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.com

Garage Grown Gear – My go-to for ultralight headlamps and small brands

CS Instant Coffee – The frothy instant coffee I’ll be drinking on-trail

💥 Support the podcast and FKT: patreon.com/freeoutside

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Year Ahead

02:50 Training and Preparation for Upcoming Races

06:02 Nutrition and Gear for the Appalachian Trail

08:47 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 lands

Follow Alison's writing: AllisonHardingPowell.substack.com

Support her Runners for Public Lands fundraiser for 2026 Cocodona!

Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonhpowell

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

Chapters

00:00 Race Planning and Themes

01:05 The Race Begins: Galaxy Quest and Dune

03:47 Crown King and the Importance of Mindset

06:28 Game of Thrones: Nighttime Challenges

09:38 Mingus Mountain: The Struggles of Sleep Deprivation

12:19 Jerome and the Quest for Rest

15:00 Sedona: The Turning Point

18:03 The Final Stretch: Overcoming Obstacles

27:05 The Struggles of the Hangover Trail

30:15 Facing Exhaustion and Frustration

33:27 Medical Concerns and Hypothermia

36:35 The Importance of Sleep in Ultra Running

41:33 Lessons Learned from the Race

44:33 The Final Push to the Finish Line

48:06 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.

Chapters

00:00 Western States Controversies and Unbreakable 2

04:16 Camille Herron: The Sports Whistleblower

10:01 Aravaipa Running: Cheating Allegations and Controversy

15:24 The Future of College Sports and Its Impact on Running

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