The crazy story of my fifth finish at Cocodona 250. This year was full of surprises — I ran with a sickness, hallucinated witches and aliens, battled rain, hail, and mud, and somehow kept going with the help of an incredible crew.

I break down the highs and lows, from brain fog and rolled ankles to a bobcat sighting, and even the odd gear fix that saved the day (hint: Vagisil).

If you’re into ultrarunning, trail running, or just want to hear about pushing through 250 miles of chaos, this episode is full of stories, lessons, and plenty of humor.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cocodona 250 Experience

03:00 Race Day Preparations and Crew Dynamics

05:51 The Struggles Begin: Weather and Physical Challenges

09:10 Hallucinations and Mental Battles

12:10 Navigating Through Adversity: The Role of Crew

14:52 The Mid-Race Shift: Coping with Illness

17:49 Finding Momentum: The Power of Music

21:02 Celebrating Small Victories

24:03 The Final Push: Overcoming the Last Hurdles

26:56 The Finish Line: Reflections and Revelations

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.comWatch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

In this solo episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I break down my full race plan for the 2025 Cocodona 250, the massive 250-mile ultra across Arizona. I walk you through how I’m approaching the unusually cold weather, the new technical course changes, and the long stretches without pacers. I explain why I’m planning to go out more aggressively this year, how I’m dialing in my carbs, salt, and hydration, and where I’ll rely on my crew and pacers the most. I share my split predictions, the key sections I’m watching for, and some honest reflections on how far I’ve come as a runner and a podcaster. Whether you’re following Cocodona or just curious about what it takes to line up for something this big, this episode gives you an inside look at my mindset and strategy heading into race week.

Chapters

00:00 Cocadona 250 Race Strategy

03:09 Course Navigation and Aid Stations

05:55 Pacing and Nutrition Strategy

09:07 Self-Sufficiency and Crew Dynamics

11:57 Reflections on Podcasting and Growth

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside

Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF

Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com

Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside

Website: www.Freeoutside.com

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

On today’s episode of the Free Outside Show, I’m joined by runner, ultimate frisbee enthusiast, and Cocodona crewing expert Allison Mercer. We relive wild stories from the inaugural Cocodona 250 — from cactus naps and glass-covered descents to heckling runners mid-race. We talk predictions for this year’s showdown, the “Courtney effect,” and whether European pros will shift the ultra scene. We debate mind games, pacing strategies, why volunteering matters, and why Cocodona is basically ultrarunning’s March Madness.

Follow Allison online: https://www.instagram.com/onewomandanceparty

Follow our sponsors: Janji, Garage Grown Gear

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Allison Mercer and Cocodona

02:50 The Inaugural Cocodona Experience

06:08 Crew Dynamics and Race Strategy

08:46 The Evolution of Cocodona and Its Popularity

11:59 The Role of Volunteers in Ultra Running

14:58 Pacing and the Emotional Journey

17:58 The Impact of Weather on Race Performance

20:56 The Influence of Social Media and Celebrity Runners

23:50 The Future of Cocodona and Its Competitors

27:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

46:08 The Evolving Landscape of Ultra Running

52:39 Courtney's Dominance and the Competitive Field

56:58 Mindset and Strategy in Ultra Racing

01:01:55 The Future of Cocodona and Race Dynamics

Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com

Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside

Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF

Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at jeff@freeoutside.com

Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside

Website: www.Freeoutside.com

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside