The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset
Published by Jaci Wilson
Health & Fitness
Fitness
Sports
Running
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 fatigue, you’ll gain the tools to train smarter, race stronger, and stay in the game when it gets tough. Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon, curious about the backyard ultra format, or chasing a new PR, this podcast will help you go beyond what you thought possible. Hit follow and join the community of runners learning to embrace the challenge, trust the process, and keep going, one more hour at a time.
(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 into: How to practice backyard-specific pacing and conserve energy early Why the fastest runner on the course early in the race may not be the one who goes the furthest How to practice shorter camp turnarounds without panicking Creating an efficient, repeatable camp and transition routine Nutrition and hydration experiments, including what sounds good at 2 a.m. Why foot care should be preventative , not reactive Practicing night running when you're already fatigued Testing your gear, lighting, clothing, shoes, and entire camp setup How to use crew as an extension of your brain What to do when your carefully planned strategy inevitably goes wrong Why backyard racing rewards runners who can problem-solve quickly Questions to ask yourself after a simulation to identify your biggest weaknesses How to determine what would stop you first if the simulation kept going Most importantly, we'll talk about the mindset shift that changes how you approach a simulation: Your goal isn't to see how fast you can cover 4.167 miles. Your goal is to see how little energy you can spend covering 4.167 miles. The best backyard runners aren't necessarily the ones who show up with the most fitness. They're the ones who show up with the fewest unanswered questions . It's time to stop guessing and start practicing. 👉 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
(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 heading back out to do it again. Loop after loop after Loop. Until only one runner remains. Audrey shares what drew her to the infamous "Murder Mile," how she approached a format she'd never raced before, and what she learned about pacing, fueling, mindset, and pushing through the mental darkness that comes when your body wants to quit. In this episode, we discuss: What makes Mid-State Mile so unique How Audrey trained for her first last-person-standing race Pacing strategies for steep, repetitive climbing Fueling mistakes and lessons learned The mental battle that begins after the sun goes down The importance of community in endurance sports Why getting comfortable with being uncomfortable extends far beyond running Whether you're curious about Mid-State Mile, training for your first Backyard Ultra, or simply looking for inspiration to tackle your own hard challenges, this conversation is full of practical lessons and honest reflections. Follow Audrey on Instagram: @easttnmotherrunner If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another runner who loves chasing "one more." One more loop. One more hour. One more chance to discover what you're capable of. 👉 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
(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 second night and convincing yourself you can't possibly keep going. This episode of The One More Hour Podcast , explores why our brains naturally "borrow suffering from the future," how this creates unnecessary overwhelm, and why the best backyard runners aren't necessarily mentally tougher, they're simply better at staying present. You'll also learn eight practical ways to train your brain during everyday runs, including: Breaking long runs into smaller segments Giving yourself one job at a time Delaying decisions during low moments Practicing mental resets Recognizing when you're projecting future suffering Training without distractions Ending some runs with something left in the tank Asking better questions after your long runs Presence isn't something you magically find on race day. It's a skill you build every time you train. Because the future version of you will handle the future miles. Your job right now is simply to handle this one. One more hour. 👉 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
(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 ways. From pacing and self-crewing to fueling, staying present, and embracing the unknown, Wendy was curious about what she could learn. We also dive into what it's like to coach midlife runners, why your best running doesn't have to be behind you, and how curiosity (not chasing numbers) can lead to some of your biggest breakthroughs. Along the way, we discuss: What surprised Wendy most about her first Backyard Ultra Self-crewing, pacing, and fueling lessons she'd change next time Why staying present one hour at a time is the key to success Midlife running, longevity, and overcoming limiting beliefs Training and running with her two Vizslas Why "stay curious" has become one of her biggest lessons as both an athlete and a coach Whether you're preparing for your first Backyard Ultra, chasing your next ultramarathon, or simply looking for inspiration to keep growing as a runner, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and encouragement. Follow Wendy on Instagram @Wendyrunsfree Follow Wendy's dogs on Instagram @indykodarunsfree Follow the Heartland Trail Series coming in 2027 (10K•13.1•50K•100K) @heartlandtrailseries Wendy's coaching link 👉 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
(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're out on the course fighting the clock, this episode is here to help you remember why you started. Through a mix of calm reassurance, mindset coaching, and high-energy motivation, you'll reconnect with your purpose, trust your training, silence the voice that's looking for an out, and find the courage to keep going one more lap. When the race gets hard, and it will, press play before you make your decision. Because your race isn't over until the race says it's over. 👉 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
