Advertise on podcast: The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset

Packing for a backyard ultra can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first one. In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I break down what gear actually matters, what runners tend to overthink, and how being organized and practiced can make or break your race. Backyard ultras reward preparation, not perfection. You don’t need everything. You need the right things, practiced systems, and the ability to move efficiently between loops as fatigue sets in. Whether you’re running self-supported or with a crew, this episode will help you simplify your setup, reduce decision fatigue, and focus your energy where it matters most: staying in the game. What we cover in this episode: Gear to consider bringingWhat not to overthinkHow to think about organizationPracticing everything in trainingReducing decision fatigueYou don’t win a backyard ultra by having the most gear. You go farther by knowing what to bring, where it is, and how to use it without thinking. Preparation isn’t about control. It’s about conserving energy for the work that matters. Related Episodes Episode 6: Mastering Footcare in Ultras with Trail Medic Natasha Swartley (aka Thor)Episode 8: Pacing for Backyard UltrasEpisode 9: Crew vs. Self-SupportedEpisode 18: Preventing Foot Issues in Multi-Day Ultras with Dr. Tonya Olson👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

In this episode of the One More Hour podcast, we welcome Dr. Tonya Olson, a board-certified doctor of physical therapy and co-author of the seventh edition of "Fixing Your Feet." The conversation centers around the critical importance of foot care for runners, especially those participating in endurance events like marathons and ultra marathons. Dr. Tonya emphasizes that foot issues are often one of two leading cause of dropouts in ultramarathons (the other is GI problems), and she shares practical advice on how to prevent common problems such as blisters, hot spots, and toenail issues. She advocates for a proactive approach to foot care, encouraging runners to incorporate foot health into their training plans and to be mindful of their foot mechanics and shoe choices. Dr. Tonya also discusses her extensive experience in foot care at events like Western States 100 (going on 17 years the Michigan Bluff Aid Station at mile 55) and highlights the need for runners to develop a foot care kit and routine. She stresses the importance of understanding the body's signals and being curious about one's own foot health. The episode is packed with insights on how to maintain foot health for longevity in running, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about their running journey. Things every runner should have for foot care: • Needle • 72% alcohol hand sanitizer • Liquid resin: Skin-Tac or Mastisol • Pre-cut tape • Alcohol swab • Scissors Dr. Tonya's links: Website Book Instagram @tonyakolsondpt YouTube (dozens of videos on taping your feet and on footcare products) Heel raise protocol Foot strengthening video Takeaways   • Prevent maceration   • You don't have the luxury of not liking feet.   • Every runner should know how to tape toes and feet.   • Foot care is largely completely preventable.   • Calluses are information; they're telling you that you have a concentrated area of friction.   • Never in the history of a blister has one ever gotten better by ignoring it.   • Be curious about your foot health and why issues are occurring.   • You should have a foot care kit with the basics: resin, hand sanitizer, pre-cut tape and a needle.   • The best way to test your ankle mobility is the knee to wall test.   • Runners need to communicsate symptoms clearly to their crew.   • Understanding the mechanics of why things are getting injured is crucial. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

If you’ve ever felt confused about bronze tickets, silver tickets, gold tickets, or how runners actually qualify for Big’s Backyard Ultra, this episode breaks it all down in a clear, no-fluff way. In this short episode, we walk through how the backyard ultra qualification system works, what each “ticket” really means, and how runners progress from local backyard races all the way to the World Championships at Big Dog’s Backyard in Tennessee. This episode is designed to help you understand the system without assuming you’re already chasing Big’s, whether you’re brand new to the backyard format or just curious about how the pathway works. In This Episode, We Cover: What a Bronze Ticket is and how you earn oneWhat a Silver Ticket Event is and why winning mattersHow National Backyard Ultra Teams are formedThe role of At-Large qualifying and why big performances still matterWhat people mean by the “Gold Ticket” and the World Team ChampionshipsHow runners ultimately qualify for Big’s Backyard UltraWhy most runners don’t need to worry about Big’s yet and why that’s okay  Key Takeaways: Tickets are awarded to the Last Runner Standing, not based on mileage aloneYou don’t need to win a race to be competitive through the