The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset

Jaci Wilson
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  • 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.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    (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

    1hr 32min

  2. 28 APR

    (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 verdictYou don't need to feel ready, you just need to startPain is something you can interpret, not just endurePerspective changes everythingThere's no substitute for lived experienceConsistency beats perfectionYou're either growing or getting complacentFollow 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

    1hr 4min

  3. 21 APR

    (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

    1hr 37min

  4. 14 APR

    (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 racesWhy your thoughts feel like truth (even when they’re not)The danger of making decisions in low momentsHow to separate feelings from facts in real timeSimple 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

    11 min

  5. 7 APR

    (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

    1hr 27min

  6. 31 MAR

    (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 @stormyhildFollow Samantha on Instagram @samanthahild_Stormy's Queeny blog postWork 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

    1hr 28min

  7. 24 MAR

    (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 hoursExpect problems. Ultra running is problem solving.Simple training done consistentlyMost backyard ultra finishes are mental, not physicalCommunity is a performance enhancerA plan changes everythingStop 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

    1hr 1min

  8. 17 MAR

    (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 easyHow small pacing mistakes compound into big problems laterThe subtle ways adrenaline shows up earlyHow ego influences decisions (even when you think it’s not)What proper early pacing should actually feel likeA simple framework to set yourself up for a strong, long raceIf 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 lateThe difference between running the clock vs running the dayHow adrenaline quietly drains your energyWhy “this feels too easy” is a warning signWhat true patience looks like in a backyard ultraHow to pace with longevity in mindThe compounding cost of small early mistakes  Key Takeaways The goal of the first 10 yards is preservation, not performanceIf it doesn’t feel almost boring, you’re likely going too hardFinishing faster early ≠ better — it often costs you laterEgo 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 paceWalk earlier than you think you need toEnter camp smoothly — don’t rush inSit less than your ego wants toDetach from what everyone else is doingAnd 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

    17 min
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About

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.

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