meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The Strength Running Podcast

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

The Strength Running Podcast

Jason Fitzgerald

Health & Fitness, Sports, Fitness, Running

4.71.5K Ratings

🗓️ 22 June 2023

⏱️ 64 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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!

We're supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I'm cautiously changing my tune. I'm less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I'm optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I'm excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen.

Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need.

I've been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I'm giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex!

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.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Ready, set, go!

0:04.6

This is Episode 305, with 10-time finisher of the western states endurance run,

0:10.2

Ultramarathon running coach, and host of the popular running podcast,

0:14.7

Cracker Brew with AJW, Andy Jones Wilkins.

0:18.9

Welcome to the Strength Running Podcast.

0:29.8

I'm your host, Coach Jason Fitzgerald, and the goal of this show, StrengthRunning.com,

0:34.6

and our YouTube channel is to help you better understand the process of improvement.

0:39.9

Because when you recognize knowledge as a competitive advantage, you'll be a much better

0:44.2

runner.

0:45.2

If you're new here, welcome.

0:46.8

In the head coach of StrengthRunning, formerly a 239 marathoner, an author of the new

0:52.0

performance training journal, which is now available on Amazon.

0:56.1

On this podcast, I share my insights on the sport and speak with the world's smartest

1:00.9

subject matter experts to help you improve.

1:03.8

I'm happy to connect anytime, so feel free to email me or you can send me a message on

1:08.3

Instagram or YouTube.

1:10.4

Before we dive into today's show, I want to thank our partners who support the show.

1:14.3

They're offering you some great discounts, which I hope you'll take advantage of.

1:18.7

First is Prevenex, the only supplement company I've ever partnered with because they're

1:23.1

the best.

1:24.1

They're voluntarily putting themselves under more scrutiny and holding themselves to

1:28.0

higher standards.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Jason Fitzgerald, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Jason Fitzgerald and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.