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
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