At-Large pathwayStrong backyard performances over time are what open doorsThe backyard system rewards patience, consistency, and experienceLinks: Big's Backyard website Silver Ticket Events 2026 World Championship Team The Road to Big's World Team USA Brackets 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Nick Petterson finished 65 yards (270 miles) at Summit Backyard Ultra: The Last Dance, placing top three in a stacked silver-ticket field. In this episode, Nick joins Jaci to talk about what it takes to keep showing up hour after hour, day after day, in the backyard ultra format. From pacing and fueling to mindset, crew dynamics, and late-race decision-making, Nick shares the lessons learned from competing deep into the field, and then how he turned around to win another backyard just weeks later. This conversation dives into the mental battles, the resets between yards, and why backyard ultras may be one of the most accessible ways to step into ultrarunning. Who This Episode Is For: Runners curious about Backyard Ultras or timed eventsUltrarunners looking to improve mindset and late-race decision-makingAthletes who want to understand what it takes to go beyond 100 milesAnyone fascinated by the mental side of endurance sportsKey Takeaways: Backyard ultras aren’t about speed; they’re about consistency, restraint, and resetsMental toughness isn’t fixed; it’s built through repeated exposure to discomfortThe hardest decisions often happen between the loops, not during themCommunity and shared effort can push runners farther than competition aloneYou don’t need to know how far you can go, just whether you’re willing to start againFollow Nick on Instagram @nickp_runs and Strava 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Looking to improve at your next ultramarathon OR looking to run your first ultra? A backyard ultra will help you with both! Backyard ultras and timed events often get misunderstood. They’re seen as intimidating, extreme, not a real ultra, or a soft ultra. But in reality, these formats are some of the most accessible, supportive, and effective ways to explore ultra running, especially if you’re stepping beyond the marathon for the first time. In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I break down why backyard ultras and timed events are such powerful entry points into endurance racing. We talk about how the format reduces logistical overwhelm, allows you to test gear and fueling safely, builds mental resilience through repetition and quick resets, and completely reframes what success looks like in ultra running. Whether you’re ultra-curious, training for your first long event, or simply wondering how far you’re capable of going, this episode will help you see the backyard format in a new way. In this episode, we cover: Why you don’t need a crew to run a backyard ultra, and how built-in community support changes the experienceHow frequent access to aid makes gear and fueling experimentation easier and saferWhy simplified logistics lead to better focus, less stress, and stronger executionHow backyard ultras help you train your mindset through small, repeatable challengesHow timed events and backyard formats redefine success and remove the fear of “DNF”Who this format is best suited for and how it can build confidence for future ultra goalsThinking about running your first backyard ultra? If you want help building the strength, mindset, and strategy to go farther than you ever have before, this is exactly what I coach runners through. 👉 Let's chat for 15min or apply for coaching 👉 Or send me a message on Instagram and let’s talk about your goals 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Backyard ultras don’t ask if you’re tough. They ask if you’re honest. As we close out 2025, many runners are already looking at their 2026 calendars. But before you pick a race or set a mileage goal, you need clarity. In this episode, we move beyond "marathon-style thinking" to explore the mental frameworks and uncomfortable questions that actually determine success in a race with no finish line. We dive deep into why intensity backfires, how to manage your ego at 2:00 a.m., and the three-tier framework for defining success when the outcome is unpredictable. In this episode, we discuss: The "Why" Behind the Loop: Why your "Instagram answer" won’t save you when things get dark.Patience vs. Toughness: Why the most strategic runners are often the ones who look like they’re "underperforming" early on.The 2:00 A.M. Rule: How to handle the "unreliable narrator" of a sleep-deprived brain and avoid emotional quitting.Identity-Based Goals: Why setting an "X-hour" goal can actually create a ceiling for your performance.Life Capacity: Assessing if your current season of life supports the mental and emotional load of backyard training.Falling in Love with the Boring: Why mastering the "unsexy" skills—walking, strength training, and repetition—is the ultimate key to durability.Takeaways Most runners fail at backyard ultras due to unclear goals.Backyard ultras require a different approach to goal setting.Success in backyard ultras is