EPISODE · May 19, 2025 · 49 MIN
Board Games and Blisters: Kevin Russ on Cocodona and Creativity
from Free Outside · host Jeff Garmire
I sit down with Kevin Russ—board game designer, iPhone photography legend, thru hiker, and freshly minted Cocodona 250 finisher. We dive into Kevin’s wild journey from shooting landscapes with just his phone to creating successful board games, and now, tackling 200+ mile races. He opens up about the physical and mental toll of Cocodona, the moments that tested him most, and the role his crew played in getting him to the finish. We also explore how creativity overlaps with endurance and what’s next for Kevin in both ultra running and game design.Check out Kevin on the internet: Website: https://www.kevinruss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinruss/Check out his board Game: https://amzn.to/3ZpJ0HTSupport our sponsors:Janji.comGaragegrowngear.comCsinstant.coffee00:00 The Rise of an iPhone Photographer04:03 From Photography to Through Hiking06:26 Transitioning to Ultra Running09:19 Preparing for Cocodona 25012:05 Training Challenges and the Chipotle Challenge14:45 Cocodona 250: The Race Begins17:26 Weather Challenges and Mindset Shifts20:23 The Role of Crew and Support22:53 Capturing the Journey on Camera24:14 Navigating Sleep Deprivation26:57 Injuries and Mental Resilience29:18 The Role of Pacers and Crew Support30:27 Facing Challenges in the Final Stretch35:18 Reflections on the Race Experience37:14 Future Plans and Training Insights39:46 Hallucinations and the Nature of Endurance41:09 Underrated Natural Beauty in the U.S.43:04 The Journey into Board Game Design45:48 Launching a Board Game48:28 The Board Game Convention ExperienceSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
What this episode covers
I sit down with Kevin Russ—board game designer, iPhone photography legend, thru hiker, and freshly minted Cocodona 250 finisher. We dive into Kevin’s wild journey from shooting landscapes with just his phone to creating successful board games, and now, tackling 200+ mile races. He opens up about the physical and mental toll of Cocodona, the moments that tested him most, and the role his crew played in getting him to the finish. We also explore how creativity overlaps with endurance and what’s next for Kevin in both ultra running and game design.Check out Kevin on the internet: Website: https://www.kevinruss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinruss/Check out his board Game: https://amzn.to/3ZpJ0HTSupport our sponsors:Janji.comGaragegrowngear.comCsinstant.coffee00:00 The Rise of an iPhone Photographer04:03 From Photography to Through Hiking06:26 Transitioning to Ultra Running09:19 Preparing for Cocodona 25012:05 Training Challenges and the Chipotle Challenge14:45 Cocodona 250: The Race Begins17:26 Weather Challenges and Mindset Shifts20:23 The Role of Crew and Support22:53 Capturing the Journey on Camera24:14 Navigating Sleep Deprivation26:57 Injuries and Mental Resilience29:18 The Role of Pacers and Crew Support30:27 Facing Challenges in the Final Stretch35:18 Reflections on the Race Experience37:14 Future Plans and Training Insights39:46 Hallucinations and the Nature of Endurance41:09 Underrated Natural Beauty in the U.S.43:04 The Journey into Board Game Design45:48 Launching a Board Game48:28 The Board Game Convention ExperienceSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
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Board Games and Blisters: Kevin Russ on Cocodona and Creativity
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