weRunFar: Andy Jones-Wilkins – Ultra Philosopher
January 17, 2008 by Bryon Powell · 4 Comments
What follows is the first in a new feature here at the iRunFar blog – weRunFar. weRunFar entries will be dedicated to collecting blog entries, blogs, photo albums, websites, and other online information by, about, or for those who run far. While this feature will primarily consist of trail running and ultrarunning content, posts may contain useful, insightful, or interesting posts on the topics of running or outdoor adventures more generally. If you come across any worthy sources, please pass them along!
[Note: The following is a post was originally drafted back in October and posted on a separate blog, youRunFar, that I've decided to roll into iRunFar. Andy's made a bunch of great posts since I wrote this entry.]
I never fail to enjoy Andy Jones-Wilkins’s blog. If you don’t know Andy, all you need to do is read his initial post, which describes his long-awaited and hard won victory at the 2o07 Vermont 100, to know that he is one of the top ultrarunners in the nation. While that post lets you into the head of an elite ultrarunner, it only beings to let you know that you’ve entered the mind of an ultra philosopher. Whether speaking about friendships, turning 40, or mental toughness, he reflects deeply on both running and life. Two of AJW’s posts particularly resonate with me:
Ultras mean many things to many people, but I am certain that most ultrarunners find the bonds they have formed on the trail are some of the deepest and most important in their lives. How do I know this? Because I know it’s true for me and, more importantly, I’ve read many peoples’ descriptions of the relationships they’ve forged on the trail. Few, if any, have described those bonds as well as Andy does in these posts. Here is my favorite paragraph from Running Relationships:
Even if Andy doesn’t post frequently, he does post regularly. (Two entries in each of the past three months.) Be sure to stop by and check out AJW’s Blog from time-to-time. It’s likely to be a worthwhile trip.
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Filed under Interviews and Profiles ·
Bryon Powell is the Editor-in-Chief of iRunFar.com, which he founded five years ago. Also the author of Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons and a contributing editor at Trail Runner magazine, he's quickly approaching 10 years as an ultrarunner and 20 years as a trail runner. These days he calls Park City, Utah and its trails home.
All posts by Bryon Powell
Great post and I totally agree about AJW’s blog. I got the pleasure of meeting him personally at GTR 100 in August – he is a tremendous ultra runner and individual.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the weRunFar series.
Bryon,
Thanks so much for that post. I’ve been quiet lately I know but I appreciate the words. Once I get out from under the snow bank that currently surrounds my house I’ll have more to say. Your words, as well, are always meaningful and profound. Get ready fro June 28th my man!
AJW
Hey Andy, I stopped by your page before posting and almost commented that you haven’t posted in a couple weeks. I suppose it’s hat time of year – I recently had some longer than normal gaps in my posting. As many ultrabloggers have said this is the time of year to drink beer, get, fat, and just relax!
As for June 28th, I’m back to training and rapidly improving. Here’s to hoping that Cal Street will be my last workout before Hardrock!
Andy si awesome, and the words about friends ring the bell close to heart. I’ll never forget his GT run and how funny and human he was during and after!