not defined by distance or time.Patience is more important than toughness in this format.Defining success without a finish line is crucial.Decision-making under fatigue is a key skill for endurance runners.Life season and emotional readiness impact training effectiveness.Consistency in training is more important than race day excitement.Understanding your motivations can enhance your performance.Embracing the process is essential for long-term success.Featured Resources [FREE] 2026 Goal Clarity Worksheet: Before you commit to a backyard ultra, go through these questions and see where your readiness level is at. It doesn't need to be perfect to run a backyard. Just be honest with yourself so you know what areas need work. [FREE] Goal Clarity Workbook: Don’t just listen, do the work. Use the workbook or the ChatGPT prompts to get clarity on your goals in 2026. Download the exact questions from this episode (and a few more) to help you map out a sustainable and clear 2026. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

What does it take to make a big jump in backyard ultras? Stephanie Rosebaugh, licensed marriage and family therapist, ultra runner, and author, joins me to discuss the mindset that was required in her huge jump in performance at The Last Dance Backyard Ultra, where she ran 67 yards and earned the assist, nearly doubling her previous backyard performances of 34 and 38 yards. Stephanie shares the full arc of her journey into ultras, from a late start in running to tackling Cocodona and Bigfoot 200, and how those long, point-to-point experiences shaped her approach to the backyard format. Rather than chasing an outcome, Stephanie explains how her biggest breakthrough came from committing to loving herself every step of the way, staying present, and removing comparison from the equation. The conversation dives deep into: How mindset and self-talk directly influenced her ability to run nearly three days straightThe mental reframes that helped her move through night running, bad weather, and emotional lowsWhy fueling consistency, simple routines, and acceptance of ebbs and flows mattered more than rigid strategiesThe powerful moment that led her to step off the course voluntarily and why it felt like a winHow curiosity, not pressure, is now driving her pursuit of a silver coin and a spot on Team USAThis episode is a masterclass in mental resilience, emotional maturity, and sustainable performance, and a reminder that in backyard ultras, the biggest breakthroughs often happen when runners stop forcing outcomes and start listening to their bodies, their minds, and the moment they’re in. Stephanie's IG https://www.instagram.com/stephsrunspiration/ Stephanie's book The Power of Enoughness https://books.manuscripts.com/product/the-power-of-enoughness/ Takeaways Patience and grit are essential in backyard ultras.Emotional maturity plays a key role in endurance racing.The journey of self-discovery is crucial for runners.Nutrition planning is vital for long races.Community support enhances the racing experience.Mindset shifts can transform race outcomes.Every race offers unique gifts and lessons.Flexibility is important in ultra running.Connection with fellow runners enriches the experience.Setting process goals can lead to greater satisfaction. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

In this powerful episode, Colleen MacDonald shares the five-year journey behind her Fastest Known Time on Mt. Kilimanjaro. A journey that started long before she stepped foot on the mountain. Colleen opens up about how a period of personal transition led her to seek a goal big enough to anchor her, challenge her, and reconnect her with the bold version of herself she feared she’d lost. We explore what it takes to hold a dream for years: the mental discipline, the self-reinvention, the systems that keep you committed, and the emotional grit required when no start line or finish line is ever guaranteed. Colleen talks through the physical training, the dark moments, the doubt-as-data mindset, and the micro-decisions that carried her through altitude, exhaustion, and uncertainty. More than a story about setting an FKT, this is an honest conversation about identity, belief, long-term resilience, and what it means to choose a goal that changes you from the inside out. If you're craving a challenge that scares you, stretches you, or asks you to become someone new, this episode will feel like permission to start. Follow Colleen on Instagram Colleen's website and blog The Cairn Project website More about the Summit Scholarship Takeaways Mental strength is 90% of achieving big goals.Setting a long-term goal can help overcome stagnation.Having a larger purpose can enhance motivation.Resilience is built through grit and endurance.Training for altitude is crucial for success.Quitting should not be an option when pursuing goals.Flexibility in planning is essential for overcoming challenges.Building a supportive team can elevate the experience.Reflecting on experiences helps in personal growth.Every challenge presents an opportunity for learning. The first time you face a challenge, it makes the second time easier.Problem-solving is essential for personal growth.You can feel better in an hour; give yourself that chance.Taking quitting off the table allows for deeper learning.Experiences outside your comfort zone build resilience.Doubt can serve as a data point for growth.Getting comfortable with discomfort is a learned skill.Celebrating small wins reinforces confidence during challenges.Verbalizing struggles can help alleviate mental burdens.The journey is as important as the destination in achieving goals. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