(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, mental resilience, efficiency, and adaptability. In this episode, I break down 11 different types of long runs you can use to prepare for your next backyard ultra or last person standing race, including: • The Confidence Builder Long Run • The Fueling Experiment Run • Backyard Ultra Simulation Runs • Sunset-to-Sunrise Runs • After-Work Long Runs • Time-of-Day Challenge Runs • The Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge • The Yeti Challenge (5x4x24) • Adversity Runs • Curiosity Runs • The "Drop the Hammer" Run We’ll talk about what each run teaches, when to use it, and how to determine which experiences you still need before race day. Because the goal of training isn’t simply to accumulate miles. It’s to accumulate lessons. By race day, you want to have answered as many questions as possible: Can I fuel? Can I stay awake? Can I handle boredom? Can I solve problems? Can I trust myself when things get hard? The runners who go the farthest aren’t always the ones with the biggest long runs. They’re often the ones with the biggest library of experiences. If you're training for a backyard ultra, timed event, or last person standing race, this episode will help you build long runs with purpose. 👉 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
(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 improve. We'll talk about why the thing that ended your race may not be the thing you think ended your race, how to identify the real limiting factors in your performance, and how to turn race-day lessons into smarter training. You'll learn: Why Backyard Ultras are one of the best learning environments in endurance sports The biggest mistakes runners make when reflecting on a race How to identify the difference between symptoms and root causes Why studying what worked is just as important as studying what failed How to spot energy leaks that quietly sabotage performance What the best runners do differently and how to learn from them How to use your race reflections to build a better training plan Whether you ran 10 yards or 100, every Backyard Ultra leaves clues. The runners who improve the fastest aren't always the most talented. They're the ones willing to study those clues honestly. Your next breakthrough may already be hidden inside your last race. 🎙 Download the free Backyard Ultra Post-Race Reflection Worksheet and start uncovering the lessons from your own races. 👉 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
(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 have had more left the difference between reaching your physical limit and reaching your willingness to stay uncomfortable why ultras are nonlinear and how quickly a low can turn around how fear, uncertainty, sleep deprivation, and underfueling influence decision-making why the urge to stop is not always trustworthy how reflecting on your race can help you go farther next time Most runners don't stop when their body completely forces them to stop. They stop somewhere between "I absolutely can't" and "I don't want to anymore." Learning the difference is one of the most important skills in endurance racing. This episode is not about regret. It's about growth. Realizing you had one more loop in you isn't proof that you failed. It's proof that your limits may be farther away than you thought. Apply. Adapt. Reflect. Adjust. That's how one race becomes the foundation for the next breakthrough. 👉 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
(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 convincing during low moments the difference between discomfort and true physical limitation why runners often quit emotionally before they quit physically how psychological flexibility helps runners stay in the race longer practical strategies for handling doubt, fear, and overwhelm during ultras This episode is a reminder that you do not need to feel confident to keep moving forward, and that a temporary low should not always get to make a permanent decision. Because more often than you think… you’re not actually done yet. 👉 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
(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 questions do you need to ask yourself before training begins to ensure your goals align with your season of life? We cover the thought process needed and how to understand your life support system and training capacity. Resources: Episode 14: Goal Setting Backyard Ultra Preseason Checklist Process Buy-In Reflection Worksheet 👉 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
(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, a licensed clinical social worker, certified mental performance consultant, ultrarunning coach, and ultrarunner, to break down what’s actually happening in your mind during training and racing. We dive into the unique mental challenges of backyard ultras, where there’s no defined finish line and every hour presents a new choice: keep going… or stop. Neal shares how your brain is wired for safety (not performance), why your thoughts get louder when you’re fatigued, and how to work with your mind instead of fighting it. We also unpack: Why you almost always have “one more loop” The benefits of experiential education Mental flexibility in ultra runners The truth about DNFs (and why they don’t mean what you think) How mental health directly impacts performance Why self-compassion is a performance tool that is often overlooked (or more often pushed away) Values and how to define them How to stay present during races A growth mindset versus fear Why boredom, pain, and doubt aren’t problems to fix but experiences to navigate A simple mental framework you can train before race day to stay in the race longer If you’ve ever felt like your body was capable, but something in your mind held you back, this episode will change how you approach both training and racing. Follow and learn more about Neal: https://www.instagram.com/the.trail.mindset/ https://www.instagram.com/nealpalles/ https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/ 👉 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
