Welcome to my annual anniversary column!
Ever since I started writing this column in October of 2011, I have taken some time each year to reflect back on the past 12 months and share a bit about what I’ve written here, in this very special place. I never thought when Bryon Powell suggested over beers in Virginia in September of 2011 that I turn my personal blog into a weekly column here on iRunFar that it would be a 14-year (and counting) journey. But, here we are!
Since last October, we have published 42 articles in this space. Three times a month, and sometimes four, I have had the chance to share my thoughts and reflections on the goings on in the trail running and ultrarunning world, and in my world. I am forever grateful to Bryon and Meghan for providing me with a space to find and maintain my voice.
Meghan, Bryon, and AJW (left to right) covering the 2012 Western States 100. Photo: John Mackey
On a professional note, 2025 was a year of evolution for me. In addition to my writing, podcasting, and coaching, I became the store manager of Sole Sports in Tempe, Arizona. As a result of this life change, I found myself moved to write a few columns about the running shoe industry, including Long Live the Local Run Specialty Store, The Runner’s Relationship with Shoes, and The Golden Age of Trail Running Shoes is Upon Us.
As I have for the past several years, I’ve written a monthly sub-series here in the Taproom. This year my focus was on Legendary Aid Stations, as I profiled some of the best aid stations in the trail and ultra community. From a long list of reader recommendations, I compiled a list of 11 legendary aid stations, including Rucky Chucky at the Western States 100 and Kroger’s Canteen at the Hardrock 100.
AJW running a nighttime section of the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile. Photo: CTS Ultrarunning
In addition to my Legendary Aid Station series, I also continued my occasional series on running and aging. As an aging athlete myself, I think my personal experiences in the sport and some of the things I have learned along the way have been helpful to others. From this year’s running and aging series, I particularly enjoyed writing a tribute to my friend Henry Bickerstaff and a reflection on trying new things as a seasoned ultrarunner in An Old Dog Learns New Tricks.
In my own personal running journey, I completed two incredible events in the past year. First, in October, I returned to the Javelina 100 Mile, 17 years after I first ran it. I wrote about it in Who Says You Can’t Go Home: Running the 2024 Javelina 100 Mile. Then in May, I dove into the deep end and ran the Cocodona 250 Mile for my first 200-plus-mile event. I reflected on that life-changing experience in Once in a Lifetime.
From beers in Virginia in 2011 to the Cocodona 250 Mile in 2025 — Bryon Powell and AJW. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Finally, as I have done for the past several years, back in January, I released a set of predictions for 2025, some of which seem to have come to fruition and some of which have not. Such is the nature of these things.
Here’s to another year here in AJW’s Taproom. Thank you all for reading.
Celebrating the first anniversary of AJW’s Taproom at the place of its conception.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Alesong Brewing and Blending in Eugene, Oregon. Touch of Brett is a hoppy, farmhouse-style ale that straddles the line between sour and bitter. Brewed in the classic Saison style, Touch of Brett tips the scales at a healthy 6.4 ABV and carries a smooth finish. Perfect after a nice long day running on the nearby McKenzie River Trail.
Call for Comments
- Do you have a favorite Taproom piece that resonated with you this year?
- Tell us about a fun AJW experience or encounter you’ve had!
