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The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset
The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset
The One More Hour Podcast is a show for backyard ultra runners, ultramarathoners, trail runners, and anyone interested in the ultrarunning mindset. Hosted by run coach and backyard ultra expert Jaci Wilson, it covers strategies, stories, and science behind endurance running. Each week features interviews with athletes, race directors, sports psychologists, and nutrition experts. Topics include fueling, pacing, mental toughness, and overcoming fatigue. The podcast aims to help runners train smarter, race stronger, and push their limits.
Episodes
(Ep.47) Backyard Ultras are an Experiment of One with Dave Kwiatkowski
What does it take to go from a 27-yard backyard ultra runner to consistently running 60+ yards and still believe you have more to learn?In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, I’m joined by Dave Kwiatkowski, one of the most intriguing young athletes in the backyard ultra world. Dave has built his success through a process of experimentation, problem-solving, and learning from every race.We t
(Ep.46) 5 Mental Traps That End Backyard Ultras
Backyard ultras are rarely won because someone is the fastest or strongest runner. More often, they’re won by the runner who can manage their mind when the race gets long, uncomfortable, and uncertain.This episode of the One More Hour Podcast, breaks down 5 mental traps that can derail a backyard ultra and what to do when you recognize them happening in real time.You’ll learn about:Time Traveling:
(Ep.45) The Race Behind the Runner: Crewing a Backyard Ultra (and for DAYS!) with Veronica Pardo
What does it really take to crew an ultrarunner through a backyard ultra?In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, I’m joined by Veronica Pardo, a runner, chiropractor, and the wife of Nick Petterson, who you may remember from Episode 16 after his run at Summit Backyard Ultra.Since then, Nick has gone on to win Ode to Laz, earning a Silver Ticket, and will represent Team USA at Big’s Backyard
(Ep.44) Backyard Ultra Simulation: Stop Testing Fitness & Start Testing Your Systems
A backyard ultra simulation should be much more than an overnight long run.In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, we break down how to use a backyard simulation as a skills test, not a fitness test. The goal isn't to see how many yards you can complete. It's to collect data, create problems, practice solving them, and eliminate as many unknowns as possible before race day.We dive
(Ep.43) Can You Survive the Murder Mile? | Audrey Carter's Mid-State Mile Experience
Can one mile break you?This week on The One More Hour Podcast, I sit down with trail runner and ultrarunner Audrey Carter to talk about her first experience at Mid-State Mile, one of the most unique and brutally challenging last-person-standing races in the country.Unlike a traditional Backyard Ultra, runners have just 20 minutes to complete a 1.1-mile loop with 340 feet of elevation gain before h
(Ep.42) The Mental Cost of Looking Too Far Ahead in Your Backyard Ultra
How do you keep going when your brain is already worrying about miles that haven't happened yet?In backyard ultras and other endurance races, one of the biggest mental traps isn't physical fatigue. It's looking too far ahead.At yard 5, you start thinking about running for two days. At mile 17, you're worried about mile 100. Before the sun has even set, you're imagining the
(Ep.41) Stay Curious: Wendy Krause's First Backyard Ultra | Midlife Running, Running with Dogs & Backyard Lessons
What happens when an experienced ultrarunner steps into a completely new race format?In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I sit down with fellow Minnesota runner and coach, Wendy Krause, to talk about her first-ever Backyard Ultra at Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra. Although Wendy has years of experience racing trail ultras and 100-milers, the Backyard format challenged her in entirely new wa
(Ep.40) When You Want to Quit (Listen to This First) | Backyard Ultra Motivation
If you're listening to this episode, chances are you're in the middle of your race and your brain is trying to convince you to quit.This is a special race-day episode of The One More Hour Podcast, created specifically for runners tackling backyard ultras and last runner standing events. Whether you're sitting in your chair questioning if you should answer the next bell or you'r
(Ep.39) Backyard Ultra Training Long Runs That Train More Than Your Legs
