The 2024 Cocodona 250 | My First 200 Miler

[@henk-jellereitsma903]

You created one of the best 2024 Cocodona 250 recaps online, thank you for that. It deserves many more views and likes, as you tell an nspiring story and the scenery you capture makes one want to go out and run. And all for a good cause, the Barth Syndrome Foundation - I learned something there.

[@alex_prizzi]

Hey, thanks so much for the kind words. If there's anything I'd like for people to take from this, it's that you can use your talents (whatever they are) to help others. The truth is that trying to manage a fundraiser along with training was a lot of work, but it was such a rewarding experience that gave me so much more than it asked from me.

[@andrewopenside3224]

Absolute legend! It boggles my mind that the most banal, inane content goes viral and amazing content like this doesn't receive the kudos it deserves. Amazing achievement, incredible production and videography. Thanks for taking this kiwi on the journey with you!

[@alex_prizzi]

Hey man, much appreciated. That's very flattering. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I honestly love the filming and editing. It's not where I want it to be yet, but I try to get a little better with each video. Stay tuned. I've got big stuff lined up.

[@pathalderman7051]

As a Cocodona super fan this is the best video of the race. Wonderfully done and congratulations on the completion of your journey! I am continually amazed at the courage and tenacity it takes to complete 250 miles!

[@alex_prizzi]

Thanks, that's very kind of you to say. It was definitely challenging in several ways I expected it to be and a few ways that took me by surprise. Overall, such a cool event, put on by a great race team.

[@Swooze]

Can't imagine the whirlwind of emotions crossing that finish line - knowing you accomplished it, knowing you beat those doubts, that family and loved ones were supporting you, and that you finished what you set out to do for your friend Wyatt. Dude, I couldn't be more envious of you for that moment. Amazing video, cheers for documenting this.

[@alex_prizzi]

Hey, thanks for the kind words. Completing this was definitely a big deal for me. Oddly enough, I got pretty emotional about it a couple times during the event but didn't get that wave of emotion at the finish. I guess that just means I need to go bigger next year. Lol

[@davidmcdevitt9771]

Amazing how you held it together the whole time, even kept your sense of humor! Fantastic video, Alex! Awesome job!

[@alex_prizzi]

That's one of the most important parts, and I think that would have been a lot tougher without Jeremy. Having someone I'm familiar with to keep me grounded was critical.

[@cameronmueller]

WOW! awesome video Alex, those drone shots are amazing. What a great cause to support along the way. Happy to meet you and build a friendship along the way. Jada is awesome, I ran a lot with her at Kelly canyon and Walnut canyon. I hope to see you again and congrats on this amazing race.

[@alex_prizzi]

Same brother. I really hope we cross paths again.

[@Shevock]

Amazing!!

[@scottbolen5246]

Way to go Alex! 250 miles all for a worthy cause and you got to see some of the very best of Arizona. Whats next?

[@alex_prizzi]

Thanks man! It was great to see you again. I've got plans to do a hike in NH called the Pemi Loop this fall. Nothing else for 2024, but 2025 is gonna be another big push for sure.

[@MatthewSmith-cm4eg]

Super cool man!!! Great seeing another Pennsylvanian out there doing hard shit in the desert! I'm signed up for a charity bib for Cocodona 2025 and just stumbled on this today.

[@alex_prizzi]

That's awesome! Feel free to hit me up if you want any details from my experience.

[@SeeChadRun]

I've watched a number of your videos now and thought I was subscribed, but now I'm for sure subscribed! Haha! Loved every minute of this video. Thank you for sharing your journey, struggle, and triumph with us all!!!

[@alex_prizzi]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it. Do you have any big events coming up?

[@SeeChadRun]

@@alex_prizzi I'm running the North Fork 50 this Saturday and the UTE 100 later in August.

[@alex_prizzi]

Man, just checked out both of those courses, and they each look incredible. North Fork looks like it should be pretty familiar terrain for you, and the Ute is in such an iconic spot. Everywhere around Castle Valley is absolutely gorgeous. For the number of times I've been to Moab, I can't believe I've never really been up into the LaSals. Jealousy. Lol

[@EfirdStrong]

Awesome. Jeremy has a way of roping people into crazy ideas!!!

[@Thatguy25-d5l]

Nobody is buying that he got roped into doing a 250 mile race… you notice I didn’t do it. Just saying….😂

[@breck66]

I loved this video, I’ve been eyeing this one for a while and haven’t pulled the trigger yet, this video shows me that as long as I keep moving it is possible, very inspiring, congratulations!

[@alex_prizzi]

Glad you got something out of it. For me, me pinch point always seems to be joint fatigue and muscle soreness on really long runs, so I just decided to focus on building up my base hiking speed. Saved a TON of wear and tear on my body. Physically, I actually felt pretty good all race. The sleep definitely caught up to me. If I had actually managed to get a good night's sleep the night before the race, it may have been a little easier.