If you're running your first backyard ultra, this episode will save your race. Most first-timers don’t get timed out. They fall into avoidable pacing, mindset, and fueling traps. Today, we’re breaking down the three biggest mistakes new backyard runners make, and exactly how to avoid them so you can stay in the race longer than you thought possible. You’ll learn: Why pacing like a marathoner destroys your backyard raceHow the REAL DNF happens in the chair, not on the loopWhat your fueling strategy must look like after hour 6How to build early habits that protect your future selfThe mindset shift that keeps you moving when others quitWhether you're preparing for your first backyard or want to last longer in your next one, this episode gives you the strategy, patience, and mindset tools to stack more hours and surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. Takeaways Backyard Ultras require a different pacing strategy than traditional races.First timers often make the mistake of starting too fast.Mental challenges are a significant factor in DNF rates.It's crucial to have a plan for mental lows during the race.Don't quit in the chair; keep moving until the clock runs out.Nutrition should include real food, not just gels and sports drinks.Incorporate meals into your fueling strategy during the race.Expect to feel tired and have a plan to push through those feelings.Practice your fueling strategy during training runs.Control your race by managing your energy and mindset.👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Backyard ultras aren’t won by the strongest runner. They’re won by the runner who can manage their mind hour after hour. In this episode, I break down the five most common mental traps backyard runners fall into and exactly how to avoid them so you can stay in the race long after everyone else is breaking. You’ll learn why thinking too far ahead destroys your focus, how comparison steals your energy, and why treating normal discomfort like an emergency leads to early taps. We also cover the danger of the “early comfort lie” and how skipping nutrition or maintenance in those first few hours can torpedo your entire race. And finally, I explain the infamous exit narrative. The mental story your brain builds to convince you it’s okay to quit and how to shut it down with clear, predetermined rules. If you want the full written guide with actionable fixes for all five traps, grab your free copy of The Top 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into. Remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s staying mentally steady enough to give yourself a real chance. Just one more hour. Takeaways Backyard ultras are primarily a mental challenge. Runners often mentally tap out before they physically can. Focusing on the present moment is crucial for endurance. Comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary doubt. Catastrophizing discomfort can derail your race. Early comfort can lead to neglecting nutrition and hydration. The mind creates convincing narratives to justify quitting. Having a predetermined list of reasons to stop can help. Training your mindset is as important as physical training. Staying in the game is key to achieving your goals. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

How's a Backyard Ultra Different if I Run it Self-Supported or with a Crew? Advantages, Disadvantages & How to Prepare In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, we break down one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in a backyard ultra: running self-supported vs. running with a crew. I walk you through the real advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, what to discuss with your crew before race day, how to set up your camp, how to prepare for mental low points, and how to make your turnaround time as efficient as possible, whether you have support or not. If you’re training for your first backyard, planning a big 2026 goal, or wanting to go farther than you ever have before, this episode gives you the structure, strategy, and practical tips you need. Inside this episode: Why backyard ultras are uniquely accessible for first-time ultra runnersThe hidden advantages of running self-supported (and the pitfalls to expect)How to stay organized, efficient, and mentally focused when you’re soloThe biggest benefits a crew can give you — and the risks of choosing the wrong peopleHow to prep your crew for “the dreaded loops”: sunset, 3–5 AM, and the first quit attemptWhat your crew needs to know about you, your goals, and your communication styleEssential pacing considerations for crewed vs. solo athletesHow to structure your setup so you don’t DNF because of logisticsThe mental strategies every backyard runner needs in their toolkitMentioned in this episode: ✨ Duff Dog Backyard Ultra – October 2026 Use code JaciWilson25 for 25% off through Nov. 30 (Gorgeous course, amazing race director, great aid, and a true family-feel backyard. I’ll be running it!)   