Happy Feet, More Loops: How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Your Backyard Ultra Of all the items in your meticulously curated Backyard ultra gear guide,, none arguably hold more sway over your race outcome than your shoes. In a Backyard Ultra, where you might spend days covering hundreds of miles on repetitive loops, … Read more
Calming the Corral Nerves: Dealing with Pre-Race Anxiety Before Your Backyard Ultra Months of dedication to your Backyard ultra training plan,, meticulous gear prep (Backyard ultra gear guide,), and intense Backyard ultra mental preparation, have led to this moment: race week, maybe even race morning. It’s completely normal to feel a surge of nerves, butterflies, … Read more
Running by the Numbers: Using Heart Rate Zones Effectively in Backyard Ultra Training As you delve deeper into your Backyard ultra training plan,, finding ways to objectively monitor your effort becomes increasingly important. While Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) – how hard you feel you’re working – is crucial, Using heart rate zones for backyard … Read more
Weathering the Loops: Heat Acclimatization & Cold Weather Training for Backyard Ultras Your Backyard ultra training plan, meticulously builds your endurance, strength, and mental fortitude. But the Backyard Ultra doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it happens outdoors, often over multiple days, exposing you to the full spectrum of Mother Nature’s moods. Successfully navigating potentially extreme … Read more
Nailed It: Your Essential Backyard Ultra Final Week Preparation Checklist Months of dedicated training are behind you. You’ve executed your Backyard ultra training plan,, pushed through tough workouts, and learned How to taper effectively for backyard ultra,. Now, the final week before your Backyard Ultra (BYU) arrives. This isn’t the time for cramming fitness; it’s … Read more
The Dreadmill Dilemma: Effective Treadmill Training Strategies for Backyard Ultra Runners Preparing for a Backyard Ultra ideally involves lots of time running outdoors, mimicking race conditions. However, life happens. Bad weather, lack of safe routes, childcare duties, or time constraints might force runners indoors onto the treadmill. While often viewed with disdain (hence the “dreadmill” … Read more
Mastering the Night: Essential Night Run Training for Your Backyard Ultra Pushing your limits in a Backyard Ultra inevitably means facing the darkness. Unless you’re aiming for a relatively short distance, running through the night – potentially multiple nights – is a fundamental part of the challenge. The transition from daylight to darkness brings unique … Read more
Going the Distance (Differently): Long Run Training Specific to the Backyard Ultra Format The weekly long run is a cornerstone of any ultramarathon preparation, and the Backyard Ultra (BYU) is no exception. However, simply logging long miles isn’t enough. The unique demands of the BYU – its relentless hourly cycle, emphasis on consistency over speed, … Read more
Your First Backyard Ultra: A Beginner’s Training Guide So, you’ve been captivated by the relentless allure of the Backyard Ultra (BYU) and decided to take the plunge? Congratulations! Stepping up to your first “Last Person Standing” event is an exciting and formidable challenge. While the Backyard ultra format explained, might seem simple, preparing adequately requires … Read more
Staying in the Loop: The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Ultra Health, Recovery & Injury Prevention You’ve embraced the demanding Backyard ultra training plan, fortified your Backyard ultra mental preparation, selected your Backyard ultra gear guide items, dialed in your Backyard ultra nutrition plan, and mastered your Backyard ultra race strategy. But the relentless nature of … Read more