EVERY STEP FORWARD | Cocodona 250 Ultrarunning Documentary 

Hi Sally, You are such an inspiration to me. I'm 75 years old and training for a half marathon. I was down and out after my wife passed from cancer in 2023 I took six months off and could not get myself to run again. Until I started watching you. You are my hero. Thank you, Sally, for turning my life around. Tom

“Who are you when everything falls apart… ? Who are you in this pain…?” -GOOSEBUMPS

Hang on, she's nearly killing herself out there and she gets a burger and the first thing she does is ask if he wants some? Through all that physical and mental pain and she's thinking of others? Huge respect!

And then got her period!?!? GAW! This woman is a machine of positive self will. She just continues to reset and begin again. Then she sets the next “small goal” of running through the entire night lol I adore this woman ❤

If Sally McRae can realize she fucked up at Mile 11 and still continue to finish and come 4th in a 250 Mile Race, then it helps me believe I can do a lot more than I think also. Thanks Sally.

Hi Sally, it was an honor to toe the line with you during the race! I did the 2022 version and DNF at Deer Path due to a compartment syndrome condition and took my revenge on the 2023 Cocodona. Finished at 115 hours. I pretty much walk the whole thing just want to finish it. And I saw you at the starting line and probably that is the only time I saw you lol. This movie is awesome! Definitely brought back lots of memories from the race. Can’t believe that you run the whole thing with your foot condition like that! Very inspiring and hope to see you in some races in the future!

2 miles is an ultra for me. It amazes me that people watching your pain, suffering, exhaustion, and grit actually want to do that race, too. It takes 4 hours to drive 250 miles on the freeway. I couldn't stop watching this.

Hi Sally, you are such an inspiration to me and have helped me so much, thank you! I tried couch to 5k 18mths ago in a last ditch effort to lose weight and boost my mental health (I've struggled for years after the death of my partner.) To my surprise I loved it, and continued to run a bit after finishing the course, but I never saw myself as a "runner" due to low self esteem and still being a bit overweight, so I didn't really pursue it. However, I then stumbled across ultrarunning documentaries, especially ones featuring yourself, and it ignited something in me! I started running more, working on my form, doing a bit of strength and flexibility training, trying to run most days and to go further afield - and I LOVED it. I felt so at peace out on the trails, and it had such an amazing effect on my mental wellbeing and self esteem. I started hiking and camping too, going off on little solo adventures, and finally gained the confidence and motivation to seek help for adult ADHD, which I was told was really severe. Getting help with that turned out to be the key to me getting my life back on track after all these years, and it would never have happened without running. Throughout all this I discovered a burning passion for trail and distance running, especially fell running (hill/mountain running in the UK.) It makes me feel alive, and joyful, and exhilarated - things I hadn't felt in a decade. It also really helps me to process my emotions and to spend time with my thoughts, as well as calming my hyperactive ADHD brain. The challenge keeps me focused and excited, and I've realised I am SO much stronger and more capable than I thought. Basically - it's magic. One huge thing is how it has enabled me to finally begin to process my grief over the loss of my partner, which had felt too big and too painful to deal with at the time, so I had locked it away all these years.. I also had to come to terms with the way I reacted to his death at the time (I withdrew from life, my mental health fell apart, I had to leave my career as a junior doctor, I lost contact with my friends, fell into drug addiction, and lost my ability to live independently. I hated myself for a really long time, even after getting clean.) There is something so special about long distance running and the way it allows you to work through these things, and you were the one who introduced me to this. I also really value the message you give about strength, and what true strength is, and what a gift it is to be here, able to feel emotions, even if those emotions are painful or difficult. What a gift it is to be able to choose to take on challenges knowing we will suffer during them, and to embrace that with all our heart. You're saving lives. You saved mine. Thank you so, so much 💖💖💖

Anyone else cry ~33 minutes in 🥺 sally is such a beast, not just physically but mentally 💛

"It's really easy for me, if I'm not moving at the pace I want to move, to not even appreciate the fact that I'm moving forward..." This resonates with me so hard. I'm trying to rebuild things after a decade of withdrawing from life due to bereavement & mental health issues, and I'm just SO eager to be back on my feet as fast as possible, but it's really tough at times. A lot of difficult emotions come to the surface, or unexpected set-backs hinder my progress, and I get so frustrated and angry with myself for not being where I feel like I should be. In these moments I stop recognising that I am still moving forward and making progress. I forget how far I've come, and how lucky I am to have this second chance at life. I don't look at myself and my situation with gratitude and compassion. All I can see is the obstacle, and my "failure" to progress past it fast enough. But in reality, every obstacle is a chance to learn, and grow, and emerge the other side even stronger. And after a decade of just existing rather than living life, any forward movement, however tiny, is a gift. And set-backs are just part of the process of moving forwards. And I am so grateful to have this chance. Being able to find gratitude and perspective in those moments can be so powerful and transformative.

