Allison Mercer and I recap the chaos of Cocodona 250. From a tracker glitch that placed Jeff in Africa in 1969, to GI issues, hallucinations, Mingus basketball, sleepless nights, and a fifth straight top 10 finish, this year’s race felt bigger, faster, and stranger than ever. They also dive into the intensity of the competition, the growth of the sport, the power of crew and pacers, and the heavier moments that reminded everyone just how serious these events can be.

Cocodona 250 starts in two days, so I’m talking through the plan, the nerves, the training block, and why this race still matters so much to me. This episode is also the two-year anniversary of the Free Outside Podcast, which launched during Cocodona because I was too nervous to watch whether anyone listened.

I get into the pressure after the Appalachian Trail FKT, a clunky but meaningful Cocodona build, working with a nutritionist and mental performance coach, and the three values I’m carrying into the race: presence, community, and trust. Or, fittingly, PCT.

Presence: be here now.

Community: let people help.

Trust: trust yourself.

This is my Cocodona 250 race plan, but also a reminder that hard things are better when they are rooted in joy, connection, and a reason that actually means something.

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Cocodona 250 is here, and right after recording this, I’m heading out the door to go run it.

So naturally, the best thing to do before a 250-mile race is sit down and try to predict everything that’s about to happen.

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by Tara Dower and Allison Mercer to break down the Cocodona 250 field, storylines, and everything we think might happen… knowing full well that none of it will go according to plan.

We talk about:

Why the women’s field might be the most exciting part of the race

Dark horses, favorites, and who could surprise everyone

How 200+ mile races actually play out (hint: not how you think)

Influencers vs contenders and why Cocodona is its own world

Live stream chaos, race coverage, and being way too exposed mid-race

Falling… a lot of falling

And why we do all of this in the first place

This is part preview, part comedy, and part reminder that these races are supposed to be fun, even when they feel overwhelming.

If you’re watching Cocodona this year, this will get you ready.

If you’re running it… good luck.

Support our Sponsors:

Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/

Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726

CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee

Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab

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

#Trailrunning #Runningnews #Outdoors #Outdooradventure