[Author’s Note: This article is part of an occasional series on the unique opportunities and challenges of growing older as a runner.]
Final weekend, I participated within the Crown King Scramble 50k, a race in central Arizona that runs from the desert ground north of Phoenix to the historic mining city of Crown King, excessive within the Bradshaw Mountains. Established again in 1987 by a small and hardy group of Phoenix space ultrarunners who have been coaching for the Western States 100, Crown King has lengthy been a staple of the Arizona operating group, bringing runners again yr after yr to run the point-to-point web uphill course.
AJW (middle) on the end of the 2026 Crown King Scramble 50k. Picture: Aravaipa Operating
Going into this yr’s race, I hoped to enhance on my 2025 time and maybe come near my 2024 time. The great thing about the Crown King course is that it by no means modifications. For some seemingly divine motive, the rugged grime highway from the boat ramp on the east finish of Lake Nice to the entrance entrance of the Crown King Saloon is strictly 50k, and it proves to be an trustworthy check yr after yr.
Having run 7:44 in 2024 and eight:10 in 2025, I actually wasn’t certain what I used to be able to this yr, particularly with temperatures forecast to be within the 90s Fahrenheit. From Lake Nice, I began out slowly and settled in with a gaggle of different Crown King veterans to cross the miles of the primary half. I arrived at mile 15.4 in 3:17 and mentioned to myself, “I feel I might be able to sneak in beneath eight hours.”
The warmth dissipated barely as we climbed out of the desert and into the mountains, and I discovered myself not slowing down like I normally do late on this race. Having been so busy with transferring for many of February, my coaching had been lower than perfect, however within the second, I felt I used to be operating inside myself, staying sturdy, and slowly distancing myself from the group I had spent a lot of the morning operating with. Possibly this may be a type of days!
Whereas AJW’s coaching within the Sonoran Desert hadn’t been perfect, he nonetheless received to have a big day out on the right track. Picture: Andy Jones-Wilkins
I strode into Oro Belle, the help station at 27 miles, with 6:49 on the clock. I knew from previous expertise that I may comfortably run the final four-mile part — two miles up and two miles down — in about an hour, so I ever so barely took the foot off the gasoline and cruised to a 7:48 end, 22 minutes quicker than 2025.
As a runner in my late fifties, it’s uncommon for me to enhance on my previous efforts. In truth, it looks as if a lot of the time, I’m merely attempting to not lose an excessive amount of from my earlier runs. But, now and again, the celebrities align, and small enhancements reveal themselves. The 2026 Crown King Scramble was one such time. As older athletes, and older folks for that matter, we frequently need to take what the day provides us. Some days are good and a few days are unhealthy, after which you may have that uncommon day once you harness one thing particular from the previous, and it turns into an incredible day. It was good to have a type of final weekend.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week comes from Machine Home Brewery in Seattle, Washington. Specializing in British-style beers, Machine Home brews some unbelievable classics. Invincible Lager is a tasty British pub-style lager brewed with British malt and British and Czech hops, creating a really distinctive brew.
Name for Feedback
- As you age, how do you come to phrases with slowly shedding floor in your youthful self?
- Have you ever had a “a type of days” expertise these days?
