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“This isn’t my last word with Cocodona. I’m turning this into unfinished business.”
In this episode, Troy Meadows talks with Lindsey Dwyer—a full-time middle school PE teacher and elite ultra-runner who’s quietly been stacking some seriously impressive performances on the trails.
Lindsey recently finished second at the 2025 Cocodona 250, clocking a time of 79 hours and 35 minutes while battling through a respiratory issue that made breathing, let alone running, feel nearly impossible.
Troy and Lindsey dive into how she managed to keep pushing through the low moments of that race, how she juggles 100-mile training weeks with her responsibilities in the classroom, and why she’s heading back to UTMB with a big goal and even bigger fire.
They talk about the importance of community, mental grit, and showing up fully in both running and life—even when things aren’t going your way. From major podiums like Brazos Bend and Miwok to the day-in, day-out grind of teaching and training, Lindsey brings a grounded, inspiring energy to everything she does.
Whether you’re chasing your first ultra or eyeing 200+ milers, this conversation reminds us what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
Motivational Takeaways
Embracing adversity: Lindsey talks about pushing through pain and illness during Cocodona, finding grit when moments get dark.
Smart training: balancing high mileage with recovery, especially juggling teaching responsibilities.
Big‑picture mindset: viewing setback as setup — she’s targeting UTMB this year and looking to return to Cocodona stronger than ever.
Relevant Links
Partner Links:
A big shoutout to our sponsor, Janji! Their running apparel is designed for everyday exploration, and 2% of sales support clean water initiatives worldwide. Plus, with a five-year guarantee, you know it's gear you can trust.
Check them out at janji.com.
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Hyerlyte Liquid Performance - https://www.hyperlyteliquidperformance.com
Made by the ultra-endurance athlete, for the ultra-endurance athlete.
H001 is a new hydration mix that has the carbs and sodium your body needs for high-output adventures in a single serving.
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Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your individual order and 10% off your first subscription order.
Bear Butt Wipes - Bearbuttwipes.com
Portable individually wrapped wipes for when nature calls and a DNF is not an option.
Bear Butt Wipes: Stay wild. Stay clean.
Check them out at Bearbuttwipes.com
Use the code MIDPACKER for 10% off your order.
Run Trail Life - https://runtraillife.com/
Find Official MPP Merch on RTL!!
Use code: midpackerpod to double the donation from your purchase.
Visit RunTrailLife.com to check out our line of Hats and Organic cotton T's.
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Keywords:ultrarunning, trailrunning, Cocodona250, UTMBIndex, respiratorychallenge, teacherathlete, grit, trainingbalance, ultra‑podcast, SanFranciscoRunningCompany