How far should your longest long run be before a backyard ultra?It’s one of the most common questions runners ask, and in this episode, I explain why it might be the wrong question.Backyard ultras aren’t won because you survived one massive training run. They’re won because you practiced the skills that allow you to keep showing up every hour: pacing, fueling, problem-solving, sleep management, me
(Ep.38) How to Reflect on Your Backyard Ultra So You Go Further Next Time
Most runners finish a race and immediately focus on one thing: the result.How many yards did I get?How far did I go?Did I hit my goal?But what if the most valuable part of your backyard ultra isn't the result, but it's what the race is trying to teach you?In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I break down how to reflect on your Backyard Ultra in a way that actually helps you impr
(Ep.37) Part 2: Why You Still Had One More Loop In You
In Part 2 of this two-part series, we explore what happens after the race when the dust settles and a familiar thought starts to creep in: “I think I still had one more loop in me.”If you've ever finished a backyard ultra, timed event, or endurance race and wondered whether you could have gone farther, this episode is for you.We discuss:why so many runners realize after the race that they may
(Ep.36) Part 1: You're NOT Done Yet. Why This Is NOT Your Last Yard
In Part 1 of this two-part series, we’re talking about the moments during an ultra when your brain starts trying to convince you that you’re done.Not necessarily physically done, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually done.If you’ve ever sat in a chair during a backyard ultra convinced there was “no way” you could do another loop, this episode is for you.We dive into:why your brain becomes so
(Ep.35) Am I ACTUALLY Ready for My Backyard Ultra? Setting Process Goals for Your Next Backyard
Are you ACTUALLY ready for your backyard ultra? This episode dives into the often overlooked mental, logistical, and emotional readiness required for backyard ultras and timed events.We discuss the importance of process goals versus only having outcome goals, mental resilience, decision making and handling emotional low points, and strategic preparation to succeed in ultra-distance running.What qu
(Ep.34) Learning to Work With Your Brain During Backyard Ultras with Neal Palles, LCSW, CMPC
Backyard ultras require physical fitness, but they are really a test of the mind!Your brain is designed to keep you safe, not help you perform. You can show up to race day as the fittest runner out there, but your mental game can bring you down the fastest if you haven't practiced it or you've thought "I've got a good mind."In this episode, Jaci sits down with Neal Palles,
(Ep.33) The Unsexy Skills of Backyard Ultras
Backyard ultras aren’t won with big moments, flashy workouts, or hype. They’re built on the things no one talks about and the things most runners try to avoid.In this episode, we break down the “unsexy skills” that actually determine how long you last in a backyard ultra or timed event. The quiet, repetitive, often overlooked habits that become everything when the race stretches into hours 18… 24…
(Ep.32) Crewing Ultras with Ashley Fox, The Ultra Widow
Ultra running might look like an individual sport, but this episode proves it’s anything but.Jaci sits down with Ashley, creator of Ultra Widow, to pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes at ultra races. From chaotic aid stations to all-night crewing shifts, Ashley shares what it takes to support a runner through the highs, lows, and everything in between.They dive into the
(Ep.31) Refusing to Accept ‘No’ with Parker Stinnett | Rooster’s Backyard Ultra Champion
What do you do when life keeps telling you “no”?For Parker Stinnett, the answer is simple: find another way forward.In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, Parker shares his unconventional path, from being a backup college football kicker, to failing out of BUD/S prep, to becoming an officer in the Navy flying both helicopters and the Osprey, and how that same mindset carried him into ultrar
(Ep.30) Waypoints, Pacing & Avoiding the Death Spiral in a Last Runner Standing Race with Dylan Ledbetter
"You don't need to be like Goggins to succeed."What does it actually take to keep going when your body hurts, your mind is spiraling, and the race won’t end?In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, Jaci sits down with ultrarunner Dylan Ledbetter to break down the mindset and strategy behind succeeding in the Last Man Standing format and how his strategy has changed over time.He
(Ep.29) The Lies Your Brain Tells at 2AM of Your Backyard Ultra
