Crack A Brew With AJW

Runner and Coach Andy Jones-Wilkins talks with trail running athletes, coaches and race directors about topical subjects. Each episode features a beverage and will last as long as it typically takes to leisurely enjoy the beverage.

Hans Troyer: Overcoming Rhabdo, Western States and His Upcoming Race at the JFK50

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 25 year old Hans Troyer to discuss his experiences with Rhabdomyolisis at the 2024 Black Canyon 100K, hist experience at his first Western States in 2025 and his hopes for the upcoming JFK 50.   Follow Hans on Instagram @hanstroyer Check out the film "The Kid" right here

11-22
58:54

Kaylee Frederick: Running ultras as a teenager, finding her groove, and shocking the world at the World 24 hour Championships

In this first episode of the Youth Movement series AJW cracks a brew with 20 year old Kaylee Frederick of Pittsburgh, PA.  In their wide ranging conversation they discuss running ultras at a young age, silencing the doubters, and surprising the field at the 24 Hour World Championships earlier this year.   You can follow Kaylee on Instagram @frederick.kaylee

11-15
52:23

Zach and Nicole Bitter: The Twists and Turns of Sharing a Life of Running

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with veteran ultrarunners Zach and Nicole Bitter.  In their wide ranging conversation they discuss the trials and tribulations of sharing a life of running and some of their fondest memories of supporting one another in some of the sport's most competitive events.   Follow Zach on Instagram @zachbitter Follow Nicole on Instagram @nkbitter

10-18
54:38

Leah Yingling and Mike McMonagle: Parenting, Running, and the Changing Media Landscape in Trail Running

In this latest episode of the partnership series AJW cracks a brew with Leah Yingling and Mike McMonagle to discuss their new roles as parents to young Monte, how they balance both of their competitive running lives, and their unique roles in the ever changing trail running media landscape.   Follow Leah on Instagram @leah_yingling Follow Mike on Instagram @shitinthewoods

10-04
01:04:55

Abby and Cordis Hall - Western States and the Fine Balance Between Running and Living

In this latest episode in the partnership series AJW cracks a brew with 2025 Western States winner Abby Hall and her husband Cordis to talk about their collective experience at Western States and how they successfully balance elite ultramarathon training with their busy lives.   Follow Abby @abby.k.hall Follow Cordis @cordisimo

09-27
55:16

AJW Unplugged - Perfomance Enhancing Drugs, Javelina Training, and Hip Replacement Update

In this midseason Unplugged episode AJW laments the most recent positive drug test in trail running, gives an update on the Javelina Jundred and provides a little insight on his ongoing recovery from hip replacement surgery 

09-13
50:28

Jenn and Jeff Browning: Juggling Family, Running, and Life on the Go

In this third episode of the Partnership Series AJW cracks a brew with Jenn and Jeff Browning to talk about managing a busy family and a complex running calendar all while maintaining marital harmony and working full-time.   Learn all about Jeff and his various projects on his website https://www.giddyupultra.com/

09-06
56:24

Cheryl and Karl Meltzer: Navigating the Peaks and Valleys in Running and Life

In this second episode of the Partnership Series AJW cracks a brew with Cheryl and Karl Meltzer to discuss the highs and lows of a decades long relationship, some of their most memorable experiences over 30 years on the trails, and what the future holds for them as they enter their next chapter.   Check out everything Karl is up to on his website https://karlmeltzer.com/

08-30
50:04

Callie Vinson and Scott Traer - Arizona Ultrarunning's Dynamic Duo

In this first episode of his "partnership series" AJW cracks a brew with Callie Vinson and Scott Traer to talk about balancing training and racing schedules, coaching, supporting one another, and celebrating the beauty of the Arizona Trail Running Scene.   Follow Callie on Instagram @callievinson Learn about Scott's coaching here https://www.runfastah.com/

08-23
49:01

AJW Unplugged - The Western States 100 2025 Show

In this most recent edition of AJW Unplugged, AJW discusses intriguing storylines going into this year's race, makes his predictions for top-5 men and women, and shares what his plans are for Race Day.   Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins

06-24
47:25

Topher Gaylord - Honoring Older Runners at Western States and the Future of the Race

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Topher Gaylord, veteran ultrarunner and President of the Board of Directors of the Western States 100.  In their conversation they discuss the tradition of honoring older runners at Western States, the outlook for the 2025 race, and the long term future of the event.   Follow Topher on Instagram @tgaylord

06-07
01:09:07

Jan Vleck - From Boston to Olympic Valley, transitioning from road marathons to Western States

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 72 year old Jan Vleck from Olympia, Washington to discuss his transition from roads to trails, his love of the Pacific Northwest Trail scene, and his specific training on the road to the 2025 Western States.    

05-31
58:53

AJW Unplugged: Reflections on My Cocodona 250 Experience

In this episode of AJW Unplugged AJW reflects on his recent experience running the Cocodona 250.  Along the way he ruminates about some of the people he met, the lessons he learned, and the ways in which the event will likely alter the way he makes his way in the world.   Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins

05-13
48:33

Ed Willson - Returning to Western States 20 Years Later, Reflections and Revelations

In this episode AJW Cracks a brew with 70 year old Oregonian Ed Willson to talk about his training for Western States and what he feels are the "Four Pillars of Success" for older Western States runners.

05-03
45:16

Michael Koppy - Running Western States after 10 years of trying

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 74 year old Michael Koppy, an accomplished ultrarunner from Duluth, Minnesota.  Michael talks about his career running 200+ mile races and his long 10 year journey to the Western States starting line.   Consider a contribution to Michael's favorite charity, the Duluth YMCA

04-26
49:00

Michel Polletti - From Chamonix Around the World to Western States

In this first episode of Season 10 AJW cracks a brew with French ultrarunner Michel Polletti.  Michel is one of six 70+ year olds in this year's Western States and in this episode he explains why he is undertaking a particularly unorthodox approach to the race in 2025.   Check out Michel's results here

04-19
35:53

AJW Unplugged - Western States Golden Tickets, "The Chase" Premiere, and Life as a New Grandpa

In this latest AJW Unplugged Episode AJW dives into the last two Golden Ticket Races, talks about the incredible new Cocodona 250 film "The Chase", and shares some reflections on how his life has changed since becoming a grandfather.   Follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins

03-22
41:47

Andy Blow: The History of Precision Fuel and Hydration and Thoughts on the Future of Endurance Sports Performance

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Andy Blow, founder and CEO of Precision Fuel and Hydration.  In this episode they discuss the origin story of Precision Fuel and Hydration, recent advances in athlete strategies, and thoughts on the future of endurance sports performance.   Learn all about Precision Fuel and Hydration here Read Hayden Hawks' Western States Case Study here Read Robbie Britton's Leadville 100 Case Study here

03-15
49:05

Shea Aquilano: Finding Trail Running, the Black Canyon 100k and her hopes and dreams for her first Western States

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with up and coming ultrarunner Shea Aquilano to discuss her early career in running, her 5 year history with the Black Canyon 100K and her hopes and dreams for her first run at the Western States 100.   Follow Shea on Instagram @shea_aq

02-22
43:11

Joe McConaughey: Eight Year Golden Ticket Quest, Cocodona 250 and Finally Going to Western States

In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Joe "Stringbean" McConaughey.  After seven attempts Joe finally got his Western States golden ticket on his eighth try.  In this episode AJW and Joe discuss his journey to Western States, his experiences and advice for Cocodona 250 and his plans for the 2025 Western States.   Follow Joe on Instagram @thestring.bean

02-15
48:43

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