A Year of Ultras

 Back in September 2024 I decided to embark on a year of training for my first backyard ultra.

My plan, self-coached, is based on 40 years of being a mainly running club member, input from coaches both in person and online, the developing world of ultras and my experience which includes every distance from 100m to 40 miles.

So I decided to use shorter events as practice towards a backyard format. I participated in seven 6 hour events and one 4 hour event. Each event was an opportunity to practice and test backyard/ultra techniques including fast/slow laps, eating/drinking on the move or at the end of lap, different products, equipment. Eventually I did the backyard ultra in September 2025. Completed 13 laps(hours), 52 miles (a new PB) and created a crew. Thanks to Mark g The Test Run, YouTuber, who created a film of my attempt. 

What did I learn? 

The Backyard format means most laps have an enforced rest unlike typical ultras which may have food/drink checkpoints but at your choice. Some runners use the rest period to refuel, others on the go or both. Crews are becoming a common thing. The community aspect of Backyard encourages the crew idea. Unlike typical ultras backyard has a regular base, the corral area, which becomes a temporary community of organisers, volunteers, vendors and crews and for part of each hour runners. This lends itself to a more communicative experience of an ultra. 

There are many claims about products, food items and drinks. I suspect if a runner believes it works for them then it does. Personally I use Precision Hydration drinks to help with salt intake, and their gels but in addition I have tried to use foodstuffs provided by organisers and vegan, but not exclusively, items including salted potatoes, cake, oranges, crisps/nuts and snack bars current go to's Tribe, Naked and cheap/on offer bars. For instance I searched how many powders when adding water help runners fuelling - over 100! They can't all be the best fuelling strategy? The experimentation continues...

The clear, in my opinion, factor which makes the difference is your mind. However, the human brain (mind) can trick you. Hans Troyer, an up and coming American ultra Pro found out to his coat - twelve days in hospital post run due to not drinking and prioritising speed. We can all be Uber positive but it's more about keeping the doubts at bay. This is where things like mantras, distraction and positivity fill this space. The difference between ultras and the rest of running races is that speed is not the paramount reason for doing them. Yes there are fast runners, FKT's for most trails across the world but the Professional Runner numbers is a minority compared to runners who run ultras. It's easy to just look at The winners but the details lies in the whole community. In 2025 I complete more marathons than any other year in my running career. But none of them were fast or winning times.

Perspective is often dismissed in favour of the latest thing. Aesop's fable of the hare and the tortoise illustrates the nature of ultra.

I look forward to 2026. First event Rasselbock double 6 hour at Clumber Park 24/25th January. Booked Rasselbock Marathon day July and Backyard Ultra at Hardwick in September. The discovery continues as

Instagram: beardy_woodland_wanderer

Mark G: The Test Run youtube link

https://youtu.be/u0R9Xkg39Sw?si=9DxyXL6l9jA6OUvR

Steve November 2025

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