Before Cocodona 250: Nerves, Training, and the PCT Mindset
From Free Outside by Jeff Garmire
May 3, 2026 · 22 min
About this episode
Jeff Garmire discusses his preparation and mindset for the upcoming Cocodona 250 race, reflecting on training, values, and the significance of the event.
Cocodona 250 starts in two days, so I’m talking through the plan, the nerves, the training block, and why this race still matters so much to me. This episode is also the two-year anniversary of the Free Outside Podcast, which launched during Cocodona because I was too nervous to watch whether anyone listened. I get into the pressure after the Appalachian Trail FKT, a clunky but meaningful Cocodona build, working with a nutritionist and mental performance coach, and the three values I’m carrying into the race: presence, community, and trust. Or, fittingly, PCT. Presence: be here now. Community: let people help. Trust: trust yourself. This is my Cocodona 250 race plan, but also a reminder that hard things are better when they are rooted in joy, connection, and a reason that actually means something. Support our Sponsors: Sawyer: https://sawyerdirect.net/ Janji (code: Freeoutside): https://snp.link/a0bfb726 CS Coffee: CSinstant.coffee Garage Grown Gear: https://snp.link/db1ba8ab 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…
People in this episode
Host: Jeff Garmire
Topics covered
- Cocodona 250
- training
- mental performance
- running
- Appalachian Trail FKT
- values in racing
Keywords
- Cocodona 250
- running
- training
- Appalachian Trail
- mental performance
- nutrition
- values
Sponsors
Sawyer, Janji, CS Coffee, Garage Grown Gear
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Free Outside
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