Running Cocodona
Training, eating, sleeping and dreaming about this race since 2020.
What is this site? Who created it? Why? All those answers will be made clear or at least that is my intention with this welcome. And seriously. Welcome. I'm glad you stopped by.
More Stories
Actually Running The Cocodona 250
A very long and very picture heavy account of my running of the 2023 Cocodona 250. That's what this whole website was for. It was such an incredible experience. Thank everyone who followed along or helped support me. I appreciate you all.
The Race Viewing Experience (virtually)
I'm in AZ. This is happening. If you want to watch, follow, or otherwise see how my race works out. Your best bet is going to https://cocodona.com/live
What's Next? And Why I'm Thinking About It Now
This race has been a goal for three years. What happens when I achieve it? Life must go on and thinking a bit about that now might be worth considering so I don't get blindsided in the aftermath.
Cocodona Crew App
My son and I made a web app to help my crew during the Cocodona 250 race. It might be useful to others as well. See the post for download & details.
Weekly Wrap (04/23)
Full taper + heat training this week. Trying to sleep a lot, eat a lot and generally recover to full strength. I did one more hill workout and blasted downhill to get the quads ready. I wish it was hotter here in Cincinnati.
Weekly Wrap (04/16)
After a huge week like the last one, I knew I would have a recovery week. It turns out I was more beat up than I had hoped to be. I struggled to get the miles this week, and I skipped the planned Friday workout. Hopefully my body bounces back in the taper.
Weekly Wrap (04/09)
My peak volume week! 94 miles 😅 Less than half of what I will do in three weeks! The good news is that I'm feeling strong after this week and I made it through the gauntlet without injury (knock on wood). It's time to wrap this training up with a bow.
My Three Day Training Camp
For my DIY training camp, I focused on long back-to-back-to-back runs with intentional short sleep and controlled efforts. With only 23 days until race week, this was my last big training effort. I think it went pretty well.
Weekly Wrap (04/02)
This was my lowest mileage week of the entire year so far, but still all part of the plan. After last weeks' 50 mile race I spent a lot of time walking and biking around Washington DC with my teenage son. I got some runs in, but generally took it easy.
Tune Up Race: 50 Mile Midnight Madness
When coach suggested I look for a fifty mile race 4-6 weeks out from Cocodona, I wasn't sure how I could make that work. Fortunately, the stars aligned! Greenbrier ultras are where my brother was attempting his first 100 and they had a midnight 50M option!
Weekly Wrap (03/26)
The week of training before my tune up race was a little different but definitely not a full taper. I will have a full write up of the race itself. This just covers the normal training.
Weekly Wrap (03/19)
Almost got to 70 miles this week. Minor scare with my left hamstring, but I think it's okay. Another big loop on Saturday where my last mile was my fastest. Feeling pretty darn well heading into the peak volume weeks.
Weekly Wrap (03/12)
After being sick last week I really wanted to get after it, but my body was still not 100%. Sadly, I skipped the strength workouts. It was definitely still a good week of training and it ended with a bang: running 21 miles at Frozen Head State Park, TN.
Weekly Wrap (03/05)
I no longer have a perfect training block. I got sick this week and missed a workout and a 10 mile easy run. I've been around enough to know that this isn't the end of the world. Life happens and training doesn't get ruined by single missed workouts.
What's Your 250 Mile Pace?
What does pace even mean for a 250 mile effort? You have to sleep at some point. How does that factor in?
Weekly Wrap (02/26)
First long run! Feeling good and ready to push a little harder after this week barely squeaked out 60 miles.
Weekly Wrap (02/19)
Ten weeks and counting. This week was another good week. Holding steady, absorbing the work. Surprised myself on the mid-week workout by cruising under all the target splits. I'll take that as a good sign and not just that I'm super bad at pacing.
My "Why" Part I
Some reflections on why I signed up for the 2023 edition of the Cocodona 250 ultra trail race.
Weekly Wrap (02/12)
Building the base, plateau, then build some more. It's hard to believe that I'm six weeks into this plan and that I only have 11 weeks to go before race day. Time is flying by.
Weekly Wrap (02/05)
The past week saw my first speed workout. A 5k time trial. I haven't run that "hard" in so long. It was surprising how much it hurt. Lungs, legs, heart and even the mental challenge to not quit a measly 3.1 miles. It's a humbling experience.
Logistics Part I
Getting ready for this race is not only about the training, being 1500+ miles from home and taking multiple days means this is the largest logistical challenge of any race I've been apart of. This post discusses some of my current thinking.
Weekly Wrap (01/22)
Under my new coaches direction, this week had some elements I've not done before. Steady week of training and excited as ever to be working toward my goal.
Course Map and Profile
Where exactly are we running? Honestly, the course is one of the major draws IMHO. When I heard what Jamil Coury and RD Steve Aderholt cooked up in their introduction video I was immediately interested. This point to point race is going to be epic.
Mogollon Monster 100 Mile "warm-up" Race
The Mogollon Monster is a tough race that I'm hoping prepared me well for a taste of what I'll experience at the Cocodona 250. I'll share what I experienced and how I think it might help. We shall see.
Connecting with Others
Everyone talks about the ultra trail running community as being so good. They're not wrong. For me the connecting with others through running is even more special.
My Ultra Running Journey
The pandemic. How many people took up ultra running during these last few years because of gyms being closed or they just had more time. I'd like to think that I would have done it anyway. My running journey had already begun eight months prior.