[@kimberlysmith5367]

So inspiring!!!! Congratulations on your incredible achievement!!! What an awesome adventure 🎉

[@alex_prizzi]

Thanks for the support through the whole process. I very distinctly remember DNF'ing my RCTC double and feeling really bummed about it. Then you offered some really kind words that made me feel a lot better. Also, thanks for letting be borrow Jeremy for a while. I can't wait to hang out with both of you again!

[@InterestingFingz]

Total Respect to you my man. Greetings from N.Z

[@alex_prizzi]

Thanks man! Do they have any events like this down your way?

[@InterestingFingz]

@@alex_prizzi Ultras..yep heaps! Multi-day ultras like this...nah! Regrettably. Health and safety, conservation laws kill any enthusiasm to organise similar. Would love to have a crack at the 125. Only organising a team, logistics on the ground would sadly be beyond me.

[@alex_prizzi]

Well, if you ever feel the urge, this Facebook group is a good place to start, and you could probably use it to find people interested in crewing/pacing facebook.com/share/rYUVdHpfgjjaoRhH/?mibextid=A7sQZp

[@Judd97]

Great video and awesome accomplishment buddy! Looking forward to joining you on your future terrible ideas haha

[@alex_prizzi]

I started second guessing how horrible the idea was when you weren't there. That's usually a good indicator.

[@suem7920]

Mr Alex - just found this video yesterday and watched the whole thing immediately - congratulations! Great strategy to aim for 50 miles per day. I’m signed up for Sedona Canyons 125 for 2025 - did you ever switch shoes during your race? And how cold did the nights feel?

[@sauceomegaming]

Great video! I’m loving it. I’m about halfway through- this is my dream to do this event. Is it easy to lose the trail? I’m going to finish the vid now. Subbed!

[@alex_prizzi]

Hey! Thanks for the sub. I'm so glad you're enjoying the video. I really hope that this vid helps people see that you don't have to be an elite runner to complete an ambitious goal like this. In terms of navigation, the course was marked very well (mostly). I also had the course loaded onto both my phone and my GPS watch. There are several watches that provide "course deviation alerts". I would highly recommend it. You never know when you're going to take a wrong turn in the middle of the night, by yourself. It happened to me 5 or 6 times, but my watch yelled at me when I was only about a hundred feet off course. Feel free to ask any other questions. Happy to provide insight where I can.

[@sauceomegaming]

Thank you for responding 🙏. I’ve been thinking that when I go for this, my strategy would be just like yours. I would cover at least 50 miles per day- it was great to see you do it. Congratulations! I’m going to watch it again. Keep up the great work!

[@runningwithsimon]

Congrats - tough race! Did you get hit by the smoke - doesn't seem like it but curious!

[@alex_prizzi]

Only briefly. I was pretty socked in for a bit the night I came into Tuthill. Then we were in it for a bit, as we were approaching Elden. Luckily the wind shifted and Elden completely cleared out before we started our climb.

[@guzsteve]

Nice video!!! What kind of pack is that on your waist?

[@alex_prizzi]

Thanks! I'm generally a big proponent of "nothing new on race day", but I figured I'd want access to more stuff without needing to take my pack off. The orange fanny pack is an REI brand pack I picked up last minute, and it was great.

[@guzsteve]

@@alex_prizzi Just bought one and tried it on. Comfy!! Hoping to do one of these soon

[@alex_prizzi]

@@guzsteve glad it works for you. I think it's great for hiking. I've got a smaller, more form fitting belt for running. Any particular event you have in mind?

[@guzsteve]

@@alex_prizzi would love to do this one in '26 or Moab in '25. just had knee surgery so I have to get my endurance back.

[@alex_prizzi]

@@guzsteve awesome, if you're thinking Cocodona, sign up immediately next year. It sold out in about 2 weeks for 2025. If you end up doing Moab in '25, I'll see you there. 🤙

[@wplate]

Awesome video Alex! Congrats on your finish. I loved seeing you in Cameron Mueller's video. 33:40 in this equals kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXyWaHWIhMeFoLssi=ZlKdFJ5v03ORd6gD&t=2399 in his.

[@alex_prizzi]

Lol. I watched his before I made mine, and left that in there intentionally. I was wondering if anyone would notice.

[@alex_prizzi]

You also make a couple very brief appearances in my vid. I would have recorded more, but I ran into you on the way up Lane. I wasn't sure if you'd appreciate being recorded then. Lol

[@wplate]

@@alex_prizzi Oh man I was suffering that first day. Next time know that I don't mind being outed as a struggler.

[@alex_prizzi]

Also, thanks for being a huge inspiration for folks like me to get out there and actually try something like this. I've been watching your channel for years.

[@wplate]

@@alex_prizzi 🙌🏼