At some point in every backyard ultra or timed event, you’ll hit it: 2:00 a.m.The moment where everything suddenly feels heavier, harder, and a little bit hopeless.In this episode, we break down the psychological shift that happens in the middle of the night and why your brain becomes a completely unreliable narrator when fatigue, darkness, and sleep deprivation collide.Because here’s the truth: M
(Ep.28) Inside Elm Creek Backyard Ultra with Race Director Nick Oswald
This episode takes you inside Elm Creek Backyard Ultra, not just as a race, but as an experience shaped entirely around the athletes who show up to test their limits.Race director, Nick Oswald, shares what makes Elm Creek different from other endurance events: an intentional, athlete-first approach where every decision, from logistics to volunteers, is designed to help runners go further than they
(Ep.27) 55 Yards, One Team: The Runner + Crew Dynamic with Stormy & Samantha Hild
A 55-yard backyard ultra doesn’t happen by accident—and it definitely doesn’t happen alone.In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, Jaci sits down with Stormy and Samantha Hild to break down Stormy’s massive 55-yard performance at Queeny Backyard Ultra from both sides of the chair.Stormy shares how he’s evolved from going out too fast and learning the hard way to developing a steady, repeatab
(Ep.26) What It Takes to Win a Silver Ticket to Big's Backyard Ultra With Jeff Walker
In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, Jaci sits down with Jeff Walker. Teacher, father, husband, and newly crowned silver ticket winner to unpack the race (Queeny Backyard Ultra) that is sending him to Big’s Backyard Ultra.Jeff shares his journey from a post-college fitness reset to running over 200 miles in a backyard format, and what finally clicked at Queeny to produce his breakthrough
(Ep.25) Three Big Mistakes Everyone Makes in the First 10 Yards
Most runners think backyard ultras fall apart in the middle of the night.They don’t.They fall apart in the first 10 yards.In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, we break down the most common mistake runners make early in backyard ultras: letting pacing, ego, and adrenaline take control.Because the reality is: You’re not going too fast in an obvious way… You’re going too fast in ways you don
(Ep.24) One More Loop: The Mindset Behind 1,070 Miles on the Tempe Burrito League Strava with TJ Harms-Synkiew Segment
In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, Jaci sits down with ultra runner TJ Harms-Synkiew, who took on one of the most unusual endurance challenges in running: Burrito League.For the entire month of January, runners gathered in Tempe, Arizona (and many other Burrito League locations) to repeat the same 0.2-mile Strava segment (segments varied based on location) as many times as possible.TJ e
(Ep.23) The Daily Work Behind One More Yard in Backyard Ultras with Jon Fischer
In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, Jaci sits down with Jon Fischer, founder of Phase One, to explore what it really means to “stand the line” in racing and in life.From surviving military training and near-death experiences to battling suicidal ideation and rebuilding his life through faith, fatherhood, and daily discipline, Jon shares the raw journey behind his evolution from performan
(Ep.22) From 800 Meters to 258 Miles: Megan Smyth's Ultra Journey on Backyard Ultras, 24-Hour Races & Learning to Stay
This is an episode about progression.About adjusting on the fly.About nutrition saving races.And about learning to stay when your brain tells you to quit.In this episode of the One More Hour podcast, Megan Smyth shares her evolution from middle-distance track athlete to one of the strongest and most consistent backyard competitors in the country. Megan discusses her evolution as a runner, emphasiz
(Ep.21) Why Hiking & Walking Belong in Your Backyard Ultra Training Plan
Walking isn’t a failure in a backyard ultra. It’s a skill. In this episode, Jaci breaks down why hiking and intentional walking are essential for going further in the backyard format and why most runners underestimate how much speed and efficiency they can gain by improving their slowest miles. You’ll learn: Why trail pace should never be compared to road paceWhy walking the hills early conserv
(Ep.20) Women in Backyard Ultras: Confidence, Curiosity, and Rewriting the DNF Narrative with Mary Namestnik
What happens when curiosity leads the way?Mary Namestnik shares her journey from road racing to ultras, falling in love with the backyard ultra format, and most recently running 260+ miles at Across the Years, her first six-day timed event. Together, they unpack the mental and physical lessons that come from races without a fixed finish line, where patience, systems, and self-awareness matter more
