Ultra Running VLOG - Cocodona 250 Q&A and Bryce Canyon Ultra Marathon

Curious about how to train and run an ultra marathon? Welcome to my ultra running training VLOG - Episode 5. This series follow me - Simon - as I race 100 miles ultra marathon every month. These two weeks were a bit intense - after racing Cocodona 250, I raced Bryce Canyon Ultra Marathon (100 miles). Also, I go through a Cocodona 250 Q&A.
Original post-race interview from Mountain Outpost :
• Simon Guerard on his C...
This was a bit of a 'surprise' race. I've been thinking about completing the Triple Crown or Trifecta of Vacation Race 100 milers for a while - namely Antelope Canyon 100 miles, Zion 100 miles and Bryce Canyon 100 miles. And I've already raced both this year. AND Bryce is only every other year. But, it was 1 week after running 250 miles / Cocodona 250. So, I didn't sign up, and waited to see how my body would recover after such grueling race. Turns out, for once, work was reasonable. About 40 hrs finally - so I was able to sleep, eat, rest. Which did absolute wonders to my body
I signed up for Bryce Canyon 100 miles merely 12 hours before the race - 6:30pm Friday evening! It's a challenging course at altitude - ranging in the 7000-9000 feet, and with about 15k ft of gain. 36 hours, and I intended for once to take all the time I needed and not rush it. It wasn't about speed - it was about resilience!
Beyond this, the last 2 weeks were mostly recovery. Recovery from Cocodona. And recovery from Bryce. Actually, it's a bit crazy - over 21 days, I raced 3x ultra for a total of 450 miles, 80k ft, and 155 hours! But training is going back full speed from now on, as I'm heading up to Bighorn 100 miles and a bunch of crazy mountain races over the summer.
As always - Thanks for watching and remember -
Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!
Simon
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[@runningwithsimon]

Here's the Mountain Outpost interview if you haven't seen it. Make sure to like and comments if you appreciate Mountain Outpost taking time to interview the little guys like me! kzbin.info/www/bejne/havJmIJ8bNOmbaM

[@Doorgunner50]

Simon, you have no idea how much these videos inspire runners looking to try their first ultra. I've run four 50k - 50m and finally signed up for a 100m. All of your content is very helpful.

[@runningwithsimon]

Amazing! Good luck with the 100 miler - when/which is it?! ...also, please don't blame me at my 60 miles :P

[@Doorgunner50]

@@runningwithsimon Ha, I will only blame myself. Crooked creek 100miler in Kentucky December 8th. Currently dealing with a fractured 3rd metatarsal so I've got a long way to go preparing.

[@runningwithsimon]

@@Doorgunner50 Ouch - hope you get better soon!

[@harvestersrest9107]

Simon, I have never and may never run an ultra. But I love the trails and find your movies so inspiring and helpful. It's so great to just see an (extra)ordinary person out there, being real about the ups and downs of running, and doing it in such amazingly spectacular locations.

[@runningwithsimon]

My first love remains trail ... not running. Some day, I'll slow down and get back to day hiking and backpacking mostly! Just being out there is what matters :)

[@ArcaneSpells]

These videos are absolutely inspiring and motivating. I’d like to get up to ultra distances and you do really show that it’s possible! Keep up the good work; hope you get a well deserved sponsorship!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - and thanks for the support and following along. Hope I was able to answer your questions :)

[@jg5555]

Simon you're a beast!! And I don't think I've ever watched a video of yours that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for the great content and keep up the good work!!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! Much appreciated. "Funny" thing is I watched some of my oldies recently, and it was interesting to both be annoyed at some of the details I've improved (e.g., balancing sound) but also thinking "oh yeah, even 2 years later, I still find this funny!"

[@Gator35]

Great vlog format! It's very nice to get an insight into how you are taking care of the body, mind and spirit around other commitments in between these epic races. Personally going back to answer questions from the live feed is very thoughtful, and shows what makes athletes like you so special to our community. Your "race only" videos are still super fun, so keep those coming, but this is a fantastic new format, and another great improvement to your content!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - much appreciated. The vlog is a good "exercise" for me. I need to accept its less "entertaining" than the race, and less targeted than the tips videos. It’s like an uncomfortable in between - the unscripted and imperfect nature of a race (my training ain’t perfect but I’m not gonna lie - what I did is what I did) meets the not visually appealing of a tip video! At least Superman is moving around! Glad it’s still somewhat helpful or appreciated!

[@JesusWasHeree]

Inspirational stuff pal, got my first 100 attempt next weekend. Your videos have helped me immensely in prep, not just with entertainment but with motivation and advice too. I know you're not the biggest youtuber but I'm sure one day you'll get the views you deserve. Outstanding

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! Good luck out there - let me know how it goes!

[@thomasostroski7113]

Still training for my first ultra in July injury free so far thanks to your advice and videos! Thanks for all you do to spread the helpful info! Keep it up!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - injury free is the way!

