Another Backyard Rumble!

Short Version, (#TJM style) race report Haiku:

The Game Backyard Ultra

Round and Round We Go.

One Hundred Twenty Five Miles. Shit!

Cocodona in Two Weeks.

*This was read on Ten Junk Miles Podcast | 2021-06-04 | Episode: Gang Show 154 - Alex Bleiweiss

https://tenjunkmiles.libsyn.com/website/gang-show-154-alex-bleiweiss

Long Version, more details:

I have been lucky enough to have done this format a couple times before:

2018 The Game - Last Runner Standing | 48.91 mi, 6th "DNF" (not official "Backyard Rules")
2019 The Game Backyard Ultra - Race Report | 23 yards, 95.87 mi, 1st overall
2020 Quarantine Backyard Ultra (Virtual) - Race Report | 26 yards, 109.39 mi, top41 "DNF"

I have been anticipating coming back to join Spectrum Trail Racing and give this another go. This time it was different. This year Spectrum had an extra carrot for us silly enough to sign up - a Golden Coin - which is the ticket/invite to the infamous World Championship of Backyard Ultras put on at Laz's farm every October: Big's Backyard Ultra. Not going to lie, this was a big goal of mine heading into this one to get myself an invite to Big's by attempting to be the last person standing.

Saturday morning we got up pretty early from our house in Sugar Land. We packed up the entire family and all my gear and off we went. A short mix up at the local Starbucks attempting to get our coffee caused a little extra time getting on the road, but that's life. In the end both myself and my wife Katie were able to get our caffeine for the 1h 20m drive out to Columbus, Texas. I had been out to the ranch the evening before after work in order to secure a spot for our tent (aka base camp) for the race. As we parked I started unloading and hauling the remainder of my gear and cooler full of food over to our claimed area right near the start finish arch. Katie was getting the kids fully dressed and into some warmer clothes as the air was crisp and the wind kept the air temperature cool.

Sitting in my nice comfy chair I was just chilin' and hanging out with the kids keeping myself relaxed. The race nerves were present but also not really because I knew the race wouldn't really start until about 24 hours later. Around 07:45 the Race Directors (Mallory & Jason Brooks) gathered the crowd of runners and started the race brief which also included a brief history lesson of the Ranch 88 from the owner himself.

Pre-race brief. Photo: Katie Meding

Our kids were getting ancy just sitting there trying to stay warm in the cool Texas morning. Typical kids as we had only been outside for like 20 minutes at most and they were already complaining wanting to go warm up in the van before seeing me off to start. The countdown was on, the runners were called into starting corral, as the final minute was now here. I kissed all five of my girls one at a time, and then ducked under the rope and into the starting area. 08:00 and the cow bell was run nice and loud. Off we went!

The course was a lollipop with about a 200 m chute straight down from the start/finish where it opened up to the left down into the trees and to the right were it started off into the pasture. The loop was pretty nice and it was a complete circle where we'd go around the loop and then back up the chute to the finish line. There was a nice mix of open pasture field (true Texas ranch style), trails through the canopy of tress, and couple small dried up creek bed crossings, and animal carved paths throughout the ranch. The trail was quite rough and very crude, which made for footing placement to be precise as to not twist or jack your ankle.

The Game loop at Ranch 88. Photo: STRAVA

As I went around the first loop I was stuck in the middle of a conga line on this ranch animal made singletrack. This kept my pace under control and allowed me to absorb the sights and sounds of the loop. I tried to notice everything I could about the loop as I went around the first time. I was mentally noting the mid point of the loop and a couple of the major points. The group I was running with this first loop settled into decent pace that ended up popping us out into the last portion of the pasture within sight of the start/finish in the distance around 41 minutes into the hour. Another 4 minutes later and I was there coming back up the chute to the finish arch. I thought it was a slow pace, but in fact it was the perfect pace! I was aiming for 45 minute loops, which would give me that 15 minute interloop time. My crew of girls were all there to greet me as I kicked my feet up and just relaxed in my chair and sipped some water.

The 3 minute warning was called out and the runners slowly gathered in the corral. I waited in my chair sitting there a mere 10 feet away, but once the 1 minute warning came I got up and got myself in position. The unique aspect of The Game here is that either Mallory or Jason, whomever was exactly at the start at the time, would flip the coin to see which direction we would be running. So it was left to chance each loop whether it was clockwise or counter-clockwise. This added a slight nice element of chance into the loop later on. In the beginning it did not seem to matter much I thought. At one point it did seem like we ran a clockwise direction for like 6 times in a row - not sure the statistical probability on that, but it is certainly low.

Start of a loop. Photo: Spectrum Trail Racing.

Very quickly after the first couple loops the groups and paces were evenly divided among the large group of nearly 90 runners out there who had started. By the forth or fifth loop I was running closer to the upper portion of the pace groups, but not overreaching myself. I had found myself a comfortable pace that allowed me to come in each time around 41-43 minutes with some consistency. It was working nicely. As the loop direction changed sometimes it would take a bit for me to keep on the target pace I had, but sooner or later I got it back.

