The conversation revolves around the upcoming Western States Endurance Run and the state of ultra running. The men's side of ultra running has become predictable and less exciting, while the women's side has seen incredible performances and increasing depth. The conversation also touches on the growth of women's sports and the importance of personality and engagement in athletes. The hosts discuss the favorites and potential winners of this year's Western States, as well as the challenges and pressures faced by athletes in their second year. AJW shares his favorite section of the Western States course and the significance it holds for him. Andy Jones-Wilkins (AJW) reflects on his experiences running the Western States 100-mile endurance race and discusses the unique aspects of the race. He shares his love for the course and the special moments he has had running it. AJW also talks about the camaraderie and stories shared among runners at the cabin in Michigan Bluff. He mentions the ice cream sandwich run, a 52-mile training run where runners eat an ice cream sandwich and a Mountain Dew Code Red at the halfway point. AJW discusses the challenges faced by runners in the middle and back of the pack, including fighting cutoff times and relying on aid station volunteers. He also provides insights into training for Western States, particularly for runners from the East Coast. AJW concludes by expressing his contentment with his current role as a Western States volunteer and coach, and his desire to explore other races and potentially become a finish line announcer in the future.

Takeaways

The men's side of ultra running has become predictable and less exciting, while the women's side has seen incredible performances and increasing depth.

The growth of women's sports and the accessibility of athletes through the internet and social media have contributed to the popularity and engagement of female ultra runners.

Personality and engagement have become important factors in an athlete's personal brand, alongside their race results.

The favorites for this year's Western States include Jim Walmsley, Hayden Hawks, Tyler Green, and Jiang Sheng Shen on the men's side, and Katie Scheid, Rachel Drake, and Leah Yingling on the women's side.

Many athletes experience a second-year curse at Western States due to the pressure and expectations that come with a successful debut.

AJW's favorite section of the Western States course is the descent from the Deadwood pump to the El Dorado River crossing, which offers beautiful views and a gradual downhill grade. The Western States 100-mile endurance race holds a special place in AJW's heart, and he cherishes the memories and experiences he has had running the course.

The cabin in Michigan Bluff is a gathering place for runners, and AJW fondly recalls the camaraderie and stories shared there.

The ice cream sandwich run, a 52-mile training run with an ice cream sandwich and Mountain Dew Code Red at the halfway point, is a unique tradition among Western States runners.

Runners in the middle and back of the pack face challenges such as fighting cutoff times and rely on aid station volunteers for support.

Training for Western States requires a balance of technical trail running, long climbs and descents, and heat acclimation.

AJW is content with his current role as a Western States volunteer and coach, and he looks forward to exploring other races and potentially becoming a finish line announcer in the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Western States

09:31 Favorites and Potential Winners of Western States

12:35 The Second-Year Curse at Western States

32:24 Cherishing the Memories of Western States

34:50 The Legendary Ice Cream Sandwich Run

37:15 The Challenges and Support for Middle and Back of the Pack Runners

41:29 The Back of the Pack Experience

47:50 Training Tips for Western States

52:25 Golden Ticket Races and Future Aspirations

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