[@PatrickMartin-lw7tu]

Great video series. Thanks for taking the time answering my question(s) and all the insight.

[@runningwithsimon]

Sure thing - if you took time to ask, it's only fair that I take time to answer!

[@brennadavis8238]

Seriously amazing job! You have been such a motivation. Completed my 25k last week and was thinking of your recap of Cocodona while I was in pain. It definitely kept me going 🙂

[@runningwithsimon]

Congrats on your race!

[@johnsrous1616]

That is excellent, Simon. I'm happy for you getting in all these 100milers and, now, a 250miler!??? I'm trying to figure that distance out in my mind and haven't been able to fathom that distance.

[@runningwithsimon]

Yeah, 250 miles is kinda crazy. Even if you've done it, it's hard to grasp. And the key for me was definitely to try and NOT think about it. Just go to next aid station. 10-15 miles sound manageable, let's not think further than that. I think that's also why some people probably end up dropping at Crown King / 37 miles. It's been rough (37 miles is always rough, but that segment in particular is bad) - and now if you think that you STILL have more than 200. Ouch.

[@jenskristensen6460]

Hi Simon. Thanks for the awesome content. Used your videos in prep for my first ultra (10 hours run) last saturday. Keep up the good work!

[@runningwithsimon]

Awesome, and congrats! :)

[@jktc1222]

Awesome job Simon. Thanks for documenting your races and the great info in the vlogs

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks - I'm glad people appreciate the vlog. I wasn't so sure about it, and understand that most people won't care as much. But if some people do or find it useful, great!

[@ArcaneSpells]

“I’ll have another 100M, as a little treat”

[@runningwithsimon]

I mean, yeah?... What would be an alternative treat?

[@tysonreid5863]

Just 🤯

[@runningwithsimon]

I'll be honest, 1 month ago, I wouldn't think I could pull that off. Bryce was very much a game time decision like "huh, I kind of feel OK...i bet I could!"

[@zee44925]

Simon thank you so much for your content. You have helped me more than any other source I have used to train/motivate/understand ultra running. Sorry in advance for the long story. My first ultra distance was last August doing a 42 mile race on the West Highland Way in Scotland. It was such a beautiful life changing type of run ive got the trail running bug now and watching your content has really helped prepare me for future races. I came away from that first mountain ultra with massive blisters on my pinky toes. The sizing of the shoes was right (I was wearing the speedgoat...5 I think). Since then to avoid blisters I swapped to a larger toe box shoe (topo mountain racer currently) and I have been using quality toe socks. So far no pinky toe blisters but my only races have been a mountain trail marathon and Badwater Capefear (52 mile). I know I am clearly a novice in the ultra world. Doing Grindstone 100k in September then hopefully my first 100 mile end of the year or beginning of next. Any suggestions for picking my first 100 miler? I value beauty of the course over anything else but I dont have the confidence for something like Ouray. Have you tried a wider toe box or toe socks to help with blisters? Thanks for all you do and keep pumping out this great content!

[@runningwithsimon]

So glad to hear all of that! Regarding how to pick a 100 miler - I'm confused - are you based in UK or US? Either way -would not recommend Ouray as a first. It's very challenging and very experienced runner struggle. I'd pick a race that has the type of scenery I'm looking for (e.g., Zion is very different than Ouray, but is very scenic too). Then I'd try to be honest with myself - what are my strength, and my weaknesses. E.g., if you are good at dealing with altitude, a colorado race may be good. Maybe you struggle with heat, then avoid those desert race. Etc. There are also race that are known to have tight cutoff, I'd avoid those. It's nice to have the buffer on your first 100, because you really don't know how it's going to go. Not having to stress too much if you need to slow down makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Blisters - the hoka speedgoat are notoriously too narrow. That's clearly something I don't like about them. It's really the main thing I don't like about them (that and they get shredded very quickly which for the price is an issue for me). BUT they really help my Achilles. Soooo, it's a tough one. But for example at Bryce, I deliberately picked shoes with good toe protection and wide toebox (joe nimble's trail addict pro-R). I rarely have blisters issues so I'm not too worried for the future.

[@zee44925]

@@runningwithsimon I live in Western North Carolina but I love hopping on a plane for the right adventure...like what you did for the mount Fuji race. I did the Scotland race during a family trip to the area. I really wanted to spend some time on the west highland way but my family consists of four young kids and a wife who didnt like the idea of fighting midges on her vacation. So there was a race and I figured...why not. I had never even done a marathon at that point but it was fantastic anyways. Living basically at sea level I suppose I will rule out high elevation races until I am less of a novice. Thanks again and I hope ill bump into you at a race eventually and get to thank you in person.

[@Adam25B]

The videos are great Simon, I’ve been following you for just over a year now since I saw your comment on a Ben Parkes video!