Work with me: If you’re thinking about running your first backyard ultra or you want coaching to help you go farther than you have ever gone before, you can apply for coaching here or message me on Instagram @onemorehourpodcast Chapters 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:50 Introduction to Crew vs. Self-Supported 02:15 The Appeal of Backyard Ultras 06:43 Crew vs. Self-Supported: The Debate 08:03 Advantages of Being Self-Supported 12:00 Disadvantages of Being Self-Supported 17:34 If You are Self-Supported, do these things! 28:06 Preparing for Race Day: Tips and Tricks 31:58 Navigating Dehydration and Self-Support Strategies 37:09 The Importance of Asking for Help 37:56 Advantages of Having a Crew 45:55 Disadvantages of Having a Crew 54:15 Effective Communication with Your Crew 58:57 Pacing Strategies for Self-Supported vs. Crew Runners 01:01:53 Be Prepared 01:03:37 Show notes and links 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Trying to figure out how to pace your next backyard ultra? Hint, faster does not mean better in the backyard! In this short but packed episode, we break down one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of the backyard ultra format: pacing. Whether you’re brand new to the backyard or looking to improve your strategy, this episode covers practical pacing advice, how to train for consistent hourly loops, and what to plan for on race day. We talk about common mindset traps runners fall into, why road paces don’t translate to trails and backyards, and how to use walking and low effort levels to your advantage. You’ll learn how much time you actually need at camp between yards, why early loops feel too easy, and how to stay mentally steady when your breaks get shorter. I also share data from the 2025 Big’s Backyard Individual World Championship to show how the top runners manage their pace and effort. From managing night loops and crew support to handling stiffness, panic moments, and course-specific strategy, this episode gives you a clear, realistic approach to pacing yourself further than you think possible. If you want to go deeper and personalize your pacing strategy, I have 1:1 coaching spots available. Use code JaciWilson25 for 25% off your registration for the 2026 Duff Dog Backyard Ultra through November 30, 2025.  Takeaways The two common pacing mindsets new backyard runners fall intoWhy road paces don’t translate to trails (and what to focus on instead)The importance of walking hills and managing effort, not speedIdeal time to aim for at camp between yards (and why it varies)Why early breaks feel long — and why that’s a good thingHow pacing shifts as the race progressesThe role of crew support when your between-yard time gets shortHow to handle stiffness, slowing down, or mental panicWhat Big’s 2025 data shows about sustainable pacingHow to adjust pacing for day vs. night loopsWhy pacing is fully individual and depends on your needs at campThe value of course recon and practicing on similar terrainWhy working with a coach can help personalize your pacing strategy👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

From marathoner to Last Runner Standing, Amy Feit (2025 Duff Dog Backyard Ultra champion) joins me to share her journey into the world of backyard ultras, where endurance, mindset, and community collide. Amy dives into what it takes to stay strong through the night, how to fuel and recover from multi-day efforts, and the mental strategies that keep her going when things get tough. We talk about everything from wildlife encounters and gear choices to the power of crew support and why the backyard format offers something special for every type of runner. Whether you’re thinking about signing up for your first ultra or looking to refine your mindset for your next big race, Amy’s insights are full of practical advice and real trail wisdom. 