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Jake Jackson discusses his experience running the Cocodona 250 race, including his training approach, sleep strategy, and challenges faced during the race. He talks about the mental and physical preparation required for a multi-day race and the importance of having a supportive crew. Jake also shares his memorable moments and surprises along the course, as well as the gear and nutrition adjustments he made for the race. Jake Jackson discusses his experience at the Cocodona 250 race and his decision to sign up for the race again in 2025. He reflects on the challenges he faced during the race and the lessons he learned. Jake talks about the importance of nutrition, sleep, and training for steep climbs. He also shares his thoughts on foot care and the water crossings during the race. Jake discusses his future goals, including making the US 24-hour national team, and offers advice for first-time 200-mile racers.

Brody Chisholm recently completed the 2024 Cocodona 250, finishing in 12th place. He learned about the race last year when he hiked the Arizona Trail and followed along with Cocodona. His family also participated in the Elden Crest 38 last year. Initially, his mom was going to be his crew chief, but his older brother and mom decided to run as well. They divided their family and friends into three crews. Brody had his dad as his crew chief and his little brother and cousin as his main pacers. He had a secret goal of beating the course record of 69 hours, but he ended up finishing in 75 hours. Despite that, he was happy with his performance and the support from his family. Brody Chisholm, a 17-year-old ultra-runner, shares his experience and insights from completing the Cocodona 250-mile race. He discusses the initial skepticism and split reactions from his crew members about his ambitious goal. Brody's motivation to push the limits of human endurance stems from his competitive nature and desire to be the best. He compares the competition in track and cross-country races, which last minutes, to the endurance races that last for days. Brody reflects on the mental and physical challenges he faced during the race and the importance of sleep and nutrition. He also shares his future plans and advice for young athletes interested in long-distance running.

• Brody Chisholm finished the 2024 CocoDona 250 in 12th place
• He had a secret goal of beating the course record of 69 hours
• His family participated in the race as well, with his mom and older brother running
• They divided their family and friends into three crews
• Brody had his dad as his crew chief and his little brother and cousin as his main pacers
• He used strategic planning to determine when and where to have pacers
• Through hiking experience helped him with mental toughness and overcoming lows
• He believes there will eventually be a super hybrid athlete who excels in both running and hiking
• Brody's performance impressed others in the race and received support and admiration Ambitious goals can elicit mixed reactions, but having a balance of skepticism and belief can indicate a good goal.
• Motivation to push the limits of human endurance can come from a combination of personal drive and upbringing.
• The competition in endurance races differs from track and cross-country races, but there are similarities in the mental and physical challenges.
• Sleep and nutrition play crucial roles in the success of ultra-runners.
• Young athletes interested in long-distance running should start with shorter races and gradually work their way up, while maintaining a focus on personal goals and enjoying the process.

Dina Griffin, a sports dietician, discusses nutrition considerations for ultra-endurance athletes, specifically focusing on 200-mile races. She highlights the importance of fueling and hydration in these events, noting that the longer duration and varying terrain present more room for error. Griffin emphasizes the need for individualized nutrition plans based on an athlete's experience level, sweat rates, and weather conditions. She also discusses the challenges of eating during races, including the potential for nausea and loss of appetite. Griffin recommends a combination of liquid and solid calorie sources, varying flavors and textures to combat flavor fatigue, and using high-carb mixes for sustained energy. She also addresses the role of caffeine and sleep deprivation in ultra-endurance events. In this conversation, Dina Griffin discusses nutrition strategies for ultra-endurance races. She emphasizes the importance of fueling properly before, during, and after the race, and provides practical advice on hydration, calorie intake, and nutrient supplementation. Dina also explains the role of a nutritionist and the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist. She highlights the services offered by her business, Nutrition Mechanic, which focuses on one-on-one support for athletes in preparing for events and optimizing their daily nutrition. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the potential future innovations in nutrition for ultra-endurance athletes.

Takeaways

• Fueling and hydration are crucial for ultra-endurance athletes in 200-mile races due to the longer duration and varying terrain.
• Individualized nutrition plans should consider an athlete's experience level, sweat rates, and weather conditions.
• Nausea and loss of appetite can be common challenges during races, and athletes should experiment with different food sources and flavors to combat flavor fatigue.
• Combining liquid and solid calorie sources can provide sustained energy, and high-carb mixes are a convenient option.
• Caffeine can be used strategically for energy boosts, but individual tolerance and sleep deprivation should be considered.
• Eating a meal-sized amount of food and consuming fluids and electrolytes before and after sleep breaks can help athletes feel more energized and prevent calorie deficits. Proper nutrition is crucial for ultra-endurance races, and athletes should focus on fueling properly before, during, and after the race.
• Hydration is key, and athletes should be mindful of electrolyte levels and avoid overdrinking plain water.
• A nutritionist can provide personalized guidance and support for athletes, helping them optimize their nutrition for training and race day.
• Sweat tests can be helpful in determining an athlete's hydration needs, but it is recommended to seek out a testing center for more accurate results.
• Protein plays an important role in muscle recovery and should be consumed throughout the race, ideally every two to four hours.
• Innovation in nutrition for ultra-endurance athletes includes wearable devices that remind athletes to drink and ketone esters for cognitive support.
• Favorite foods during ultras can vary, but breakfast burritos are a popular choice.
• Collapsible hydrapack flasks and trekking poles are favorite gear items for ultras.
• Finding one's 'distance to empty' in terms of nutrition and performance is an ongoing process and may require experimentation and adjustments.