My 2nd daughter Lily, running with my up the final
chute into the finish of the loop. Photo: Kaite Meding.

Each time I would get back in sight of the finish area, which was a nice large open area of the pasture that the start/finish chute lead up, my daughters were there running around looking for me amongst the other runners. Often I could here them yelling "there he is....Daddy!" - it was my favorite part of the loop every time. Around 14:00 or so my family was headed out on the short drive back home. I said goodbye and informed them I would see them tomorrow morning, which would be at the 24 hour mark or more. But admittedly I was a little bummed they were leaving for the day as they truly did give me a boost coming in from each loop. On the flip side I was committed to running long as they were my ride home too and wouldn't be back till at least Sunday morning.

The days loops kept ticking by and the number of runners was very slowly dropping off, but honestly not as fast as I thought it might be. Coming into the 12th yard, which would signify the 50 mile mark, there was nearly 50 runners still standing, I think 49 to be exact if I recall, a very good showing for the race. At this point I knew The Game would be going to 24+ for sure, just based on the amount of people left. I was still up near the front in terms of pace, but there was a decent group of 5-7 people who'd still be running in front of me at this point, doing faster loops.

The sunset came at around 19:49 I believe so it was almost exactly when I was finishing off my first 50 miles into the event. for the next loop I took only my headlamp as I thought I wouldn't need a lot of light just yet. I've been using NATHAN headlamps for years now so I am used to them. Running in the open areas and pastures I didn't even turn on my headtorch at first, but as soon as we ducked under the canopy of the tree cover it was super dark and a light was required. Arriving back at my base camp completing loop 13 I knew I wanted more light out there in the darkness of the corners of the ranch. I got out my newly purchased kogalla RA adventure light. I put it around my waist and lined up for the next loop. I've done a couple test runs with this light prior (I purchased it for my upcoming Cocodona 250), but utilizing it during a race to test it out further was a great opportunity. The moment I got out and running I turned on my light and bam....the span of 120 degrees of brightness shined in front of me. I literally ran this loop 4 minutes faster with the new light guiding me through the night. I felt so much more confident with the amount of lighting in front of me. The next few laps I received a few comments and inquires about my light as some of the other runners seemed to enjoy it as well. Every once in awhile I'd find one or two runner right behind me for majority of the loop, most likely enjoying the addition light in front.

I have done a lot of night running in my relatively short ultra running career. My usual low during overnight ultras happens around 03:00-06:00 right when those natural circadian rhythms kick in from the build up of natural melatonin rises to tell the body to sleep. I am quite aware of it coming, and often try to stave it off with caffeine and by simply just continuing to move forward. The extra light from the kogalla RA seemed to really help and may have aided me in not getting as drowsy as I usually due in the wee hours of the morning. Coming around to the sunrise at our last loop with lights was yard 23, and there was still 5 runners standing in The Game. It was just beginning...

Finishing the 24th yard - 100 miles.

I texted my wife and asked when they were coming back on one of my breaks. I asked for some hashbrowns from McDonald's when they did - I love me some potatoes late into ultras. After the 24th yard and completing 100 miles we lined up for the next loop and only 4 were now on the line. The other runner had just completed his first 100 mile and called it a day. I can't recall exactly when the 4th place runner dropped out but I think it was after 26(?) cause if I recall correctly my family had just arrived, which was just before the 10:00 loop - which would have been yard 27. Either way there about I got my beloved hashbrowns from my amazing crew, family, and supporters. I gobbled them down and was ready for more miles. I was feeling good and still ticking by at a good pace so I thought now down to the final 3 runners.

Loop 28 something happened suddenly where I lost a couple minutes on my overall loop time, nothing super significant, but it felt harder. Then all of a sudden loop 29 it got slightly slower again (and was my slowest yard yet overall). I discussed my difficulties with my wife when I returned again and to put my feet. She reassured me and simply told me to rest. I heeded that advice and attempted to close my eyes. Too soon I was back on my feet as the 1 minute warning was called out. As usual I awaited for about 30 seconds before getting out of my chair and stumbling over to the corral and fist bumping my 2 competitors. Yard 30 had begun, and I was off with the thoughts in my head and y dwindling pace. I felt so slow and even took 3 walk breaks during the loop. I had only taken one significant walk break on each of the prior 29 loops, so I felt the slow drip of my body not wanting to keep the pace anymore. I let it get in my head.

Finishing a loop, pressing the lap on my Garmin. Photo: Jason Brooks, Spectrum Trail Racing.

I arrived back at base camp and kicked up my feet and starting chatting again with Katie, telling her, I think that it was over. I had come in in 0:48:43 so in reality I still had a full 11 minutes of rest time interloop, which in all honestly is a lot in these type of events, but I felt slow and could feel my pace slowing dropping 3 loops in a row now. I have to hand if to my wife, she said all the right things, and was being the best crew chief and supporter possible. I sat there being all pessimistic and told her I had thought it through. I got up for yard 31, lined up with Nick and Vincent gave our pre-loop fist bumps and then I sprinted off the line ahead of them. About 50 yards down the chute I stopped turned around and gave them each high fives as they went by informing them I was done and surrendering my effort in The Game. I was done after 30 yards complete and 125 miles officially run. I slowly returned to start/finish arch to a small crowd of applause from the few spectators still remaining, and of course both Mallory and Jason. I thanked everyone and went over to hug my wife and kids.

