What is a backyard ultra?
The backyard ultra is a form of ultramarathon race where competitors must consecutively run the distance of 6.706 kilometres in less than one hour. The race is over when only one runner remains to complete a lap. This runner is marked as the winner and only finisher, with all other runners receiving a “DNF”.
Wikipedia
Learn more about backyard ultras, records, and how to organize one, here.
Backyard Ultra Marathon Documentary – Just one more lap
I watched this documentary on YouTube and took notes of they key mental aspects for competing in this type of endurance event to share with you. The participants in the documentary are inspiring, I definitely encourage you to watch it.
Mental aspects that can be applied to life
- Nobody knows how long it will last.
- When we are going through a hard life event, we usually don’t know how long it will last.
- It’s not a high-pressure thing, but it becomes hard.
- Whether or not we put pressure on ourselves throughout our lives, challenges can still occur. Practice being kind to yourself and avoid too much needless stress that you may cause by placing too much pressure on yourself.
- Can push your limits in this format to see how far you can go.
- Foster the mentality that you can do hard things and to strive for more, but of course, while maintaining a healthy and achievable goal.
- Learn from experience. Manage your time really well.
- The willingness to walk to the starting line over and over again. Every hour when it already hurts you and you know it will hurt more.
- Be willing to keep going, even during the toughest times. Keep the steps of your goal manageable to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Why are you doing it? Who are you doing it for?
- List your reasons why.
- Here are the reasons that I run: Reasons Why I Run: Digging deep
- It begins at lap 25 because all of the standard goals are met and the people left are the ones who want to try to win.
- Stand out from the crowd and go above and beyond. Exceed the expectations of others, and possibly even yourself.
- Whoever wants it the most will likely be the last person standing.
- This can be applied to a career goal.
- Know when it’s time to stop.
- Avoid harm to yourself. As we say in the ulramarathon community, “live to fight another day.”
- “Everyone grows through being mentally defeated. It isn’t easy growth always, but you grow.” – Laz
- Keep in mind, that the more you do something over and over again, the more seasoned you become at doing it.
- Be patient with yourself and don’t give up through this process. It takes time, sometimes years, to develop a particular skill.
- You share your experience with the other runners and know that they also worked hard to be there.
- When we go through a tough time, it can be helpful to keep in mind that you’re not alone, even though it can feel lonely
- If they beat you, they made you better because you can’t get better without the other runners in this race format.
- Push others to do their best.
- “Have fun out there.” – Laz
I hope that you found something in this article interesting or helpful. These are good life lessons.
Are you feeling inspired to give a backyard ultra a try? Why do you feel drawn to this kind of event? How far do you think you will make it?
If you’ve participated in a backyard ultra, what lessons did you learn? Do you apply any of them to everyday life?
Related reads
My General Plan for Finishing Burning River 100 (2023)
Mental Strategies for Running in the Heat
Visualize How Your Race Training Fits Into Your Week For Success
How Do You Get Pumped Up to Race?
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I am a mindset and mental wellness coach for ultrarunners here in the United States.
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Disclaimer: I am a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. Specializing in anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. I am a mandated reporter. Coaching is a non-clinical service. During coaching, I do not diagnose or treat mental conditions.
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Give dry a try
Over the years of running ultramarathons, I’ve learned the importance of preparing my body and mind for the events. Part of this involves taking a break from consuming alcohol. My husband and I love beer, but I needed to take a few weeks off, or even a few months off, to go along with my race preparation. Plus, I think that taking breaks is a good idea, anyways.
Thanks to Athletic Brewing Company, who brews non-alcoholic beer, it’s less miserable taking a break. Their beer tastes like real beer because IT IS. I feel great about their products, which are carefully crafted. They use high quality ingredients and have a variety of styles to choose from. Sours, IPAs, Lager, Darks, etc. Some of their brews are vegan.
During these periods of not consuming alcohol, I noticed that in general, I feel better. My sleep improved, and I’d have less anxiety during the day.
Did you know that alcohol can negatively impact your sleep and can increase anxiety?
If this is something that you would like to try, order online or shop at your local grocery store.
I hope that you enjoy these products as much as I do!
8 thoughts on “13 Mental Aspects of the Backyard Ultramarathon for Life”