The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset
Can you keep going when everything in you wants to stop?One More Hour is the podcast for backyard ultra runners, ultramarathoners, trail runners, and people who want to master the ultrarunning mindset and push their limits. Hosted by run coach and backyard ultra expert Jaci Wilson, this show dives into the strategies, stories, and science behind going one more hour.Each week, you’ll hear from athletes, race directors, sports psychologists, sleep specialists, nutrition experts, etc., on what it takes to thrive in endurance running and timed races. From fueling and pacing strategies, to building mental toughness and overcoming fa...
(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: Most runners don’t quit because their body is done. They quit because they believe the story their brain is telling them at 2 a.m.
You’...
(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 thought possible.
At its core, Elm Creek feels less like a traditional race and more like a family picnic that just happens to last for days. Crews...
(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, repeatable approach that carried him over 200 miles. He dives into his mindset of “buying into the race,” why he believes most runners quit before their true lim...
(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 performance.
Jeff was drawn to backyard ultras not for distance but for the challenge of pushing past the moment he wanted to quit. He believes most backyard finishes ar...
(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’t feel yet.
This episode walks through:
Why the first 10 yards feel decep...(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 ended the month with 1,070 miles, earning second place while navigating sleep deprivation, pavement fatigue, injury, and the mental grind...
(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 performance-chasing ultrarunner to values-driven man.
Together, they unpack:
Why consistency matters more than intensityHow suffering can forge endurance, character, and hopeThe shift from outcome goals to values-based livingHow your weakest moments are your defi...(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, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy in the sport, especially after experiencing burnout during her college years. She highlights how finding a supportive...
(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 conserves energy and delays fatigueHow improving hiking speed often gives more return than trying to run fasterWhy coming in with too much time left each loop is wasted en...(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 than pace or ego.
This conversation dives deep into mindset management, pain vs. injury decision-making, pacing mistakes, night loop strategies, crewing dynamics, and why women may actually...
(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 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...
(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 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...
(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 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...
(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 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...
(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 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 powe...
(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 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 unp...
(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 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...
(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 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 li...
(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 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...(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 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 skippi...
(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 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...
(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 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 trai...
(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 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 th...
(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 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...
(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, tips she has for backyard ultras and timed events, lessons she has learned from past races and what she will do different in the fu...
(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 issues, dehydration, and other nutrition problems before needing to continue running.
What you should eat and drink, how much, and when can seem intimidating and overwhelming. That's...
(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 challenges. Nick always says "Your body can handle far more than your mind will allow." It's more than just running hundreds of miles. You have no limits other than the ones constructed in your...
(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 stage for future discussions on various related topics.
Takeaways
(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 to Backyard Ultras, Timed Events, and the Ultra Mindset of "one more".
If you’re a backyard ultra runner, a tr...
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, trail runner, and backyard ultra expert, brings you raw stories and expert strategies from athletes, race directors, sports psychologists, dietitians, and more.
Whether you’re a backyard ultr...
