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 Steele, 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 mind. The mind must be trained daily. Break past those limits and move beyond.

The conversation delves into the unique aspects of backyard ultras, pacing strategies, and the significance of having a supportive crew. Nick also emphasizes the importance of community and the mental game of ultra running, offering advice for new runners and those hesitant about the backyard ultra format.

Takeaways

• Nick Steele has completed 14 100-mile races in 2025 so far.
• Running has helped him cope with mental health challenges.
• He aims to inspire others through his running journey.
• Nick's Water Tower Challenge involved running a 50K every day for a week.
• He emphasizes the importance of recovery and nutrition in ultra running.
• Nick's backyard ultra pacing strategy includes walking to conserve energy.
• His father plays a crucial role as his crew during races.
• He uses rocks from races as motivational reminders.
• Nick believes in the power of community and social interaction during races.
• Nick's main goal for Broken Anvil Backyard Ultra was to push other runners further than they've ran in the past.

Huge thanks to Nick for coming on the show!

SHOW LINKS:
Nick's Instagram
Nick's YouTube
Nick's Strava
Nick's Ultra Running Mag stats

👉 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 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

• The Backyard Ultra format was created by Gary Cantrell in 2011.
• A Backyard Ultra consists of a 4.167-mile loop completed every hour.
• Participants have 60 minutes to finish each loop, or they are out.
• The race continues until only one person remains who has completed one more loop than anyone else.
• The current world record for a Backyard Ultra is 119 yards, set in June 2025.
• Backyard Ultras foster a strong sense of community among runners.
• Runners often participate in Backyard Ultras to push their limits and achieve personal goals.
• Aid is not allowed until after completing the loop, emphasizing self-sufficiency.
• The ultimate goal for many is to qualify for the Big's Backyard Ultra.
• Future episodes will cover pacing, nutrition, and insights from various experts.

👉 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

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 trail or ultra runner curious about the format, a road runner who is curious about the ultra world, or someone who just loves testing your limits — this podcast is for you.

My goal with this podcast is to bring you stories, strategies, and conversations with runners, race directors, crew members, and professionals like registered dietitians, mental performance psychologists, physical therapists, sleep specialists, etc., to provide you with the most amount of information possible to help you keep going ONE MORE. One more hour, one more loop, one more hour, one more minute, one more step.

If you have topic suggestions or guest recommendations, please let me know at theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com!

SHOW LINKS:

Follow Jaci: @jaci.wilson.runs

Curious about 1:1 coaching for your next backyard ultra? Book a free call with me and check out my website.

👉 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