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 landsFollow Alison's writing: AllisonHardingPowell.substack.comSupport her Runners for Public Lands fundraiser for 2026 Cocodona!Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonhpowellSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutsideChapters00:00 Race Planning and Themes01:05 The Race Begins: Galaxy Quest and Dune03:47 Crown King and the Importance of Mindset06:28 Game of Thrones: Nighttime Challenges09:38 Mingus Mountain: The Struggles of Sleep Deprivation12:19 Jerome and the Quest for Rest15:00 Sedona: The Turning Point18:03 The Final Stretch: Overcoming Obstacles27:05 The Struggles of the Hangover Trail30:15 Facing Exhaustion and Frustration33:27 Medical Concerns and Hypothermia36:35 The Importance of Sleep in Ultra Running41:33 Lessons Learned from the Race44:33 The Final Push to the Finish Line48:06 Reflections and Future Plans

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