Free Outside

In this solo episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I share my full game plan for 2025—including how I’m building from Cocodona 250 to the Appalachian Trail self-supported FKT attempt this August. I break down how I’m training, recovering, testing gear, and optimizing logistics for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime record shot.We cover:-How Cocodona fits into my 2025 plan-Why I’m racing Bighorn 100 as an FKT-style training run-Nutrition experiments and how I’m training my gut for endurance-Gear strategy: headlamps, socks, resupply boxes, portable charging-My flexible (but spreadsheet-heavy) approach to planning FKTs-The impact of trail damage from hurricanes and federal cuts to trail crews-And why I think “just eat more” is still the most revolutionary ultra strategy out there-This is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to prep for a 2,000+ mile FKT. Plus, I shout out a few sponsors that help make it all possible and give a sneak peek of a secret June project.🔗 Sponsors:Janji – Sun hoodies, shorts, and gear I’ll wear on the AT: janji.comGarage Grown Gear – My go-to for ultralight headlamps and small brandsCS Instant Coffee – The frothy instant coffee I’ll be drinking on-trail💥 Support the podcast and FKT: patreon.com/freeoutsideSubscribe 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/freeoutsideChapters00:00 Introduction to the Year Ahead02:50 Training and Preparation for Upcoming Races06:02 Nutrition and Gear for the Appalachian Trail08:47 Sponsorships and Support for the Journey

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I’m joined by Allison Powell, who turned her Cocodona 250 into a full-blown cinematic universe—with costumes, movie soundtracks, and a race plan inspired by Galaxy Quest, Dune, Game of Thrones, Mad Max, Star Wars, and Doctor Who. But when hail, hypothermia, and mud rivers entered the plot, the script changed fast.We dive into Allison’s brilliant and brutal journey through sleep-deprivation, pacer therapy sessions, medical alerts, and the art of holding hands on trail. This is one of the most insightful, entertaining, and emotionally raw Cocodona 250 recaps out there. Whether you're chasing 250 miles or just curious how a Dune mindset breaks down in a thunderstorm, this one’s a wild ride.We talk about:-How movie themes shaped her race mindset-The sleep deprivation spiral and when it became dangerous-Her learning curve with layering, eating, and letting go of rigid plans-The power of responsive crew support-Why she's going back for more—and doing it for public landsFollow Alison's writing: AllisonHardingPowell.substack.comSupport her Runners for Public Lands fundraiser for 2026 Cocodona!Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonhpowellSubscribe 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/freeoutsideChapters00:00 Race Planning and Themes01:05 The Race Begins: Galaxy Quest and Dune03:47 Crown King and the Importance of Mindset06:28 Game of Thrones: Nighttime Challenges09:38 Mingus Mountain: The Struggles of Sleep Deprivation12:19 Jerome and the Quest for Rest15:00 Sedona: The Turning Point18:03 The Final Stretch: Overcoming Obstacles27:05 The Struggles of the Hangover Trail30:15 Facing Exhaustion and Frustration33:27 Medical Concerns and Hypothermia36:35 The Importance of Sleep in Ultra Running41:33 Lessons Learned from the Race44:33 The Final Push to the Finish Line48:06 Reflections and Future Plans

Welcome to Trail TMZ, the spicy trail running news breakdown you didn’t know you needed. I’m Jeff Garmire, and this week I dive into the carnage at Western States—Jim Walmsley and Hayden Hawks are out, and so is the “Unbreakable 2” film project (yes, really). I give my unfiltered take on why that matters, how storytelling in our sport is being fumbled, and why it’s time for trail films to embrace the chaos instead of bailing when stars drop.Then, things heat up with Camille Herron’s cryptic Instagram post—where she dubs herself a sports whistleblower. What’s the truth? What’s hearsay? I break it down and talk about the real harm of social media call-outs in a sport that needs clarity more than confusion.Next up, we’ve got controversy at Black Canyon 100K involving Aravaipa Running, unauthorized aid, course-cutting, and a 20-minute penalty that turned into a full DQ. Is it a conflict of interest if a team athlete breaks the rules? I was there filming and have thoughts.And finally, we talk about how college athletics might implode thanks to SEC Football drama—and what that means for the future of running programs and the next generation of trail and ultra athletes.This episode has drama, nuance, hot takes, and just enough sarcasm to get me in trouble again.Chapters00:00 Western States Controversies and Unbreakable 204:16 Camille Herron: The Sports Whistleblower10:01 Aravaipa Running: Cheating Allegations and Controversy15:24 The Future of College Sports and Its Impact on RunningSubscribe 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

