Crack A Brew With AJW
107 episodes — Page 1 of 3
AJW Unplugged: History and Reflection on the Golden Ticket Series, Cocodona Thoughts and Predictions, and a Personal Update
Sarah Lavender Smith: Running into Middle Age, Balancing Running and Life and Turning the Mic on AJW
Jacob Banta: Golden Tickets, Western States, and Balancing Life on Both Sides of the Lens
Meg Eckert: Six Day World Record, Cocodona 250 and Balancing Long Trail Races with Longer Fixed Time Events.
S13 Ep 4Canyon Woodward - Unique Childhood, Grassroots Organizing and the Western States 100
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with North Carolina's Canyon Woodward to discuss his unique upbringing in the mountains of Western North Carolina, his career as a grassroots political organizer and his hopes for the future as he prepares for the 2026 Western States 100. Follow Canyon on instagram @canyonwoodward Learn about his organization Dirtroad Organizing here
S13 Ep 3Imogen Ainsworth - Her Athletic Upbringing, the Leadville 100, and Plans for 2026
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Colorado based trail and ultrarunner Imogen Ainsworth to talk about her active upbringing in athletics, her incredible 2nd place finish at the 2025 Leadville 100 and her hopes and dreams going into her 2026 season. Follow Imogen on instagram @imogenainsworth
S13 Ep 2Anne Flower - Chasing Down Ann Trason, World Records and Western States Dreams
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 2025 Rookie of the Year Anne Flower. They discuss her assault on Ann Trason's Leadville Course Record, her world record 50 miler, and her Western States dreams going into the Black Canyon 100K Follow Anne on Instagram @_flowpow_ Check out our website!
S13 Ep 1Will Murray - Teaching, Running, and Remaining Calm in the Midst of the Chaos
In this first episode of Season 13 AJW cracks a brew with Will Murray, Rookie of the Year for 2025 and an all around great guy. Along the way they talk about the connection between teaching and running and how Will manages to stay so calm in the midst of the chaotic world of high level ultrarunning. Follow Will on Instagram @willmurray.run Check out our website.
S12 Ep 8AJW Unplugged: 2025 Predictions, Three Wishes for 2026, a Book Review, and a Personal Update.
In this special New Year's Day Episode of Crack a Brew with AJW we review our predictions from 2025, make three wishes for 2026, and launch a new book review feature as well as providing a personal update on training, racing, and all things in between. Follow AJW on instagram @ajoneswilkins
S12 Ep 7Finn Melanson: Special Year End Episode with Ultrarunner of the Year and other tributes
In this episode, for the 3rd consecutive year, 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, FKT of the year and best trail running film of the year. Check out Finn's excellent podcast here Follow Finn on Instagram @runsingletrack The Chase Trail Folk
S12 Ep 6Annie Hughes: Running Super Long From a Young Age, Returning from Injury, and Thoughts About Longevity in Ultrarunning
In this latest episode in the Youth Movement series AJW cracks a brew with 27 year old trail runner Annie Hughes to discuss her passion for really long distance races, returning from injury, and her hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Follow Annie on instagram @annie.a.hughes
S12 Ep 5Caleb Olson: Training and Racing With a Young Family, Western States, and the Million Feet Challenge
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 2025 Western States Champion Caleb Olson to discuss training and racing with a young and growing family, his great story about receiving the coveted Western States Cougar trophy, and his pursuit of climbing 1,000,000 vertical feet in 2025. Follow Caleb on Instagram @calebolson123
S12 Ep 4Lila Gaudrault: Running the Rugged Beast Coast Trails, Balancing Running and Work, and Her Thoughts Ahead of Her First Time at the Cocodona 250
In this latest episode of the Youth Movement series AJW cracks a brew with East Coast Crusher Lila Gaudrault to talk about her love of the East Coast Trail Running, how she balances running with a full-time health care job and her thoughts going into her first ever race "out west" The Cocodona 250! Follow Lila on Instagram @lilagaudrault
S12 Ep 3Cody Poskin: Running with Joy, Seeking Adventure, and Racing in China
In this episode AJW Cracks a Brew with 23 year old Missouri ultrarunner Cody Poskin to discuss his approach to training and racing, the youth movement in long distance running, and his experience running (and winning!) the Ultra Gobi 400K race in China. Follow Cody on Instagram @cody_poskin
S12 Ep 2Hans 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
S12 Ep 1Kaylee 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
Andy and Shelly Jones-Wilkins: Javelina, Western States, and Sustaining a Healthy Relationship Through Three Decades of Ultrarunning
In this episode AJW hands the microphone to his son Logan to crack a brew with wife and mother Shelly Jones-Wilkins. In their conversation they discuss their recent experience at the Javelina Jundred, their 10 year run at the Western States 100, and some of the keys to sustaining a long term healthy relationship with ultrarunning as a big part of it. Not surprisingly, Shelly doesn't do social media You can follow Logan on Instagram @ljoneswilkins Your can follow AJW on Instagram @ajoneswilkins
S11 Ep 7Zach 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
S11 Ep 6Leah 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
S11 Ep 5Abby 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
S11 Ep 4AJW 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
S11 Ep 3Jenn 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/
S11 Ep 2Cheryl 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/
S11 Ep 1Callie 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/
S10 Ep 8AJW 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
S10 Ep 7Topher 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
S10 Ep 6Jan 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.
