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