I sit down with Coree Woltering—pro athlete for Merrell, Janji, and Smartwool—for a raw and hilarious conversation about his redemption at the Cocodona 250. From being the very first person to drop out of the inaugural race to finishing it five years later, Coree shares the highs, lows, and muddy middle miles of his journey.We talk about impromptu race entries (Venmoed Southern States 200), wild hallucinations, ankle weirdness, and what happens when your crew gets stranded with a flat tire halfway through a 250-mile race. Coree also opens up about finding joy in ultra-distance running, managing a team for Merrell, and his ambitious upcoming plans—including an Appalachian Trail FKT attempt and maybe even Moab 240.Follow Coree online: https://www.instagram.com/coreewolteringChapters00:00 Corey Woltering's Journey Begins02:45 Redemption at Cocodona06:01 Lessons from Southern States08:52 The Start of Cocodona 202312:07 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Adventure15:05 The Pacer Experience18:01 Unexpected Setbacks21:08 The Descent into Jerome24:09 The Hangover Trail Experience34:40 The Journey of Social Media in Ultra Running37:37 Experiencing the Highs and Lows of Endurance Racing39:29 The Breakdown: Mental and Physical Challenges42:44 Crew Dynamics and Support in Ultra Events45:37 Navigating the Final Stretch: The Last Marathon49:41 The Finish Line Experience: Quiet Triumphs53:47 Reflections on Future Races and Goals56:38 The Evolution of an Ultra Runner: From Triathlons to Ultra Events01:00:36 Athlete Management: Bridging Experience and Brand NeedsShop at our sponsors: Janji.com, garagegrowngear.com, and csinstant.coffeeSubscribe 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

Today’s episode starts off with something I might just turn into a regular segment: Trail TMZ. We dig into the controversy surrounding William Goodge's run across Australia and the data that has people wondering—from heart rate anomalies to 55 mph GPS spikes. Then we take a brief detour into the Camille Herron Wikipedia saga and my lingering sadness that she never came on the show.But the real highlight is a deep conversation with Aaron Fleisher, a fellow five-time Cocodona 250 finisher. We talk about his journey from stage racing and thru-hiking into the world of 200s, and how he found success (and beer) on trail. We get into hallucination stories, racing strategies, sleep theories, and the evolution of Cocodona over the past five years. Plus, Aaron breaks down his experience at Tour de Géants and what it’s like to compete in a race that makes U.S. ultras look like casual jogs.We wrap up with some trail name lore (“Food Boobs,” and "Loophole") and ponder how Cocodona became the most community-embraced ultra in the U.S. Oh, and yes—there might be a bumper sticker involved that says "Cocodona sucks, tell your friends."Follow Aaron online: https://www.instagram.com/mittenmadness/Follow and shop at out sponsors: Janji.com, Garagegrowngear.com, and Csinstant.coffeeChapters00:00 – Trail TMZ: Goodge, Cockrell & the Controversy03:30 – Camille Herron, Wikipedia & Podcast Rejections06:00 – Introducing Aaron Fleisher & Cocodona Beginnings10:00 – Beer, Sandals & Surviving the Inaugural Year14:00 – Sleep, Strategy & Hallucinations at 200 Milers19:00 – Through-Hiking Mentality in Ultras23:00 – Tour des Géants: Europe’s Wildest Ultra28:00 – Cultural Clash & Why Tour Felt Life-Changing32:00 – Cocodona’s Future & Becoming a Community Race36:00 – Trail Names, Reflections & Last Person StandingSubscribe 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/freeoutsideKeywordsCocodona 250, ultrarunning, trail running, 200 mile race, Jeff Garmire, Aaron Fleisher, Free Outside Podcast, thru hiking, Tour des Geants, Tour de Glaciers, ultramarathon, trail TMZ, William Gooch, running across Australia, watchmuling, heart rate zone, hallucinations ultrarunning, beer mile, food boobs, trail names, Aravaipa Running, Cocodona recap, trail race strategy, sleep in ultras, ultra running controversy, elite trail running, long distance running, through hiker mindset, adventure racing, Grand to Grand, 200 milers, ultra endurance, running gossip