(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… 30… and beyond. Because the truth is, backyard ultras don’t reward excitement. They reward consistency, patience, and discipline. If you’ve ever wondered what really separates the runners who go long from the ones who fade early, this episode is your blueprint. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why consistency beats “hero workouts” every time The real role of strength training in ultra performance and injury prevention How (and why) to use walking as a strategic tool, not a fallback Why repetition and monotony are skills you need to train The role of patience in pacing and long-term success How ego sabotages races and what to do instead Why buying into the process before race day changes everything 👉 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
(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 biggest mistakes both runners and crew make, how to actually prepare your crew (hint: it’s more than just handing them a checklist), and why clear communication can make or break your race. Ashley also shares hard-earned lessons from crewing multiple 100-milers—including what happens when nutrition falls apart, plans go sideways, and you have to adapt in real time. You’ll learn: The most common crewing mistakes (and how to avoid them) What runners need to communicate before race day How to support your runner without overwhelming them Why crew needs to take care of themselves, too Practical tips for staying organized, efficient, and adaptable at aid stations The emotional side of crewing—and why it’s so much more than logistics Whether you’re a runner, crew member, or new to the ultra world, this episode will change how you think about support, teamwork, and what it really takes to get to the finish line. Send it to your crew, your runner, or someone stepping into the ultra world for the first time. How to follow Ashley: Instagram @ultra.widow Website Facebook TikTok 👉 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
(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 ultrarunning. In just two years, Parker has gone from his first brutal 50K to winning his first backyard ultra. What makes his story stand out isn’t just the results, but how he approaches challenge, discomfort, and failure. We dive into: Why “no” is never the final answer How he mentally navigates pain and adversity Lessons learned from backyard ultras and long-distance racing The role of perspective in building resilience Why signing up might be the hardest and most important step If you’ve ever doubted yourself, felt behind, or wondered what you’re capable of… this episode will challenge the way you think about limits. Key takeaways: No is just information, not a verdict You don't need to feel ready, you just need to start Pain is something you can interpret, not just endure Perspective changes everything There's no substitute for lived experience Consistency beats perfection You're either growing or getting complacent Follow Parker on Instagram @gonegumpin 👉 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
(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's ran Midstate Mile three times, Barn Creek Backyard Ultra two times, Mad Backyard Ultra, and many other timed events and fixed distance events. And he's also gearing up to run Cocodona. He has an incredible story and is a proponent of faith, fitness and sobriety, and relies on discipline to get him through each day while looking towards ultimate progress. Dylan shares the simple but powerful approach that keeps him moving: stop thinking about the entire race and focus only on the next waypoint. Whether it’s a tree, a bridge, or the next aid station, staying present is what prevents the mental unravel that takes most runners out. They dive into pacing discipline, how to recognize the “death spiral” before it’s too late, and why focusing on other runners can either hurt you or help you, depending on where you are mentally and physically. The conversation also explores fueling strategies for long efforts, the importance of digestion over just hitting carb numbers, and how simplifying the process of racing can actually improve performance. Beyond strategy, Dylan opens up about a major shift in his identity as a runner, from a prove-yourself, cutthroat mindset, to one rooted in community, gratitude, and helping others go further. Dylan also shares the Three Chambers of Ultra Running: physical, mental and spiritual, and how you build them and move through them. Follow Dylan on Instagram @dylan_abnormal 👉 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
(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’ll learn why these thoughts feel so real, why they’re not, and how to respond in a way that keeps you moving forward when it matters most. If you’ve ever questioned continuing in the middle of the night, this episode is for you. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode The most common “lies” your brain tells during overnight races Why your thoughts feel like truth (even when they’re not) The danger of making decisions in low moments How to separate feelings from facts in real time Simple mental strategies to stay in the race when everything feels off 👉 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
