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The Strength Running Podcast

305. How to Crush the Western States 100: Course Tips & Race Strategy with Andy Jones-Wilkins

Jun 22, 2023
01:04:12

The Western States Endurance Run (WSER) is an iconic fixture in the world of ultrarunning. As the world’s oldest 100 miler, it has become a symbolic representation of the ultimate endurance challenge.

Few people have as much knowledge about Western States as my guest today, Andy Jones-Wilkins. Andy has completed Western States an incredible 10 times, along with other 100 milers such as Hardrock, Leadville, Wasatch and Vermont.

Andy’s love for the Western States Endurance Run (WSER) is undeniable, but as a coach his understanding of training and racing applies to all areas of the sport. We discuss a variety of topics today, including:

  • Andy’s detailed knowledge of the WSER history and course
  • How Western States compares to other challenging 100 mile courses
  • Andy's two prerequisites for running a 100 miler
  • Run workouts that are specific to long ultras and the Western States course
  • All the logistics that surround racing the 100 mile distance
  • How to determine your "all day pace" that is essential to long events

With Western States rapidly approaching, Andy's stories about the race are bound to make you intrigued by this fantastic event. Enjoy!

Links & Resources from the Show:

Thank You Previnex!

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Thank you MOBO Board!

Invented by renowned physical therapist Jay Dicharry, MOBO helps you stabilize your stance with an innovative rocker board that’s set up on two fins. The design effectively forces you to drive your big toe into the bboard to improve your stability. I was pretty arrogant going into my first session on the MOBO Board. How hard can it be to balance, right? Well, I was humbled pretty quickly!

Even if you’re a good runner, better balance, stability, and proprioception is going to help you have a more powerful stride and prevent more running injuries. You’ll learn how to improve the efficiency of the kinetic chain from your hip to your big toe. Because as Jay likes to say, it’s not just how strong you are, but how well you use that strength.

I was just at a weekend physical therapy workshop (lol I was the only running coach) and learned how important (and rare) this simple movement is. Save 10% with code STRENGTHRUN10 at checkout at moboboard.com.

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