S10 Ep 5AJW 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
Nick Bassett - The Oldest Western States Finisher Attempts to Break His Own Record
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 80 year old Nick Bassett who last finished Western States at the age of 73 and is attempting to become the first 80 year old to complete the race. In this wide ranging discussion they discuss training, race execution, and Nick's long history with the event.
S10 Ep 3Ed 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.
S10 Ep 2Michael 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
S10 Ep 1Michel 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
S9 Ep 8AJW 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
S9 Ep 7Andy 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
S9 Ep 6Shea 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
S9 Ep 5Joe 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
S9 Ep 4Zoe Rom and Kylee Van Horn - Unpacking the Myths and Mysteries of Endurance Athletes Diets
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with Zoe Rom and Kylee Van Horn, the host of the "Your Diet Sucks" podcast. In this wide ranging conversation they touch on the myths and mysteries of endurance athletes diets and some of the ways athlets of all types can sift through the noise. Find Zoe's and Kylee's podcast here
S9 Ep 3Hayden Hawks - 2024 Ultrarunner of the Year, His Favorite Memories from a Memorable Year, and Plans for 2025
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with North American Ultrarunner of the Year Hayden Hawks. They discuss Hayden's excitement at being crowned ultrarunner of the year, some of his favorite memories from 2024, and his hopes for even bigger and better things in 2025. Follow Hayden on instagram @hawks_hayden Special hank you to Hayden's sponsors HOKA, Precision Fuel and Hydration, COROS, Squirrels Nut Butter, SIDAS, SunGod, and CurraNZ
S9 Ep 2Haroldas Subertas - Upbringing in Lithuania, the Cocodona 250, and Western States.
In this episode AJW cracks a brew with 2024 Cocodona 250 winner Haroldas Subertas. In a fun, free-form conversation they discuss Harry's race at Cocodona, how he ended up in the US and what he is doing to prepare for his first Western States in June. Follow Harry on Instagram @harry_subertas
S9 Ep 1Darcy Piceu - High Mountain Running, the Good Old Days and Her Hardrock Legacy
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
S8 Ep 9AJW Unplugged: 2024 Year in Review, 2025 Predictions, and a Personal Update
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.
S8 Ep 8Finn Melanson: Special Year End Episode with Ultrarunner of the Year and other tributes.
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.
S8 Ep 7Don Freeman and Scott Warr: Golden Nuggets from the 6 part Council of Elders Series
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
S8 Ep 6Karen Bonnett-Natraj: The 2017 Western States, Mind-Body Connection, and Secrets to a Long Ultrarunning Career
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
S8 Ep 5Jeff Kozak - Writing and running, 100 Mile Memories, and the Quarry Road Aid Station at Western States
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.
S8 Ep 4Eric Clifton: Ultrarunning in the 1980s, the 1996 Western States, and aging gracefully in the sport.
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!
S8 Ep 3Geri Kilgariff: Old School Arizona desert trail running and the origins of the Javelina Jundred
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.
S8 Ep 2David Horton: JFK, Hardrock, The Barkley and Reflections on 5 Decades of Ultrarunning.
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.
S8 Ep 1John Medinger - Running Background, Ultrarunning Magazine and the Western States 100.
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
S7 Ep 8AJW Unplugged - Western States/Hardrock/Leadville Metaphor, Early Thoughts on Ultrarunner of the Year, and a Personal Update
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/