How to Train for a Backyard Ultra
A practical introduction to preparing your body and mind for the format's unusual demands.
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One more loop.
Your practical companion for making sense of Backyard Ultra training: the format, the preparation, and the choices that help you answer the bell on the hour, every hour.
THERE IS NO FINISH4.167 MILES. ON THE HOUR. EVERY HOUR.ONE MORE LOOPTHE CLOCK NEVER STOPSTHE ONLY WAY OUT IS TO STOPNEVER QUIT IN THE CHAIRLAST PERSON STANDINGIT'S EASY UNTIL IT AIN'TWIN OR DNFTHERE IS ONLY ONE FINISHERTHE HARDEST PART IS GETTING OUT OF THE CHAIRTHE BELL ALWAYS WINS
Train smarter, go further.
Backyard Ultra training can be difficult to figure out. The format is simple, but preparing for it means making sense of pacing, endurance, fuelling, sleep, mindset, and what to prioritise ahead of race day. This site exists to help athletes find clarity and confidence as they prepare for their own Backyard Ultra journey.
Start with the curated library of free, practical resources below. If you have not found what you are looking for and want more structure or personal support, explore the training plans and coaching packages designed to help you keep moving forward, one yard at a time.
Find what helps you next.
Explore free, practical reading for every stage of your Backyard Ultra build—from training and fuelling to pacing, sleep, and the mental game.
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Showing 10 resources.
Why Backyard Ultra Runners Quit — and How Not To
A look at the reasons runners step off the course, and how to give yourself a better chance of staying in.
Explore resourceBackyard Bliss
A personal reflection on the particular appeal and experience of a Backyard Ultra.
Explore resourceBackyard Ultra Tips: Pacing & Sleep
Practical guidance on finding your loop rhythm, preserving recovery time, and preparing for the night.
Explore resourceBackyard Ultra Tips: Hydration & Nutrition
Ideas for building a flexible fuelling and hydration plan that works over many yards.
Explore resourceBackyard Ultra Tips: Mental Strategies & Crewing
Strategies for handling the psychological side of the race and getting the most from a crew.
Explore resourceBackyard Ultra Tips: Logistics & Training
A useful guide to practising the format and organising the practical details around race day.
Explore resourceMinds of the Loop
A dedicated space for Backyard Ultra stories, reflections, and the people who keep returning to the loop.
Explore resourceBackyard Ultra Podcast
Watch conversations and stories from the people around the Backyard Ultra world.
Explore resourceThe One More Hour Podcast
An insider's guide to Backyard Ultras, timed races, and the ultrarunning mindset.
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