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 experience
• How frequent access to aid makes gear and fueling experimentation easier and safer
• Why simplified logistics lead to better focus, less stress, and stronger execution
• How backyard ultras help you train your mindset through small, repeatable challenges
• How 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 goals

Thinking 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 straight
• The mental reframes that helped her move through night running, bad weather, and emotional lows
• Why fueling consistency, simple routines, and acceptance of ebbs and flows mattered more than rigid strategies
• The powerful moment that led her to step off the course voluntarily and why it felt like a win
• How curiosity, not pressure, is now driving her pursuit of a silver coin and a spot on Team USA

This 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 race
• How the REAL DNF happens in the chair, not on the loop
• What your fueling strategy must look like after hour 6
• How to build early habits that protect your future self
• The mindset shift that keeps you moving when others quit

Whether 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 runners
• The hidden advantages of running self-supported (and the pitfalls to expect)
• How to stay organized, efficient, and mentally focused when you’re solo
• The biggest benefits a crew can give you — and the risks of choosing the wrong people
• How to prep your crew for “the dreaded loops”: sunset, 3–5 AM, and the first quit attempt
• What your crew needs to know about you, your goals, and your communication style
• Essential pacing considerations for crewed vs. solo athletes
• How to structure your setup so you don’t DNF because of logistics
• The mental strategies every backyard runner needs in their toolkit

Mentioned 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 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 into
• Why road paces don’t translate to trails (and what to focus on instead)
• The importance of walking hills and managing effort, not speed
• Ideal time to aim for at camp between yards (and why it varies)
• Why early breaks feel long — and why that’s a good thing
• How pacing shifts as the race progresses
• The role of crew support when your between-yard time gets short
• How to handle stiffness, slowing down, or mental panic
• What Big’s 2025 data shows about sustainable pacing
• How to adjust pacing for day vs. night loops
• Why pacing is fully individual and depends on your needs at camp
• The value of course recon and practicing on similar terrain
• Why 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 → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website