🎧 Tune in to hear how curiosity, resilience, and camaraderie carried Amy through the backyard yards and why she believes everyone should try one at least once. Follow Amy’s journey: Amy's Instagram Light mentioned: NoxGear Tracer Lamp Takeaways Amy Feit is the 2025 Last Runner Standing at Duff Dog Backyard Ultra and she had the assist at the 2024 Duff Dog Backyard Ultra.Mindset plays a crucial role in ultra running performance.Proper lighting and gear can enhance safety and performance during night runs.Amy's running journey includes marathons and aspirations for ultra races.Nutrition strategies should include a variety of foods to prevent fatigue.Having a supportive crew can make a significant difference in race performance.Foot care is essential to prevent blisters and discomfort during long races.Mental challenges increase during night runs, requiring a shift in mindset.Wildlife encounters can add an unexpected element to the race experience.Amy emphasizes the importance of mental strategies in endurance racing.She encourages hesitant runners to just sign up for a backyard ultra.The camaraderie among runners is a significant aspect of the backyard ultra experience.Post-race recovery can be challenging, with unique aches and pains.Race directors play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for runners.Nutrition choices can greatly impact performance during long races.Listening to music or podcasts can help distract from the mental fatigue of racing.The backyard ultra format allows for a no-pressure introduction to ultra running. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Natasha Swartley, an ultra runner and trail race medic specializing in footcare for ultra runners, joins me in a discussion about the importance of foot care for runners. We discuss common foot issues like blisters, the significance of proper shoe fitting, and strategies for maintaining foot health during training and races. Natasha doesn't just fix the feet of runners during races. She becomes the totem pole for the runner as the pain of their feet brings up past pains and traumas. She emphasizes the mental aspects of running, particularly in timed races and backyard ultras, and how to cope with pain and discomfort. Accepting pain as part of the journey and making thoughtful decisions rather than impulsive ones during challenging moments is part of the game. Just pop the blister! You will feel better! Natasha provides practical tips for FAST foot care in backyard ultras and timed races, including pre-taping techniques (Leuko tape or KT tape), pre-tying your shoes, the use of lubricants (Desitin, Happy Toes, Trail Toes, Run Goos, Squirrel's Nut Butter, Salty Britches, Vaseline, Aquaphor), and how to make a quick turnaround in a backyard ultra. Natasha has videos on her Instagram on how to tape your feet. Practice practice practice! She also has blister packs available on her Etsy.   Follow Natasha on IG Follow Natasha as a race medic on IG Natasha's Strava Blister packs on Etsy    Taping your feet: Video 1 (toes) Video 2 (ball of your feet) Video 3 (heel)   Takeaways Foot care is crucial for runners, especially during ultra races.Proper shoe fitting can prevent many foot issues.Blisters can be managed effectively with the right techniques.Mindset plays a significant role in overcoming pain during races.Investing in good socks and shoes is essential for foot health.Pre-taping can help prevent blisters before they form.Runners should practice foot care techniques before race day.It's okay to experience pain; it's part of the running journey.Having a support crew can expedite foot care during races.Emotional support is important during long races. The softer the better when it comes to feet.You can't make good decisions on a rash mind.You will survive the challenges you face.Temporary problems shouldn't dictate your decisions.Resilience is built through overcoming obstacles.👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Running is more than just miles for Elizabeth (she/they). It’s been a constant companion through all seasons of life for the past 25 years, a source of connection, challenge, and adventure. I think Elizabeth says it best: at the most basic level, running allows you to simply move forward. "Why are we walking? No, We can run." In this episode we dive into why Elizabeth loves looped races, tips she has for backyard ultras and timed events, lessons she has learned from past races and what she will do different in the future, and her deep appreciation for being out there. What am I capable of? Can I complete the distance that I've said I'm going to run? Their curiosity paired with stubbornness and love for a fun challenge has allowed Elizabeth to complete races like Javelina Jundred, Kettle Moraine 100, 20 yards at Elm Creek Backyard Ultra, Tuscobia Winter Ultra, and more. "I'm not a competitive runner but I'm competitive with myself." "I'm going to mix two of my favorite things - identifying as queer and also running" Elizabeth has also found great support and community with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC run groups in the area. The shared understanding, appreciation, and commonality has added joy to their training. While there's still work to be done, they deeply appreciate the organizations that offer non-binary divisions, longer cut-offs, and truly inclusive spaces. I hope you enjoy Elizabeth's approach and appreciation of running and apply some of her advice to your next race or training cycle! Thank you, Elizabeth, for joining me on the show!   You can follow Elizabeth's journey here: Elizabeth's blog Elizabeth's Instagram OTHER SHOW NOTES: Outdoor Safe Space pin and IG page They Run MN IG page Twin Cities Moving While BIPOC  IG page 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → [email protected] 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website