Brisbane-based ultrarunner Toby Steele has just completed one of the world’s most grueling endurance events — the Cocodona 250, a mind-blowing 402km race across Arizona’s rugged landscapes.
Toby’s fascination with Cocodona started years ago. He says, "I’ve been watching Cocodona every year since its inception. Every year I find myself either glued to my computer or TV watching the livestream as the runners made their way from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff in Northern Arizona.
"It wasn’t until the 2024 edition was nearly over that I told myself, I’d be there next year."
Even before securing a spot, Toby was deep into training. "I focused on distance-based training setting accumulative goal distances for each week. I was training for most of 2024 in anticipation of racing even though I hadn’t received my spot.
"Once it happened, I started an 18-week training block, broken into four smaller blocks which included two de-load weeks, because I didn’t want to overwhelm my body and risk possible injury.
"My weekend runs would consist of two long trail runs which focused on time on feet and training on terrain like what I would face in Cocodona. I included two-to-four strength sessions a week to build muscle and prevent any injuries from occurring."
After eight months on the waitlist, that dream became reality.
CurraNZ: A Key Part of the Plan
Toby discovered CurraNZ alongside his partner Katie at the Tarawera Ultra Expo in New Zealand. “When Katie partnered with CurraNZ, I started using the purple pills for recovery and performance,” he says.
Leading into and during Cocodona, CurraNZ became a crucial part of his daily routine.
“I usually take one capsule before every training session — whether it’s strength or a long run. Post-race, I’ve increased to two capsules to support recovery.”
He credits CurraNZ with helping him manage the toll of Cocodona: “I really felt like I could handle everything - the distance, the weather, the mental strain. I was focused and strong throughout.”
Battling the Elements (and Sleep Deprivation)
Cocodona 2025 threw everything at its runners: heat, rain, snow, hail, and even below-freezing temperatures.
But for Toby, the biggest challenge wasn’t the weather - it was sleep.
“I didn’t sleep for the first 58 hours,” he admits. “By day three, I managed 45 minutes. All up, I got maybe 2.5 hours the entire race.”
Despite the exhaustion, Toby had a breakthrough: solid food. "Cocodona was also the first race where I have successfully eaten solid food without issues - much to my surprise. Maybe it was the CurraNZ helping. If I was to train differently, I would implement additional speed sessions into my training block."
Lessons Learned
Looking back, Toby says there’s one thing he’d tweak in his training: speed sessions.
“During the race, I struggled to turn my legs over quickly because of fatigue. I think a weekly speed session before long runs would have made a difference.” During the race I was using CurraNZ to aid recovery and improve performance. I really felt that the whole time I was focused on the job at hand and that I was able to handle all conditions because of the very special purple pills I was using throughout my nutrition plan.
Looking Ahead
Finishing Cocodona 250 isn’t just a personal milestone - it’s a launching pad for Toby. He says: “Finishing Cocodona is without is without a doubt the greatest achievement of my life. It has given me the confidence to push even further in the ultrarunning space and I cannot wait for what is next."
Toby’s Fuel for the Finish Line:
CurraNZ was by his side from the first training session to the final step in Flagstaff. Whether it’s performance, recovery, or just pushing beyond the imaginable — Toby’s journey shows what’s possible when preparation meets the right support.