Ultrarunning, sleep deprivation, spiritual breakthroughs & iced lattes mid-race—this one has it all.
Todd Pollock of Greater Than Endurance returns to Airey Bros Radio to recap his first-ever multi-day ultra at the Sedona Canyons 125, part of the Cocodona race series. After 57 hours, 2 hours of sleep, four blisters, and a full-on battery-failure saga at an aid station, Todd crossed the finish line in Flagstaff changed forever.
This episode dives deep into:
- Training for multi-day ultras
- Fueling and hydration strategies
- Emotional and spiritual awakenings during extreme endurance
- Crew chaos, Sedona vortex energy, and the real MVPs: aid station volunteers
- The mantra that carried Todd through the final miles: “One foot in front of the other”
If you’re training for your first 100+ miler, dreaming of Cocodona 250, or just want a firsthand look at what it takes to push your physical and mental limits—this episode is for you.📌 Subscribe for more epic endurance stories from the trail!
⏱️ Episode 369 — Show Notes / Timestamps:- 0:00 – Intro: “We’re back on the trail…”
- 1:14 – Finishing the Sedona Canyons 125 in 57 hours
- 3:26 – Pre-race gratitude and taper mindset
- **6:01 – “It was a spiritual journey.” Major realizations on the trail
- **9:06 – Mantra mode: “One foot in front of the other”
- **13:04 – Building a trail family mid-race
- **14:39 – Crew chief chaos: Locked car & YouTube save
- **17:26 – Sleeping less than 2 hours and getting back moving
- **21:01 – Carrying 15+ lbs for 40+ miles unsupported
- **23:21 – Weather and temperature swings in Arizona
- **24:50 – Shoe changes, swollen feet & blister repair
- **26:00 – Sedona vortex energy & spiritual summit moments
- **28:49 – Fueling right: bananas, pancakes & iced lattes
- **31:25 – All hail the aid station volunteers
- **35:37 – Post-race mindset & what’s next: pacing in 2026, racing Cocodona 250 in 2027
- **39:10 – Lighting strategy: headlamp vs. waist lamp
- **42:22 – Losing his poles & sentimental gear
- **44:00 – Coach’s perspective: advice for going beyond 100 miles
- **47:23 – The first shower & the wrong Airbnb
- **48:43 – Sushi over beer: recovery reward
- **50:03 – Returning home & swelling in the knee
- **52:02 – What’s next: Broken Arrow SkyRace
- **53:30 – Closing thoughts: Cocodona vibes & the finish line spirit tunnel
- **55:04 – Shoutout to the youngest 250-mile finisher: 17 years old
- 56:43 – Wrap up & preview of Episode 370 with Coach Wes Miller