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When the Weather Goes South

1 week ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

Last February, I had the opportunity to provide race support for four athletes I coach at the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile in Huntsville, Texas. Rocky Raccoon is an early season ultramarathon with a reputation for being one of the “easier” 100-mile races on the circuit. As a result, many runners come to Huntsville each February seeking a sub-24-hour 100 miler, a Western States 100 qualifier, or a solid training race in advance of their primary goal later in the season.
Legendary Aid Stations: Hancock at High Lonesome 100 Mile

3 weeks ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

[Author’s Note: This is the third article in an 11-part series celebrating legendary aid stations. You can read about the series here. Particular thanks go out to Nick Leuck, Hancock Aid Station captain at the High Lonesome 100 Mile, for his contributions to this article.]From the volunteer guide for the High Lonesome 100 Mile: “Ahhhh Hancock … also known as Carnage City. No place showcases the 100-mile spirit like here.
The Runner's Relationship with Shoes

1 month ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

There are few topics that will fire up a group of long distance runners more than shoes. Take a look at any online shoe review over the past several years and you will invariably see dozens of comments for or against just about any shoe brand or model. At the same time, long distance runners, and particularly trail runners, are incredibly loyal to their favorite brands and tend to evangelize their favorite shoes to anyone who cares to listen.
Running and Aging: The Need for Speed

1 month ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]One of my favorite training books is Joe Friel’s “Fast After 50.” In the book, legendary coach Friel lays the groundwork for what it takes for older athletes to remain fit and fast.
Legendary Aid Stations: Rucky Chucky at the Western States 100

1 month ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

[Author’s Note: This is the second article in an 11-part series celebrating legendary aid stations. You can read about the series here.]After a long day of running over jagged mountains and heat-soaked canyons, runners at the Western States 100 arrive at the Rucky Chucky river crossing of the American River, mile 78 of the race. It is one of the most iconic places in ultrarunning, and each year, it provides runners with an experience they won’t forget.
Joe McConaughy and His Quest for a Western States 100 Golden Ticket

2 months ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

Last weekend, after seven previous attempts, Seattle, Washington, ultrarunner Joe McConaughy finally achieved the goal that had eluded him for eight years. He won a Golden Ticket to the Western States 100 at Arizona’s 2025 Black Canyon 100k. McConaughy’s quest for a Golden Ticket began in the spring of 2017, at the Gorge Waterfalls 100k, which was a Golden Ticket race at the time. After training hard through the winter, Joe came to Gorge Waterfalls determined and fit.
Long Live the Local Run Specialty Store

2 months ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

I’ll never forget the first time I set foot in a run specialty store. It was 1990, I was a 22-year-old newbie runner, and I had just signed up for my first race — the Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon. All I knew when I walked into the store was that I needed a new pair of shoes and some clothes to get ready for the race that was happening in a few short weeks.
One Voter's Analysis of the North American Ultrarunner of the Year Awards

2 months ago | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

The “UltraRunning Magazine” North American Ultrarunner of the Year Awards, which have been awarded since 1981, are arguably the most prestigious awards in North American ultrarunning. In order to qualify, runners must either be from North America or reside there. For the past 16 years, I have been honored and privileged to be part of the panel of voters that selects the award winners.
Legendary Aid Stations: Kroger's Canteen

Jan 23, 2025 | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

[Author’s Note: This is the first article in an 11-part series celebrating Legendary Aid Stations. You can read about the series here.
Running and Aging: Setting Ambitious and Realistic Goals

Jan 10, 2025 | irunfar.com | Andy Jones-Wilkins |AJW's Taproom

[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]This is the time of year many of us take stock of where we are and where we want to go and set goals for the year. For me, as I undertake my annual goal-setting exercise, I strive to set goals that are both ambitious and realistic.