Just cried my eyes out. That was so beautiful. Sally, you’re the reason I’m signed up for my first ultra.

Major props to Sally’s team! Encouraging, unwavering. Eddy validating her pain AND pushing her forward with kindness! So great! Way to go Sally! Thank you for sharing this experience with all of us!!!

I’m from Phoenix and have lived in Arizona my whole life. The elevation gain is really insane for those who haven’t driven from Phoenix to flagstaff. You go through several different climate zones. This is mad impressive

Sally, you have inspired me to get out there and overcome my fears. You’re going the distance not only for you…. we are with you

What an epic journey!! I'm doing my first ultra next month in Leadville (50 miler). I'm gonna remember your strength when it gets tough and that we all possess that. You're an inspiration Sally.

Having the ability to struggle and be in pain for so long and yet keep pushing is remarkable. Well done Sally you are incredibly inspiring and you've certainly inspired me to do more!

You are truly inspiring! Congratulations!! Also absolutely love watching your support team cheer you on through all of it. Brought me to tears multiple times.

Sally, you are so impressive! Your toughness is something to behold!Congratulations!

Absolutely incredible race, Sally! Thanks to all for making this production/documentary of your efforts!

I can’t wait to see this! 💛💛 I watched the whole race! Huge fan of your and can’t wait to see the behind the scenes! Your are such an amazing reminder of each and every humans strength and capability! Choose 💪🏾 strong!!!

What an inspiration! Your positive attitude is truly motivating and helps me when I'm training. Thankful that the world has people like you in it!

Sally, you are incredible and your crew were second to none! Congrats!!

Wow! Watching this video never gets old!! You are mentally and physically strong is an understatement for what you accomplished!!! There are actually no words for it!!! Congratulations and I look forward to seeing your next several races. I have confidence that you will finish those as well!!!!😊

Amazing! I’m attempting to run my first marathon this fall. I’ve loved watching your journey training for this race and your journey running it! Thanks for this 💛

Loved being able to be part of the premier. So inspiring. Watched the choose stong 507 mile documentary last night after listening to the podcast on my long runs. Love your passion, drive, resilience and your focus on finding the positive in every situation inspires me. There is no guarantees in life. It's were we take courage in the struggles 💛❤💛.

Wow, I am in complete awe of what the human body is capable of. You extend my perception. Best wishes from Germany

I’m recently diagnosed bipolar. And have been addressing my related addiction issues. Running has been helping me to develop patience and getting natural endorphins. My first race is in a month! I’m only doing a 10k but I love and appreciate the knowledge you share through your running videos. Thank you! Keep kicking ass!

Loved watching this. Sally’s athleticism and grit + great story telling…inspiring.

Congratulations! 🎉🎈 🎊 You and your team are such an inspiration! Thanks for bring us along 😊

Incredible. The way you can just keep pushing blows my mind! I just completed my first 100 mile ultra yesterday and you were a huge I spiraling and motivator for me. You rock!

Great job everyone involved. Sally you are such an inspiration. Glad you had the support to get through. Awesome crew

Epic! Sally you are so inspiring! Just listening to you talk about how anyone can choose strong and you don’t have to be special you just need to keep moving forward through the discomfort fires me up! Keep crushing it!

Simply amazing! This answers all the questions I had while tracking you during the race. You are a beast and an inspiration. Congratulations!

Inspiring feat of will, strength, and endurance! Amazing, Sally - truly inspirational!

I’m in absolute awe following Sally and her races. You are amazing and inspiring for so many of us. Thank you for your words to choose strong. It’s helped in my career teaching special needs, home and running. ❤

Wow sally, this is beautiful 🧡 The storytelling is outstanding and this resonated so deeply emotionally. Thank you

Sally, you are a true inspiration to women everywhere. What an incredible journey!!. Thank you for taking us along with you. I cried a few times during this video. Especially when you crossed the finish line. Shout our to your husband and your team.

