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

Jaci Wilson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • 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. 2D AGO

    (Ep.20) Women in Backyard Ultras: Confidence, Curiosity, and Rewriting the DNF Narrative with Mary Namestnik

    What happens when curiosity leads the way? Mary Namestnik shares her journey from road racing to ultras, falling in love with the backyard ultra format, and most recently running 260+ miles at Across the Years, her first six-day timed event. Together, they unpack the mental and physical lessons that come from races without a fixed finish line, where patience, systems, and self-awareness matter more than pace or ego. This conversation dives deep into mindset management, pain vs. injury decision-making, pacing mistakes, night loop strategies, crewing dynamics, and why women may actually be uniquely suited for the backyard format, yet underrepresented in it. Whether you’re backyard-curious, training for a timed event, or simply interested in learning how runners push past perceived limits, this episode offers powerful insights into endurance, belief, and staying present one yard at a time. Follow Mary on Instagram @maryrunsultras. Mary's website Bob's Big Tom's Backyard Ultra The B******t Backyard Ultra What We Cover in This Episode Mary’s path from marathon running to ultras and backyard eventsWhat running 260+ miles at Across the Years taught her about patience and recoveryWhy going too fast early is one of the biggest mistakes in both backyards and timed eventsHow backyard ultras build skills that transfer to longer fixed-distance racesThe importance of systems over motivation in long endurance eventsManaging pain vs. identifying true injury red flagsWhy “keeping your feet moving” is often the most powerful strategyNight loop strategies, rest, and “pretending to sleep”The role of crew and how the right kind of push mattersOverpacking vs. preparedness in backyard setupsWhy looser goals can lead to better outcomesThe misunderstood nature of the backyard ultra formatWhy women are underrepresented in backyard ultras and why they may actually excelReframing the DNF narrative and redefining success in last-person-standing races  Key Takeaways Curiosity can take you farther than rigid goalsDecision fatigue ends races; systems extend themPain is something to manage; injury is something to respectThe hardest part is starting the next yardBackyard ultras aren’t about suffering early, they’re about patienceWomen belong in the backyard, and the format has the potential to unlock confidence in powerful ways👉 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

    55 min

  2. FEB 3

    (Ep. 19) Backyard Ultra Gear: What to Bring, What Not to Overthink & How to Organize

    Packing for a backyard ultra can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first one. In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I break down what gear actually matters, what runners tend to overthink, and how being organized and practiced can make or break your race. Backyard ultras reward preparation, not perfection. You don’t need everything. You need the right things, practiced systems, and the ability to move efficiently between loops as fatigue sets in. Whether you’re running self-supported or with a crew, this episode will help you simplify your setup, reduce decision fatigue, and focus your energy where it matters most: staying in the game. What we cover in this episode: Gear to consider bringingWhat not to overthinkHow to think about organizationPracticing everything in trainingReducing decision fatigueYou don’t win a backyard ultra by having the most gear. You go farther by knowing what to bring, where it is, and how to use it without thinking. Preparation isn’t about control. It’s about conserving energy for the work that matters. Related Episodes Episode 6: Mastering Footcare in Ultras with Trail Medic Natasha Swartley (aka Thor)Episode 8: Pacing for Backyard UltrasEpisode 9: Crew vs. Self-SupportedEpisode 18: Preventing Foot Issues in Multi-Day Ultras with Dr. Tonya Olson👉 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

    30 min

  3. JAN 27

    (Ep. 18) Preventing Foot Issues in Multi-Day Ultramarathons with Dr. Tonya Olson

    In this episode of the One More Hour podcast, we welcome Dr. Tonya Olson, a board-certified doctor of physical therapy and co-author of the seventh edition of "Fixing Your Feet." The conversation centers around the critical importance of foot care for runners, especially those participating in endurance events like marathons and ultra marathons. Dr. Tonya emphasizes that foot issues are often one of two leading cause of dropouts in ultramarathons (the other is GI problems), and she shares practical advice on how to prevent common problems such as blisters, hot spots, and toenail issues. She advocates for a proactive approach to foot care, encouraging runners to incorporate foot health into their training plans and to be mindful of their foot mechanics and shoe choices. Dr. Tonya also discusses her extensive experience in foot care at events like Western States 100 (going on 17 years the Michigan Bluff Aid Station at mile 55) and highlights the need for runners to develop a foot care kit and routine. She stresses the importance of understanding the body's signals and being curious about one's own foot health. The episode is packed with insights on how to maintain foot health for longevity in running, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about their running journey. Things every runner should have for foot care: • Needle • 72% alcohol hand sanitizer • Liquid resin: Skin-Tac or Mastisol • Pre-cut tape • Alcohol swab • Scissors Dr. Tonya's links: Website Book Instagram @tonyakolsondpt YouTube (dozens of videos on taping your feet and on footcare products) Heel raise protocol Foot strengthening video Takeaways   • Prevent maceration   • You don't have the luxury of not liking feet.   • Every runner should know how to tape toes and feet.   • Foot care is largely completely preventable.   • Calluses are information; they're telling you that you have a concentrated area of friction.   • Never in the history of a blister has one ever gotten better by ignoring it.   • Be curious about your foot health and why issues are occurring.   • You should have a foot care kit with the basics: resin, hand sanitizer, pre-cut tape and a needle.   • The best way to test your ankle mobility is the knee to wall test.   • Runners need to communicsate symptoms clearly to their crew.   • Understanding the mechanics of why things are getting injured is crucial. 👉 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

