experience, to challenge myself mentally and physically.” Ironically, that laid-back mindset helped him stay grounded, even as he briefly led the race and ultimately secured a podium finish.“ The calm helped me pace myself. It was never about ego but about staying in the moment.”
As a veteran of some of the world ' s most extreme races, Ryan still found Cocodona to be uniquely demanding. His humility and gratitude towards his support crew, fellow athletes, and fans highlight the mindset that’ s made him a global trail running legend.
Every ultra has its dark patches, but Cocodona’ s come at you in waves.“ You’ re out there in the dark, hallucinating, sore, mentally fried. It forces you to decide: do you cave, or do you carry on?” Ryan recalls. His approach: gratitude.“ I kept reminding myself this is why I came. Not for comfort, but to feel fully alive.”
humbling.” And it’ s a lesson not just for elite runners, but for everyday athletes facing their own mountains.“ It’ s not about finishing first. It’ s about finishing your own story.”
What’ s Next?
Though still recovering, Ryan hints that Cocodona might be the beginning of a new chapter.“ I’ ve fallen in love with these long, raw races,” he says.“ There’ s something special about pushing past the limits of what feels possible.”
harshest races on this planet, Cocodona 250 pushed every boundary. His success at Cocodona was backed by a strong support team, including Salomon HQ staff and teammates that included Ryno Griesel and Lucy Bartholomew, who provided crucial encouragement.“ Just having people like Ryno there made it all that much more special,” he said.
For someone who’ s been racing for nearly two decades, it’ s rare to hear Ryan describe a race as lifechanging. But Cocodona left a mark.“ I learned that even when you think you’ re done, there’ s more in the tank. More spirit. More fight. It’ s
TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH RYAN, CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW
Pushing Limits With Purpose
Ryan’ s calm reflection on his mental resilience stood out most in the interview. He stayed focused and grateful through sleep deprivation, harsh terrain, and physical fatigue.“ It was one of the hardest things I’ ve ever done, but also one of the most memorable,” he said.
“ I wasn’ t chasing a podium,” Ryan shares.“ I went into it just wanting the
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