Cocodona 250 Solo – A 250 Miles Ultra Running Adventure Across Arizona

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Follow my 250 Miles Solo Ultra Running Adventure Across Arizona as I run Cocodona 250 – a challenging 250 miles ultra marathon across deserts and mountains. Let’s just say it was HOT!!! A difficult journey filled with challenges and new friendships.

In this 5 days journey across Arizona, I challenge myself and push both my physical and mental limits as I race one of the most challenging ultra marathon in the world: Cocodona 250 by Aravaipa Running. Adding to the challenge, I’m only 1 week out of racing Mt Fuji 100 miles Ultra Marathon, and I’m racing Cocodona 250 solo – meaning no crew or pacer.

Last year, I ran the Sedona 125, which are the last 125 miles of Cocodona 250 – a great first 100 milers and also a great way to experience the Cocodona 250 course.

This is my first 200+ miles ultra marathon, and once again, I feel totally out of place. I feel like a beginner – surrounded by experienced and accomplished runners that actually belong here.

I’ve trained for months, and I know what I can accomplish. But an adventure like that is filled with unknown, and pain. In this ultra running documentary, I give you a transparent and honest take on this. The highs, the lows, the challenges. I bring you along on trails as I cross 250 miles of deserts and mountains in Arizona.

I’ll also be comparing Garmin vs. Coros. More specifically, I’m testing the Coros Vertix 2S vs. Garmin Fenix 6X. My goal is to create useful head to head comparison, for example – can my coros last the full 5 days?! #TrainWithCOROS @COROSGlobal

Next race – Bryce Canyon 100 miles … 1 week after Cocodona. Then I’ll be racing Bighorn 100 miles June 14

ps: the Mountain Outpost interview is not yet in a seperate post. You have to go to live stream, with this timestamp. Of course, would be nice to have them repost it as a separate interview, so feel free to leave a comment on there.
https://www.youtube.com/live/4eG6l0hFRNk?t=14865s

As always – Thanks for watching and remember –

Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!

Simon

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Curious about running gear? Here is the list of what I used:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/ultramarathontrailrunningwithsimon

My gear list (and suggestions) and where to find them
– Sport Watch: Coros Vertix 2: https://amzn.to/3Kf3H1n
– Filming – Go Pro: https://amzn.to/3VGsv9t
– Filming – Insta 360 x3: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRI2MO
– Filming – Insta 360 x4: https://www.insta360.com/sal/x4?utm_term=INRI2MO
– Clothes – Running Vest – https://amzn.to/3J6ugVL
– Clothes – Sun Hat: https://amzn.to/3VFj5es
– Clothes – Running Shirt: https://amzn.to/3PEoIp9
– Clothes – Arm Sleeves: https://amzn.to/4cP53gu
– Clothes – Liner Socks: https://amzn.to/4aD56tY
– Clothes – Smart Wool Socks: https://amzn.to/3TDCJEP
– Poles – Black Diamond Alu: https://amzn.to/49yIcD7
– Light – Headlamp:https://amzn.to/3TDRgAv
– Light – Safety Light: https://amzn.to/4ag2xhk
– Sport Watch: Garmin Fenix 6X: https://amzn.to/3VHTl16
– Sport Watch: Garmin Fenix 7: https://amzn.to/3Txuxpy

These are affiliate links – meaning it’s the normal price but the seller gives back a small % to the channel. You pay the same price and ordering from these links is an easy way to support this channel.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/runningwithsimon/

Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/48129187

Music:
• By Infraction : Apollo, Feel the Time, Manga Xi, Future Me, Trip, Searching, Good Vibe, Dreamy
• By Mokka Music: Energy Wave, Willow, Retrograde, One Soul, Lovely, Sunny Walk, Ambient Aria, Energy Wave, Need you the most
• Zelda – Ocarina of Time: Gerudo Valley, Hyrule Town, Hyrule Field
• Megaman X: Ending, Password
• Super Metroid: Norfair (Ridley’s Lair)

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22 thoughts on “Cocodona 250 Solo – A 250 Miles Ultra Running Adventure Across Arizona”

  4. Thank you, Simon, for capturing the highs and lows of the ultra experience…as you always do! I love how you always acknowledge Nora's support and how much you miss her. 💕

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  6. Yay I can’t wait to watch this! Did my first 50k today and smoked my time goal – it was hard and painful! The first guy I met before the start asked me if I ever watched Simon Guerard and I said Hell Yes!!! You inspired me to accomplish something I never thought possible!

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  8. First. Nice butt. Second. I can't understand where you find the strength to continue. Amazing! Very nice video as well! I love seeing the different types of trails in the races you run.

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  11. Congratulations! Zion, Fuji, Cocodona, and then Bryce! Excellent film – really showcases the beauty and the adversity – so inspiring to keep trying something harder! Thank you for your hard work and sharing the journey!

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  14. We crossed paths several times, Simon. I said hi to you at the Sedona aid sleep station and thanked you for your content, which inspired me to try ultra races. You weren't exactly happy, and you didn't agree with my kudos to you. ..now I understand why you were kinda of not so pleasant. But when I passed you another time on the trails, you said, good job…I know you were hurting, just by the sound of your voice and i wanted to give you space and show you respect as you worked through a low point. But I have to say, we were in they Kelly Canyon aid station together later in the race, and you seemed more awake,talking with the joker, fella. We then passed each other a few times. The last time was when you passed me and another fellow at the 1 hour and 5 minutes mark in your video. I was sooooo happy to see things shift for you as you passed us with a burst of energy. You mentioned how important it was to get done so you could support Nora. I was thrilled for you as the 250 was no joke. I plan on doing the full course in 2026. Congratulations on an adventure that pushed you and taught you special lessons. I am grateful again to spend some miles here and there with you.💪

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  16. Awesome job Simon ! You saw me, but somehow I missed you somewhere around Kelly canyon , where you got me on video 😀. My wife texted me to tell me that I passed you, but I was at autopilot at that time 🙄. Nice work on doing Fuji and Coco in such a short time !

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