    1h 29m

  4. JAN 20

    (Ep. 17) Bronze, Silver, Gold Tickets & The Road to Big’s Backyard Ultra

    If you’ve ever felt confused about bronze tickets, silver tickets, gold tickets, or how runners actually qualify for Big’s Backyard Ultra, this episode breaks it all down in a clear, no-fluff way. In this short episode, we walk through how the backyard ultra qualification system works, what each “ticket” really means, and how runners progress from local backyard races all the way to the World Championships at Big Dog’s Backyard in Tennessee. This episode is designed to help you understand the system without assuming you’re already chasing Big’s, whether you’re brand new to the backyard format or just curious about how the pathway works. In This Episode, We Cover: What a Bronze Ticket is and how you earn oneWhat a Silver Ticket Event is and why winning mattersHow National Backyard Ultra Teams are formedThe role of At-Large qualifying and why big performances still matterWhat people mean by the “Gold Ticket” and the World Team ChampionshipsHow runners ultimately qualify for Big’s Backyard UltraWhy most runners don’t need to worry about Big’s yet and why that’s okay  Key Takeaways: Tickets are awarded to the Last Runner Standing, not based on mileage aloneYou don’t need to win a race to be competitive through the At-Large pathwayStrong backyard performances over time are what open doorsThe backyard system rewards patience, consistency, and experienceLinks: Big's Backyard website Silver Ticket Events 2026 World Championship Team The Road to Big's World Team USA Brackets 👉 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

    16 min

  5. JAN 13

    (Ep.16) 65 Yards In: What It Takes to Stay in the Backyard with Nick Petterson

    Nick Petterson finished 65 yards (270 miles) at Summit Backyard Ultra: The Last Dance, placing top three in a stacked silver-ticket field. In this episode, Nick joins Jaci to talk about what it takes to keep showing up hour after hour, day after day, in the backyard ultra format. From pacing and fueling to mindset, crew dynamics, and late-race decision-making, Nick shares the lessons learned from competing deep into the field, and then how he turned around to win another backyard just weeks later. This conversation dives into the mental battles, the resets between yards, and why backyard ultras may be one of the most accessible ways to step into ultrarunning. Who This Episode Is For: Runners curious about Backyard Ultras or timed eventsUltrarunners looking to improve mindset and late-race decision-makingAthletes who want to understand what it takes to go beyond 100 milesAnyone fascinated by the mental side of endurance sportsKey Takeaways: Backyard ultras aren’t about speed; they’re about consistency, restraint, and resetsMental toughness isn’t fixed; it’s built through repeated exposure to discomfortThe hardest decisions often happen between the loops, not during themCommunity and shared effort can push runners farther than competition aloneYou don’t need to know how far you can go, just whether you’re willing to start againFollow Nick on Instagram @nickp_runs and Strava 👉 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

    1h 6m

  6. JAN 6

    (Ep. 15) Why Backyard Ultras & Timed Events Are the Best Entry Point Into Ultramarathons

    Looking to improve at your next ultramarathon OR looking to run your first ultra? A backyard ultra will help you with both! Backyard ultras and timed events often get misunderstood. They’re seen as intimidating, extreme, not a real ultra, or a soft ultra. But in reality, these formats are some of the most accessible, supportive, and effective ways to explore ultra running, especially if you’re stepping beyond the marathon for the first time. In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I break down why backyard ultras and timed events are such powerful entry points into endurance racing. We talk about how the format reduces logistical overwhelm, allows you to test gear and fueling safely, builds mental resilience through repetition and quick resets, and completely reframes what success looks like in ultra running. Whether you’re ultra-curious, training for your first long event, or simply wondering how far you’re capable of going, this episode will help you see the backyard format in a new way. In this episode, we cover: Why you don’t need a crew to run a backyard ultra, and how built-in community support changes the experienceHow frequent access to aid makes gear and fueling experimentation easier and saferWhy simplified logistics lead to better focus, less stress, and stronger executionHow backyard ultras help you train your mindset through small, repeatable challengesHow timed events and backyard formats redefine success and remove the fear of “DNF”Who this format is best suited for and how it can build confidence for future ultra goalsThinking about running your first backyard ultra? If you want help building the strength, mindset, and strategy to go farther than you ever have before, this is exactly what I coach runners through. 👉 Let's chat for 15min or apply for coaching 👉 Or send me a message on Instagram and let’s talk about 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