I'm just here for the ultra feels and life lessons. Always impressed by Sally's grit!!! 💛💛💛💛💛

Thank you for sharing your journey!! I am so moved by your story and ability to take another step forward with pain. I am signed up for Cocodona 2024 and pray I have similar mental strength

OH MY GOSH!!! Sally, you are always such an amazing inspiration all of the time, but this is tops!!! I watched this while training on the elliptical this morning and you motivated me in ways I couldn’t imagine! I have so many dreams and goals that I still want to accomplish and for a while I lost faith and hope in myself and my abilities at this time in my life, but I recently had a heart to heart talk with myself and I was really honest with myself, I’m now starting my training over and where I need to be at this moment in my life and build back…your video is exactly what I need, thank you for always being open, honest, beautiful and inspirational 💗💕 I only got to enjoy a short amount of time with you at the Mokelomne River 50M in 2015, it was my first 50M and I was completely surprised to see you in my backyard lol especially since I’d just started following you after watching your documentary Western Times, that was a great inspiration to get me through that race that day, then Salmon Falls 50k I believe in 2016, we took a picture together that I still cherish 💗 Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re helping so many people be their best selves 💕💗

Such a beautiful and inspiring film!! Definitely brought on some tears! Well done to Sally and the whole team!

This is so awesome!! Big congrats to you and your team. 🎉

Wow Sally what a film. I don't know wether it's pure determination or complete madness. I think there was about half a dozen times I gritted my teeth or covered my eyes. Amazing effort, anyone else would have given up ages ago. Your amazing ❤

Dropped some tears watching you cross the finish line. So raw and powerful. The Lord was with you!!Well done!

amazing! I am doing my first marathon in two weeks and kinda feel overwhelmed. Watching two of your ultramarathon documentaries was all I needed to keep up. You are a super-human!

Woow! The editing of the video is impeccable! What an epic journey! Sally you are beyond epic!

I love Sally’s story and how we all can overcome our inner negative thoughts!

Congratulations Sally -- that was extraordinary how you pushed through the pain and got to the finish line!!

Congratulations Sally - incredible finish and incredible film ❤🙌🏻

I'm baffled by the lack of complaining she did 😄 but that's seriously something I need to remember next time I run an ultra! Truly an inspiration, great movie, I cried when she crossed the finish line with so much energy, unbelievable.

My daughter watched this with me and she was so inspired. Your words are so moving and meaningful..

Commenting again after watching this and I wanna say Sally - you rock! I'm in the same age group as you and I am also a mum (to a teenage boy), but I have only recently gotten back into trail and ultra running. Watching you do Cocodona 250 is truly inspiring for someone like me, because you represent women like me and show the strength and fortitude needed in a sport like this. It was an absolute treat watching this and will definitely help me push through my training for two upcoming ultras for me - Taupo Ultra (50k event to qualify for next event) and the Tarawera Ultra (100 mile event). I hope you are recovering well from such an epic race and I am looking forward to seeing what you have planned next :-)

That celebration got me crying! Truly a inspiration! The Yellow Runner! Living Legend! Thank you Sally!

After watching you train for this through the weeks and then even with the set backs and pain in the race to push on to finish, you truly are incredible and have inspired me to give the 50k ultra I’ve been looking at go. Look forward to what is next to come, you are amazing. 👏👏

So well done! Thanks for all the inspiration Sally!

Thanks for sharing this with us. A trully story of the ups and downs that such challenge drove you in. Congratulations!

Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment! Even through the terrible foot pain!

I enjoyed this tremendously. What a tough athlete Sally is, among the toughest I’ve ever seen.

Inspiring doesn’t even begin to explain you Sally, well done fighting through all that pain. Sheer grit and determination. Absolutely amazing

I don't know how you did it. Absolutely amazing and inspiring. I'll watch this again before tackling my next scary race.

Sally & Eddie Thank you for the insightful and inspirational look into your race experience. Beast mode 👊

Been waiting for this!! Cannot WAIT!!! You're such an inspiration!!

That was intense! What a display of mental and physical fortitude! Great job and Congratulations Sally!

Congratulations!!! This was such an encouraging documentary. It’s so true to life. I am not a ultra runner but can relate to moving towards my own finish line, regardless/despite the pain… embracing the pain. It’s so true that if we knew how much pain or suffering we would have to endure to accomplish any goals we have set… it would be so easy to never stand at the “start line”. Thank you for sharing.

So inspiring!!! Thanks for sharing all these moments!!! Huge effort. The real Ultra Trail Running!! Congratulations for this amazing achievement.