I sit down with Kevin Russ—board game designer, iPhone photography legend, thru hiker, and freshly minted Cocodona 250 finisher. We dive into Kevin’s wild journey from shooting landscapes with just his phone to creating successful board games, and now, tackling 200+ mile races. He opens up about the physical and mental toll of Cocodona, the moments that tested him most, and the role his crew played in getting him to the finish. We also explore how creativity overlaps with endurance and what’s next for Kevin in both ultra running and game design.Check out Kevin on the internet: Website: https://www.kevinruss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinruss/Check out his board Game: https://amzn.to/3ZpJ0HTSupport our sponsors:Janji.comGaragegrowngear.comCsinstant.coffee00:00 The Rise of an iPhone Photographer04:03 From Photography to Through Hiking06:26 Transitioning to Ultra Running09:19 Preparing for Cocodona 25012:05 Training Challenges and the Chipotle Challenge14:45 Cocodona 250: The Race Begins17:26 Weather Challenges and Mindset Shifts20:23 The Role of Crew and Support22:53 Capturing the Journey on Camera24:14 Navigating Sleep Deprivation26:57 Injuries and Mental Resilience29:18 The Role of Pacers and Crew Support30:27 Facing Challenges in the Final Stretch35:18 Reflections on the Race Experience37:14 Future Plans and Training Insights39:46 Hallucinations and the Nature of Endurance41:09 Underrated Natural Beauty in the U.S.43:04 The Journey into Board Game Design45:48 Launching a Board Game48:28 The Board Game Convention ExperienceSubscribe 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

Today we have one of the most inspiring runners I know—Jennie Chisholm. She’s a mom of four boys, a Triple Crowner, and a two-time Cocodona 250 finisher. But she didn’t find ultrarunning the usual way. She stumbled into it—literally—on a whim while thru-hiking the Arizona Trail.She tells the incredible story of how her family went from watching Cocodona as curious hikers to toeing the start line with hand-me-down running vests and brand-new shoes. We talk about how her sons became ultrarunners, what it’s like racing 250 miles while constantly worrying about your kids (who are also racing), and the chaos of coordinating multiple crews and pacers as a full-on family affair.She shares the highs and heartbreaking lows from this year’s Cocodona—dealing with sickness, hypothermia, and emotional breakdowns on the trail, all while pushing through to the finish herself. We also dive into training, nutrition (or the lack thereof), trail names, and how thru-hiking helped shape her kids into some of the toughest young runners in the sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jenny Chisholm's Journey03:10 The Accidental Entry into Cocodona05:59 Family Dynamics in Ultra Running09:06 Logistics of Racing as a Family11:52 Challenges Faced During the Race15:05 The Emotional Toll of DNFing17:56 Finding Focus Amidst Chaos21:00 The Role of Family Support23:52 Reflections on the Race Experience39:33 The Emotional Roller Coaster of Racing48:12 Navigating Nutrition and Training Challenges55:02 Building Confidence Through Thru-Hiking01:01:08 The Future of Family Adventures01:09:31 Embracing the Journey and Lessons LearnedSubscribe 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

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cocodona 25002:53 The Mindset Behind Endurance Racing06:11 Strategies for Signing Up and Preparing08:52 The Reality of Support in Ultra Running12:09 The Adventure of Cocodona 25014:57 Golden Hour and the Emotional Finish17:47 Reflections on the Experience21:02 Closing Thoughts and EncouragementSubscribe 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

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cocodona 250 Experience03:00 Race Day Preparations and Crew Dynamics05:51 The Struggles Begin: Weather and Physical Challenges09:10 Hallucinations and Mental Battles12:10 Navigating Through Adversity: The Role of Crew14:52 The Mid-Race Shift: Coping with Illness17:49 Finding Momentum: The Power of Music21:02 Celebrating Small Victories24:03 The Final Push: Overcoming the Last Hurdles26:56 The Finish Line: Reflections and RevelationsSubscribe 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.Chapters00:00 Cocadona 250 Race Strategy03:09 Course Navigation and Aid Stations05:55 Pacing and Nutrition Strategy09:07 Self-Sufficiency and Crew Dynamics11:57 Reflections on Podcasting and GrowthSubscribe 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