[@runningwithsimon]

Wow thanks :) He makes really good stuff!

[@robertclarkson6064]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@runningwithsimon]

My pleasure :) Glad the vlog is helpful

[@nataliamartinkova]

What running an ultra did to me was make me invincible over a halfmarathon distance. Training through a HM race? Sure. Running home from work on a Friday night, taking the HM scenic route? Bring it on. What I feel has happened is that my recovery is faster. And given your impressive stack of multiday races this spring, you must be the recovery master now. On the affiliate links - can Nora add her gear for the other half of your fans?

[@runningwithsimon]

Great suggestion about Nora's gear. We of course use a lot of the same like the salomon vest, headlamp, poles, even watch. But I'll see clothing-wise (beyond lululemon...) It's true that distances feel very different! For me I see it very clearly when planning a day hike/run! What used to be a backpacking trip is now a big outing but manageable. It really opens possibility when we are visiting a new area - we can do almost every trails.

[@lindawilliams6220]

Thanks!

[@runningwithsimon]

As always, thanks Linda for the support!!

[@ChooseAdventureCaliforniaStyle]

Thumbs up! Hopefully, you will get sponsorship soon. You deserve it 🤙

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! It'd be sweet for sure. But also, I'm not in a rush. I'd rather end up working with a company that I use and love the product - so if that takes longer, that's fine.

[@redkeyspoke]

You've been crushing it! All the Cocodona content including this video have been great.

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) it was a fun adventure and nice to bring you along wth the IG story and all! Sad it's all over :(

[@IJEDouglas]

So inspiring, thank you!

[@emmarunyeard6832]

Your videos are so inspiring, the tips and knowledge I take with me into those moments when my mind says nooooo, it's too far... I draw on you and seeing the push through 🎉

[@runningwithsimon]

Glad they are helpful! You conquer your mind, and then (almost) anything is possible!

[@robertclarkson6064]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@AckerQ.]

You’re crazy!!1! 😂 I want to get into trail running, and I am thankful for your insights. Running a 50k in the Alps would be interesting to do next year. Would love to see some short interviews/ self presentations from other somewhat beginner runners on your channel, as they would be somewhat more relatable at my current beginner level. All the best, Simon!

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks! I try to make my video applicable regardless of level. I know it can be intimidating, but most of the tips are applicable regardless of what I do. But you're right, and I'm actually planning to do some 'back to basics' ones. And you're correct, most of those topics I have in mind would be much shorter - the little things no ones tell you and at some point you're like "ooooh, wow that's good to know"

[@danieljohnsson1862]

I wonder when people will understand Simon has an identical twin. There is no way one human can finish this series of races in this time span 😂

[@runningwithsimon]

I have an evil twin with a mustache - just like everyone else!

[@CC-iq4ju]

So inspired following along as you nail 100 miler after 100 miler with a 250 miler thrown in for funsies! Your tenacity is really helping to keep me motivated as I train, though on a much smaller scale. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get a sponsor (or two!) soon!

[@runningwithsimon]

There's no smaller scale! You push your limits, that's the real scale :)

[@CC-iq4ju]

@@runningwithsimon Thank you, Simon! And I just learned you live in Carlsbad...I live in San Diego! Hope to see you around on the trails!

[@runningwithsimon]

@@CC-iq4ju Oh cool! Small world!

[@hibiru6868]

Have you had blood work done recently? I think it’d be interesting to see if blood markers could show the impact of your recent race schedule. Bryce Canyons looks like such an awesome place to run. I’m looking forward to doing a West Coast tour of places like that.

[@runningwithsimon]

No I haven't had any blood work. If any research is curious, wouldn't mind giving some. But otherwise since I have no symptoms, there's really not much to do other than to assume I'm fine

[@Heinrichdouglas1]

A fellow Canadian……can I subscribe twice?

[@runningwithsimon]

haha hello fellow canadian!

[@fannyb7438]

Very inspiring!! Thanks for doing this :-) How can we support your KZbin channel financially? Do you have a Patreon account?

[@runningwithsimon]

Thanks :) No patreon but there's donate feature on youtube, which is always very kind. But otherwise, just watch my stuff, share with others, and enjoy trails! That's what I care most about

[@runningwithsimon]

Oh, est-ce que c'est fanny? LA fanny?

[@fannyb7438]

@@runningwithsimon lol oui

[@ingridsarris4020]

Your elbow swelling looks like it was caused by one of the cactus species you might have brushed by accident. They can be vicious without you feeling it. Especially when you are sleep deprived.

[@JoelNads72]

donc 1 semaine après un 250 tu as fait un 100..... c'est officiel tu es fou 🤣

[@runningwithsimon]

Ah oui - mais comme j'avais aussi fait un 100 miles 1 semaine avant, ca s''annule!

[@JoelNads72]

@@runningwithsimon oh c'est vrai ! J'ai oublié de calculer l'autre 100....