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It’s onerous to imagine that the first article in AJW’s Taproom was revealed 12 years in the past this month. What began as Bryon Powell’s concept to have an editorialist for iRunFar has grow to be a weekly labor of affection for me, and a spot the place I’ve discovered my voice. The objective of AJW’s Taproom stays the identical immediately because it was 12 years in the past, to offer readers with thought-provoking subjects that they will talk about and debate on an extended path run or over a few pints at their native brewpub.
Within the yr that has handed since we revealed my eleventh anniversary article, now we have revealed 37 articles. Some humorous, some severe, and a few inventive — this twelfth yr has been a enjoyable trip right here within the taproom.
As I’ve for the previous a number of years, I’ve written a month-to-month collection all through 2023. This yr the collection focus has been on a few of the unsung heroes of our sport, our race administrators. This function story about Pennsylvania race director, Dave Walker, was notably enjoyable to put in writing.
In my dozen years of scripting this column, I’ve typically written reflective items about my very own working and my experiences in the neighborhood. Two such articles over the previous yr I discovered notably fulfilling to put in writing. In “The Way forward for Ultrarunning, “I ruminate over a collection of conversations I had with long-standing neighborhood members Scott Mills, John Medinger, David Horton, Jason Inexperienced, and Candice Burt in contemplating the main focus and course of the game. With respect to my very own present function within the sport, I wrote a column about my experiences spectating and volunteering at ultras, most particularly on the Western States 100. “Staying Linked to the Group” is a celebration of the spirit of cooperation and voluntarism that’s such a vital a part of our sport.
Race director Candice Burt greets finisher Andre Blumberg on the finish of the 2014 Tahoe 200 Mile. Photograph courtesy of Andre Blumberg.
After a busy summer season of touring to races I wrote a report on my experiences on the Western States, Hardrock, and Leadville 100 milers and, alongside the best way, I additionally appeared again by myself working and coming to grips with my new actuality as an growing old ultrarunner.
In fact, the yr was not with out its hardships, and the cancellation of the Vermont 100 Mile for the third time in 4 years was actually certainly one of them. I wrote about it in 2023 Vermont 100 Mile: Cancellation, and inspired the ultrarunning neighborhood to rally behind this iconic occasion in 2024.
Originally of 2023, I wrote a chunk entitled AJW’s 5 2023 Predictions for the World of Ultrarunning, and as typically occurs, it seems as if a few of my predictions are coming true whereas others are falling brief.
Lastly, after the tragic demise of longtime ultrarunner and throughout nice man, Chris Scott, I wrote a tribute in his reminiscence and shared a number of tales about my experiences with Chris at his occasions.
Right here’s to a different nice yr in AJWs Taproom!
Bottoms up!
From left to proper are Gary Knipling, Anstr Davidson, and Chris Scott throughout the 1993 JFK 50 Mile. In April 2023, the neighborhood mourned the premature lack of Chris. RIP. Photograph: Virginia Joyful Trails Working Membership
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Coronado Brewing Firm in Coronado, California. By no means Higher Double IPA is a giant, loud double IPA brewed with ample quantities of Vic Secret, Mosaic, and Citra hops. With an ABV of 8.1% and IBUs over 90, this beer is full on on a regular basis.
Name for Feedback
- What was your favourite taproom article of the yr?
- What different subjects would you prefer to see coated right here?
Jacquie Mannhard celebrates profitable the 2023 Leadville 100 Mile. AJW wrote about attending this yr’s occasion in AJW’s Taproom. Photograph: Life Time
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