Tomorrow, I’ll be taking on a Backyard Ultra Marathon, a unique and grueling race format where runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains. It’s a true test of endurance, strategy, and, maybe most importantly, mental toughness.
I ran this race last year. I plan to do even better than that performance! I’m writing this post to help you, but selfishly, it is to help myself too. It’s to lay out a bit of my packing list, and more importantly, my mental methodology (something I need to remind myself of).
So, whether you’re planning your first Backyard Ultra or just curious about how to tackle this type of event, here’s a look at my preparation, what I’m bringing, and how I’m getting my head in the game.
Understanding the Backyard Ultra Format
The format of a Backyard Ultra is deceptively simple:
- Complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour.
- Start again at the top of the next hour.
- Keep going until you can’t—or until you’re the last runner standing.
It’s not just about speed but consistency, pacing, and resilience. “Time on feet” is the ultimate test.
My Pre-Race Preparation
Preparation for a Backyard Ultra goes beyond physical training, it’s about having the right mindset, nutrition plan, and gear for the long haul.
1. Training for the Unknown
While I’ve trained for traditional marathons, this race requires a different approach. Instead of focusing on speed or distance, my training emphasized:
- Consistency: Running smaller loops with frequent breaks to mimic the Backyard Ultra rhythm.
- Trail Runs: Practicing trails to get comfortable with lower-leg fatigue and quick start-and-stops at trickier sections.
- Recovery Practice: Learning to maximize the short breaks between loops.
2. Mental Preparation
The biggest challenge in a Backyard Ultra is staying mentally sharp. This was something that really got to me last time, much earlier than I wanted or expected. My strategies include:
- Breaking the race into smaller goals: Focus on completing this loop instead of worrying about the next 10 hours.
- Embracing boredom: Loops can feel repetitive, but I treat them as a chance to reset and reflect. Each lap is like a new race, and 4 miles in an hour is more than doable.
- Finding my why: Keeping personal motivations front and center to push through tough moments.
- Staying positive: Last time, I got into my own head too early, frustrated by tough trail sections. This time, I plan to leave the frustrations at the park entrance and focus on enjoying each loop.
What I’m Bringing to the Backyard Ultra
A well-stocked setup can make or break a Backyard Ultra experience. With sunny weather in the forecast but temperatures in the mid-30s (°F), here’s my checklist:
Clothing and Gear
- Running Shoes: My go-to trail pair, with a backup ready for when fatigue or conditions require a switch (ideally during the night-course switch).
- Socks: Multiple pairs to change into between loops. Dry feet are happy feet, and I’m expecting a dry course.
- Layers: Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes for day loops, and warmer layers for cooler night temperatures, including light jackets, multiple hats, and gloves.
- Headlamp: Required for night loops, though it can stay at camp during daylight hours.
- Portable Chair and Blanket: For quick rest during breaks.
- Garmin Watch: I got a new Garmin to treat myself after getting a new job. I’ll let it run and hit lap at the start and end of each loop.
Nutrition and Hydration
- Electrolytes and Water: Hydration is critical. I’ll have a hydration vest and some backup bottles, along with my favorite, red Gatorade.
- Snacks: Chocolate energy gels, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels, and Coke are my go-to fuels.
Comfort and Recovery Items
- Foam Roller and Massage Gun: To keep muscles loose during rest periods.
- First Aid Kit: Including blister care essentials.
- Music and Podcasts: To stave off boredom on repetitive loops, with multiple sets of headphones for backup.
- Battery Backups: At least two portable chargers to keep phones, headlamps, and headphones powered.
My Team
The most important part will be bringing my team. Kelly and my boys are the heart and soul of my mindset. They keep sane when I’m getting a bit insane.
The Strategy: Pace, Recovery, and Adaptability
In a Backyard Ultra, strategy can make or break your race. Here’s my approach:
Pacing Myself
I plan to run each loop at a comfortable, conversational pace, aiming for 12–13 minute miles. This should bring me back to camp with 8–12 minutes to refuel and rest.
Using Breaks Wisely
During the downtime between loops, I’ll focus on:
- Eating and drinking enough to fuel the next loop.
- Stretching or using my foam roller to prevent stiffness.
- Resting my mind, even if it’s just sitting quietly for a few minutes.
Adapting to the Unexpected
In an event like this, anything can happen—weather changes, fatigue, or the mental challenge of seeing competitors drop out. My plan is to stay flexible and take each loop as it comes.
My goal is to complete at least a 50K, and ideally make it to the night loops. Beyond that, I’m hoping to surprise myself, but you never know with these events!
Why I’m Excited for the Backyard Ultra
For me, the Backyard Ultra isn’t just a physical challenge, it’s an opportunity to push my limits and explore what I’m capable of. The format forces you to confront your own mental barriers and find new ways to keep moving forward.
It’s also about community. Every runner faces the same battle, and there’s a camaraderie in cheering each other on, even as you compete. That sense of support and shared struggle is one of my favorite parts of the ultra-running community.
I’m really excited to prove to myself, and to others, that I can do it. I might be crazy, but this is a doable challenge. I hope it shows my boys that when things get tough, to grit your teeth and push through to the other side becasue the other side is euphoric. It is a lesson I want them to learn: not everything is easy, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing.
I’m Ready to Loop and Repeat
As I gear up for tomorrow, I’m excited, nervous, and ready to embrace the challenge. Whether I last five loops or 15, this experience will teach me something new about resilience, strategy, and the sheer grit it takes to keep going.
If you’re considering a Backyard Ultra, I hope this post helps you prepare for your own adventure. And if you’ve run one before, I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!
Not ready to run? Consider participating as a volunteer. Volunteering is a goal of mine for 2025, and it’s a great way to experience the unique atmosphere of a Backyard Ultra.
I can’t wait to report back on how things went next week!
