Running and Our Mental Health
There’s an ongoing joke in my family that goes something like this: I get home from work in the evening […]
Abby Hall and Caleb Olson won the Western States 100! Read our 2025 Western States 100 results article for the full race story. Watch Abby and Caleb’s post-race interviews, and enter now for your chance to win Altra Experience Wild 2 trail shoes.
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.
Chasing Jim: The 25-Year Quest to Break the Angeles Crest Course Record
A look at Jim O’Brien’s Angeles Crest course record and Dominic Grossman’s pursuit of it.
My Thoughts on the Growth of Ultrarunning, Media Exposure, and the American Dream
AJW’s thoughts on the growth of ultrarunning, media exposure, and the American dream.
Western States: Much More Than Just a Race
Andy Jones-Wilkins race report from the 2013 Western States 100.
The Haggin Cup: A Guest Column by Craig Thornley
Is a Haggin Cup-style good-condition award appropriate for the Western States 100.
Notable Streaks on the Line at This Year’s Western States
A look at those with Western States 100 Top 10 finish streaks of 3 or more years heading into the 2013 race.
An Ode to Race Directors Everywhere
A look at how a race director’s personality shines through at his or her event.
Holding Back: The Ultrarunner’s Art of Restraint
AJW shares some why ultrarunners should show restraint in training and some tips on how to do that.
Lake Sonoma 50: Old School Meets New School
AJW reflects on John Medinger, John’s Lake Sonoma 50, and how the race successfully blends the “new school” into the “old school.”
Finding Perspective on the Run
AJW looks into how lessons about perspective changed his life and his running.
Called Again: A Look at Jennifer Pharr-Davis
AJW discusses Jennifer Pharr-Davis ahead of the release of her new book, Called Again.
Running and the 10,000 Hour Rule
AJW looks at how Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hour rule might apply to running.
Thrill of Victory, Agony of the Feet
AJW shares how to prevent and deal with foot problems in ultramarathons.
Dreaded Stomach Issues
AJW explains how he avoids and/or deals with stomach issues in ultramarathons.
The Future Is In Good Hands
AJW ponders the effect young ultrarunners will have on the sport and talks to two such runners – Dylan Bowman and Timothy Olson – to get their takes.
Ray Miller 50: Quad Hammering Under the California Sun
AJW recounts his run at the 2013 Ray Miller 50/50.
Performance – The Beauty of Racing
AJW offers tips on how to perform best on your ultramarathon race day.
