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.
Latest episodes
Jun 24, 2025 • 47min
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
Jun 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
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
May 31, 2025 • 59min
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.
May 13, 2025 • 49min
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
May 10, 2025 • 49min
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.
May 3, 2025 • 45min
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.
Apr 26, 2025 • 49min
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
Apr 19, 2025 • 36min
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
Mar 22, 2025 • 42min
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
Mar 15, 2025 • 49min
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