(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 set up camp, volunteers settle in around bonfires, and runners return to the same start/finish area every hour, creating a space where spectators, families, and athletes are all part of the same shared experience. It’s accessible, welcoming, and uniquely social, whether you’re running one loop or pushing past 100 miles. Nick gives a behind-the-scenes look at how much care goes into creating that environment. From managing timing and tracking runners for those following from afar, to ensuring aid station flow and volunteer support, the race team is constantly focused on one thing: making sure every athlete feels supported, seen, and set up to succeed . From his vantage point at the start/finish line, Nick has witnessed the full spectrum of the backyard experience. He’s seen first-time runners fight to complete their very first loop, and seasoned athletes battle through the night chasing distances they’ve never reached before. He’s watched crews anxiously scan the darkness for their runner’s headlamp, and seen complete strangers come together to support uncrewed athletes, offering food, gear, and encouragement as the race goes on. As the hours pass, something shifts. What starts as an individual challenge becomes a collective effort. Runners, crews, and volunteers begin working together, pulling each other forward, especially as milestones like 50K, 100K, and 100 miles approach. Some of the most powerful moments come when runners hit their limits, only to be turned back out for “one more loop” by the people around them. Elm Creek isn’t just about distance. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of in an environment where everyone is invested in your success. And according to Nick, that’s the magic of the backyard format: you come for the miles but you stay for the people, the persistence, and the possibility of going further than you ever planned. Follow Elm Creek on Facebook and Instagram . Elm Creek 2027 registration opens up on Labor Day - it sells out within 2-3 weeks so don't sit on the decision! 👉 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
(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 limit, and how small decisions, like reacting to competitors, can make or break a performance late in the race. But this conversation goes far beyond the runner. Samantha gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually means to crew a backyard ultra, from tracking every carb and decision, to anticipating needs before they’re spoken, to managing the emotional rollercoaster of watching someone you love push to their absolute edge. She shares how crewing has shaped her as a runner, why communication (or lack of it) matters, and what most people don’t realize about the role crew plays in these races. Together, they explore: Why pacing is one of the hardest (and most important) lessons in backyards The balance between trusting your runner and stepping in when it matters How fueling, gut issues, and decision-making evolve over 50+ hours The mental battle of choosing to start “one more loop” Why the backyard format exposes both your strengths and your blind spots Stormy also shares his creative “Pledge to the Park” fundraiser, where every completed loop turned into a donation, raising nearly $5,000 for local trails and adding an extra layer of purpose to every step. Whether you’re a runner, a crew member, or someone curious about the backyard format, this episode gives you a raw, honest look at what it actually takes to keep going and why you might be capable of more than you think. Follow Stormy on Instagram @stormyhild Follow Samantha on Instagram @samanthahild_ Stormy's Queeny blog post Work Hard Company Key Takeaways Most runners don’t hit their true limit, they stop when their mind gets loud If you are looking to go far, the first 12–24 hours of a backyard are just the “buy-in” Crewing is proactive, not reactive. It’s about anticipating needs before they happen Small mistakes compound late in the race (fueling, foot care, mindset) You can’t control other runners but focusing on them can still cost you The backyard ultra is as much about decision-making as it is about fitness 👉 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
(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 aren't physical - they're mental. He's never felt like he truly reached his physical ceiling. The limiter is often what your brain convinces you is enough. This conversation dives deep into the mental, strategic, and human side of backyard ultras , from pacing and sleep to self-talk and community. Key takeaways: Protect the early hours Expect problems. Ultra running is problem solving. Simple training done consistently Most backyard ultra finishes are mental, not physical Community is a performance enhancer A plan changes everything Stop projecting. Stay in the hour. Follow Jeff on Instagram @jcpwalker 👉 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
(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 deceptively easy How small pacing mistakes compound into big problems later The subtle ways adrenaline shows up early How ego influences decisions (even when you think it’s not) What proper early pacing should actually feel like A simple framework to set yourself up for a strong, long race If you’ve ever blown up at 18–24 hours and couldn’t figure out why, this episode will help you connect the dots. What You’ll Learn Why backyard races are lost early, not late The difference between running the clock vs running the day How adrenaline quietly drains your energy Why “this feels too easy” is a warning sign What true patience looks like in a backyard ultra How to pace with longevity in mind The compounding cost of small early mistakes Key Takeaways The goal of the first 10 yards is preservation, not performance If it doesn’t feel almost boring, you’re likely going too hard Finishing faster early ≠ better — it often costs you later Ego shows up in subtle ways (and it can end your race) The runners who go far are often the most restrained early Practical Framework for Your Next Backyard Cap your effort , not your pace Walk earlier than you think you need to Enter camp smoothly — don’t rush in Sit less than your ego wants to Detach from what everyone else is doing And most importantly: Don’t make emotional decisions early. There’s nothing to solve yet. Final Thought The first 10 yards aren’t about proving you belong. They’re about proving you can wait. Master that and you give yourself a real shot at going one more hour. 👉 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
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
