In this episode of Run Long After 60, I speak with Kevin Fleeger — a 2x Cocodona 250 finisher and one of the most deliberate athletes I’ve met — about what it means to get smarter with age.

Kevin didn’t begin ultrarunning until 59. In May 2025, fourteen runners started Cocodona 250 in the 60–69 age group. Only three finished. Kevin was the first finisher in that division.

But this conversation isn’t about drama. It’s about judgment.

Kevin shares what he learned from stepping off the mountain at Moab 240 by choice. From a mile 192 DNF at Southern States 200. From managing sleep, nutrition, and multi-day effort without ego.

He builds systems. He laminates spreadsheets. He eliminates idle time at aid stations. And at 66, he has eleven races on the calendar for 2026 — including Arizona Monster 300.

We talk about:

• Discovering trail running at 59
• Building toward 200- and 250-mile races
• DNFs as information, not failure
• Sleep strategy and race efficiency
• Planning 1100 race miles in a single year
• Why experience can be an advantage after 60

Kevin isn’t reckless.
He isn’t loud.
He is calculating.

If you’ve followed last year’s Cocodona 60–69 division, you’ll recognize the two other finishers who’ve joined this podcast: Stephanie Irving (Episode 1) and Paul James Johnson (Episode 14). It’s an honor to have all three represented here.

Whether you’re chasing your first ultra or simply trying to stay adaptable with age, this conversation is about staying in the game — intelligently.

Run Long After 60 is produced as a video-first podcast.

If you’re listening on audio, this episode includes visual elements that deepen the storytelling. You can watch the full video version on YouTube at Run Long After 60.

🎧 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, or Amazon to follow the journey.

📍 Hosted by Mark Vega