Hey friends! Welcome to I’ll Have Another — I’m so glad you’re here.
Today I’m talking with Rachel Entrekin, the 2025 Cocodona 250 champion AND course record holder! She ran 63 hours, 58 minutes, and 15 seconds this year to not only win but also break 70 hours for the first time in the race’s history. She’s now a two-time winner, and the first person to win Cocodona back-to-back.
In this conversation, we get into Rachel’s story — her love for the trails, her life in Colorado, her work as a physical therapist, and how she’s built the strength (mentally and physically!) to take on 250+ mile races. I was blown away by her passion and the way she approaches this sport with such joy and reverence. She’s been called the Queen of Cocodona — and honestly, that title fits perfectly.
Another amazing stat? She finished fourth overall this year — up from 11th overall in 2024 — taking 10 hours off her time from last year. Just incredible.
This episode is a reminder of how cool running is. From 100-meter sprinters to ultrarunners covering hundreds of miles, there’s room for everyone in this sport. If you love the ultra scene, definitely check out The Trail Network Podcast, hosted by some of the most inspiring women in the sport: Rachel Drake, Hillary Yang, Leah Yingling, and Katie Asmuth. Their latest episode is packed with advice for new trail runners — go give it a listen.
What we talked about:
04:00: Trail Work & Giving Back to the Trails
10:10: Meeting Kevin at Western States & Moving to Colorado
18:50: Leaving Los Angeles & Prioritizing Trail Access
22:30: Mindset in 200+ Mile Races
26:00: Redemption at Cocodona 2025
30:30: Winning Without Chasing the Win
36:00: Sleep Strategy in a 250-Mile Race
42:10: “Barely Manageable” Pacing Philosophy
49:00: Balancing Physical Therapy with Training
58:30: Healing from an Eating Disorder & Fueling for Strength
Show notes:
Book recommendations:
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A Man Called Ove
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Something Missing
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The Humans
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The Midnight Library
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Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend
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Beartown
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Anxious People
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