About this episode
This week, I scrapped the pre-recorded episode I had ready to go and decided to hit record and talk live—from the post-Cocodona haze. After five finishes at Cocodona 250, I figured it was time to finally answer the question: Should you sign up for Cocodona? I break down what it really takes to toe that start line, what happens in the mid-pack where most of us live for days on end, and why finishing should always mean more than your pace chart or Instagram recap. This year, things went sideways. COVID showed up early (for me and, unfortunately, my whole crew), and I had to go deep into my why just to keep moving. I talk about that, how my mindset has shifted, the myth of “self-supported” Cocodona, and how this race is more about soul-searching than splits. There’s also some advice on how to register, a behind-the-scenes look at Golden Hour, a possibly meth-themed aid station (yep), and what keeps me coming back year after year. I also rant (gently) about influencer culture, read some of your reviews, and shout out my amazing crew, my favorite Janji gear, and the community that makes this wild desert dream possible. If you’re on the fence about Cocodona, this is the episode for you. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s my fifth year of running straight into the unknown. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cocodona 250 02:53 The Mindset Behind Endurance Racing 06:11 Strategies for Signing Up and Preparing 08:52 The Reality of Support in Ultra Running 12:09 The Adventure of Cocodona 250 14:57 Golden Hour and the Emotional Finish 17:47 Reflections on the Experience 21:02 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement 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