(Ep. 19) Backyard Ultra Gear: What to Bring, What Not to Overthink & How to Organize
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
(Ep. 18) Preventing Foot Issues in Multi-Day Ultramarathons with Dr. Tonya Olson
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 o
(Ep. 17) Bronze, Silver, Gold Tickets & The Road to Big’s Backyard Ultra
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 Champ
(Ep.16) 65 Yards In: What It Takes to Stay in the Backyard with Nick Petterson
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 c
(Ep. 15) Why Backyard Ultras & Timed Events Are the Best Entry Point Into Ultramarathons
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 step
(Ep. 14) Getting Clear on Your 2026 Backyard Ultra Goals: The Questions That Actually Matter
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 fini
(Ep. 13) From 38 to 67 Yards: What It Really Takes to Make a Big Jump in Backyard Ultras with Stephanie Rosebaugh
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
(Ep. 12) Training for a Goal With No Guaranteed Finish Line with Colleen MacDonald
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 w
(Ep. 11) Top 3 Mistakes First-Time Backyard Runners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
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 des
(Ep. 10) The Top 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (And How to Beat Them)
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 energ
(Ep. 9) Backyard Ultras: The Pros and Cons of Going Solo vs. Having a Crew
How's a Backyard Ultra Different if I Run it Self-Supported or with a Crew? Advantages, Disadvantages & How to PrepareIn 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 c
(Ep. 8) Mastering Pacing in Backyard Ultras
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
(Ep. 7) Another Yard: Amy Feit’s Journey from Marathoner to Backyard Ultra Champion
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 eve
(Ep. 6) Mastering Footcare in Ultras with Trail Medic Natasha Swartley (aka Thor)
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 become
(Ep. 5) Appreciation, Stubbornness & the Joy of Running Loops with Elizabeth Ossers
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, ti
(Ep. 4) Kayla Fitzgerald, RD, on Ultramarathon Nutrition for Backyard Ultras and Timed Events
Nutrition during backyard ultras or last man standing races is one of the most important elements of training and of the race. HOWEVER, it's one of the things that runners struggle with the most when it comes to ultramarathons.Why? Because everyone is different, you are out there for a LONG time, AND with backyard ultras/last man standing races, you have limited time to problem solve GI issue
(Ep. 3) Your Body Can Handle Far More than Your Mind Will Allow with Nick Steel
Are you limiting yourself to what you think is possible and impossible? What if nothing was impossible?In this episode, Jaci sits down with ultra runner Nick Steel, who shares his incredible journey through running, including his impressive feat of completing 14 100-mile races in 2025 (so far). Nick discusses how running has been a therapeutic outlet for him, helping him cope with mental health ch
(Ep. 2) What is a Backyard Ultra? Origin, concept, rules, and more!
In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, Jaci Wilson delves into the concept of Backyard Ultras, a unique running format that combines endurance with community spirit. She explains the origins of the Backyard Ultra, its specific rules, and the competitive nature of the races. The episode also touches on the importance of pacing, nutrition, and the community aspect of these events, setting the
(Ep. 1) Welcome to The One More Hour Podcast
Curious about backyard ultramarathons? What's it like to run with no set ending time or distance? How do you keep going when you get bored? How can I get into ultras without a crew? How far can I go? What is a backyard ultra? How do I approach the backyard different from a set distance ultra or a timed event? There are so many questions!Welcome to The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide
Trailer
Can you keep going when everything in you wants to stop?Welcome to One More Hour: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.This podcast dives deep into the ultrarunning mindset and the backyard ultra format, a race where runners cover 4.167 miles every hour on the hour until only one remains. Each week, host Jaci Wilson, ultramarathon and marathon coach, tra
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