Dear Sally, as you ran this I was hospitalised and not sure if I would ever run again. Knowing you were out there inspired me to think positively. A few hours after you crossed the finish I toed the line at an ultra trail run (with doctors permission.). Your finish inspired me to try. I also finished! Thank you for the stories, the poetic and honest viewpoint, and your inspiration. (I have also done the MOzart 100 and in a podcast Realized you must have as well from what you were describing. Maybe one day you are there again and I see you.)

What an amazing achievement. The strength of mind for you to carry on through physical pain is both incredible and inspirational. Thank you for sharing this excellent film.

You are absolutely incredible, Sally. So inspired by you and your story! Shout out Drew and Tyler for another amazing documentary!!

Inspiring, the emotion of crossing the line, the relief, they joy -- just incredible.

Congratulations Sally! Inspiring... just a simple word but saying so much! I am from France and it's not the first of your adventures I've been following. Great to see it, how you overcome the pain mile after mile. Thanks for sharing this film with all of us! And "Bravo", as we say here, to all your crew members. Merci

This is so inspiring! Great job, Sally! Strong AF.

Absolutely incredible. You are an inspiration to every athlete out there!

Sally is such an inspiration to keep pushing forward, even through pain. So many of us tap out when it gets hard, but it shows true character to keep going. Congrats, Sally! 🎉🎉

Amazing job! I watched you live on RU-vid. You are truly an amazing human! My sister and I follow you in all your races. She is inspired by you.

Looking forward to this!! You’re an inspiration Sally!

This is SO honest, SO transparent, SO raw... and so, so inspiring. I'm going to head out on the trail after I dry up these tears.

Very inspiring. Makes me want to be tougher when you watch someone overcome such immense pain. We are all stronger than we think!

Amazing! Simply Amazing! Sally you are so STRONG! Way to move on and finish an epic adventure. Thanks Drew and Tyler for the greatest video.

I watched Cocodona and I could not wait for this video. Thank you! What an amazing thing to watch

That was EPIC and super inspiring, Sally! 🤠👏

everytime i watch her docu series - I hear the same things that I feel. To see you Sally power through and talk yourself through these have been so helpful and realistic. 😂 we get our cycle every month and its just an attitude change.... I know sounds so simple but I really enjoy the self talk. I find myself talking myself down but I am loving the inspiring series for long term runners and new runnings!!!!

Your so inspiring Sally! What an emotional video it really touched me! Looking forward to follow your next adventure ❤️

Just Amazing!! Wow. WTG Sally. I think it's awesome when we show ourselves how truly powerful we are!! Super congratulations and TY for sharing this epic journey with all of us.

Wow, so amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey with us 💛💛💛

Chills, tears, and awe!! What an incredible inspiration and example of finding purpose in pain!! Praise God!! Love watching you crush it

Just saying great job is definitely an understatement. I've been trying to walk / run more when I came across this. It's motivated me to go further. Thank you for sharing this experience!!

Thanks for your transparency. I'm inspired to start cross country running...a beginner and to get back to trail rollerskating. I needed this ❤❤❤❤

What a great documentary! So strong, so real an so inspiring!

Wow, the strength, positivity, power, is so motivating! Amazing accomplishment, very inspiring!

Powerful!!! Such an awesome perspective on a wild adventure, always keep moving forward!

Amazing. I love what you do and your whole attitude and approach to life.

Congrats Sally! 🎉 The way you finished that race was incredible. Great video!

250 miles you’re an absolute freak for continuing. Absolutely incredible achievement, and big up to the support & camera crew, you know they all put in a shift to help make this happen 👏 Earned yourself a new subscriber & follower

This is ridiculously inspiring. And also total madness.

🎉 Inspirational! Way to tough it out! Im personally just getting back into running after a 7 year hiatis. Just did a 5k run which is absolutely nothing compared to your 250 mi trek! But ive caught the bug again for cross country running! And you are going to be in my head now! You're a warrior, Sally! Keep up the hard work!

Oustanding strength and an epic journey. Thank you for sharing all of this with us, you are a true inspiration 😊

Good work, Sally! I happened to have the privilege of watching the livestream during your approach to the finish line, and the sheer amount of support from running community on the livestream was staggering compared to that for any of the other runners. You're clearly a crowd favorite and I think this documentary shows why. True perseverance and relatability make you an inspiration to all!

Absolutely incredible. There’s joy in the struggle 🎉🎉 congrats.

Wow! Absolutely an awesome and inspiring effort and film.

One of the best grit documentaries I’ve ever watch