    24 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    (Ep. 14) Getting Clear on Your 2026 Backyard Ultra Goals: The Questions That Actually Matter

    Backyard ultras don’t ask if you’re tough. They ask if you’re honest. As we close out 2025, many runners are already looking at their 2026 calendars. But before you pick a race or set a mileage goal, you need clarity. In this episode, we move beyond "marathon-style thinking" to explore the mental frameworks and uncomfortable questions that actually determine success in a race with no finish line. We dive deep into why intensity backfires, how to manage your ego at 2:00 a.m., and the three-tier framework for defining success when the outcome is unpredictable. In this episode, we discuss: The "Why" Behind the Loop: Why your "Instagram answer" won’t save you when things get dark.Patience vs. Toughness: Why the most strategic runners are often the ones who look like they’re "underperforming" early on.The 2:00 A.M. Rule: How to handle the "unreliable narrator" of a sleep-deprived brain and avoid emotional quitting.Identity-Based Goals: Why setting an "X-hour" goal can actually create a ceiling for your performance.Life Capacity: Assessing if your current season of life supports the mental and emotional load of backyard training.Falling in Love with the Boring: Why mastering the "unsexy" skills—walking, strength training, and repetition—is the ultimate key to durability.Takeaways Most runners fail at backyard ultras due to unclear goals.Backyard ultras require a different approach to goal setting.Success in backyard ultras is not defined by distance or time.Patience is more important than toughness in this format.Defining success without a finish line is crucial.Decision-making under fatigue is a key skill for endurance runners.Life season and emotional readiness impact training effectiveness.Consistency in training is more important than race day excitement.Understanding your motivations can enhance your performance.Embracing the process is essential for long-term success.Featured Resources [FREE] 2026 Goal Clarity Worksheet: Before you commit to a backyard ultra, go through these questions and see where your readiness level is at. It doesn't need to be perfect to run a backyard. Just be honest with yourself so you know what areas need work. [FREE] Goal Clarity Workbook: Don’t just listen, do the work. Use the workbook or the ChatGPT prompts to get clarity on your goals in 2026. Download the exact questions from this episode (and a few more) to help you map out a sustainable and clear 2026. 👉 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

    43 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    (Ep. 13) From 38 to 67 Yards: What It Really Takes to Make a Big Jump in Backyard Ultras with Stephanie Rosebaugh

    What does it take to make a big jump in backyard ultras? Stephanie Rosebaugh, licensed marriage and family therapist, ultra runner, and author, joins me to discuss the mindset that was required in her huge jump in performance at The Last Dance Backyard Ultra, where she ran 67 yards and earned the assist, nearly doubling her previous backyard performances of 34 and 38 yards. Stephanie shares the full arc of her journey into ultras, from a late start in running to tackling Cocodona and Bigfoot 200, and how those long, point-to-point experiences shaped her approach to the backyard format. Rather than chasing an outcome, Stephanie explains how her biggest breakthrough came from committing to loving herself every step of the way, staying present, and removing comparison from the equation. The conversation dives deep into: How mindset and self-talk directly influenced her ability to run nearly three days straightThe mental reframes that helped her move through night running, bad weather, and emotional lowsWhy fueling consistency, simple routines, and acceptance of ebbs and flows mattered more than rigid strategiesThe powerful moment that led her to step off the course voluntarily and why it felt like a winHow curiosity, not pressure, is now driving her pursuit of a silver coin and a spot on Team USAThis episode is a masterclass in mental resilience, emotional maturity, and sustainable performance, and a reminder that in backyard ultras, the biggest breakthroughs often happen when runners stop forcing outcomes and start listening to their bodies, their minds, and the moment they’re in. Stephanie's IG https://www.instagram.com/stephsrunspiration/ Stephanie's book The Power of Enoughness https://books.manuscripts.com/product/the-power-of-enoughness/ Takeaways Patience and grit are essential in backyard ultras.Emotional maturity plays a key role in endurance racing.The journey of self-discovery is crucial for runners.Nutrition planning is vital for long races.Community support enhances the racing experience.Mindset shifts can transform race outcomes.Every race offers unique gifts and lessons.Flexibility is important in ultra running.Connection with fellow runners enriches the experience.Setting process goals can lead to greater satisfaction. 👉 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

    1h 1m
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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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