56:20