I have given up. My body had not failed me yet...and in the backyard if you are not willing to go until your body gives out on you, you will never find out how far you can go. I finished yard 30 with 11 minutes to spare for rest and still convinced myself I was done. Physically I know there was more there...how much...well we will have to wait to find out next time I line up in a backyard because on this day, my mind told me I was done, and I caved to that thought. There is no room for weakness in the backyard, especially in the mind of the runners. All weaknesses will eventually get exposed. That is why this format is such and intriguing and fun event.

Until the next time....

Cause there will be a next time.

My Tips for some success at your next Backyard Ultra

*NOTE: results may vary, no guarantees*

1. Maximize the time OFF your feet.

This is crucial if you want to maximize what you want to get out of yourself and test your limits at the backyard ultra format. This is tricky as it depends on pace and how you split your running time versus your interloop time. Either way, as soon as you arrive back to your base camp - get off your feet!
Photo: Mallory Brooks, Spectrum Trail Racing.

2. Get a your base camp set up AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE to the starting corral.

Also keep in mind vicinity to other amenities such as the porta-potties and/or the aid station table (if one if provided).
Note that during the first 24 hours or so this is a crazy area of the race with my people and spectators potentially, so it will likely be loud and ruckus. However later on in these races people are very respectful and allow the then tired racers to get whatever minimal rest they can interloop.

3. Ensure you have a GOOD CHAIR with your own preferred snacks/drinks located directly within reaching distance when sitting down.

I suggest a cooler right next the chair acting as a table as well.
This year I bought a anti-gravity incline chair (Magellan Outdoors) which was amazing! I recommend something like this to kick the feet up as high as possible between running loops.
most ultras you may have been warned of "beware of the chair" but here in the backyard you must embrace the chair!

4. Get as much SLEEP as you can.

Easier said than done, especially if you have not experienced long endurance events. Having run a few 200+ events now and a few other backyard formats I have learned to almost get myself to sleep as needed (not always the case).
Part of my strategy of running 45 minute loops was to be able to have 15 minutes interloop: 10 minutes for sleep (or at least closed-eye resting), and 5 minutes to eat and whatever else as needed. During the night loops I got about 10 minutes of sleep for the majority from midnight till 5a.m.

5. Have your watch settings dialed in ahead of time.

Have all the settings worked out on your watch prior to the event. This sounds like a no-brainer but for an event like this you don't want to think about extra details like changing settings or worrying about your data.
I use a Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar and I have my settings ready to go. I use the "Ultra Run" activity widget and here are a few tips for any other Garmin users. This type of activity automatically tracks rest time when you hit the lap button. The screen displays current rest duration as well as the total elapsed time since starting. Second tip is I have a "drink alarm" set for every 20 minutes. This is extremely useful for this 1 hour looped event because as the loop unfolds every 20 minutes the alarm would beep and I knew exactly where I was at 20 minutes and again at 40 minutes. It helped me gauge where I was in terms of my pacing on the course every lap as the event went on. I didn't even have to look down, the alarm would go off, and I just knew where I was based on the spot on the loop comparatively.
I am sure other brands have similar function, but Garmin is my brand of choice! (do your own research for your particular device….ahead of time).

My Garmin "Ultra Run" activity. Display showing the rest period. This photo is cropped from one clearly after my 29th yard, but shows how simple the data is for viewing.

6. Have a great support crew.

A Great support crew can be pivotal in any ultra. But one in the backyard where you have a set amount of time to get up out of our chair and back in the starting corral at the top of every hour is especially important. The longer the race goes the more crucial your crew becomes.
Having your favorite foods, snacks, and drinks set out for you on returning from the loop saves time and makes it easy on the runner.
I recommend fellow ultra running friends, or even better a awesome supportive family such as mine. Some of them may not be the best at crew logistics (yet), but they are cute and provide all the inspiration I need.

My crew chief, my biggest supporter, my best friend, my wife.

My 2 oldest daughters giving me a big hug after completing a loop. Photo: Katie Meding.

Results and Statistics

Flow of the race:

1st yard- The Game begins: 86 runners start
2nd yard- 86 runners start
3rd yard- 80 runners start
12th yard (the 50 mi yard)- 49 runners start
14th yard - 30 runners start
17th yard (100 km done)- 20 runner start
24th yard (the 100 mi yard)- 5 runners start
25th yard (100 mi done)- 4 runners start
31st yard (125 mi done)- 3 runners start (I dropped after seeing the final 2 off the start)
34th yard- winner determined!

Vincent Barrientos (@vincentbarrientos) won The Game by completing the 34th yard.
Nick Nelson (@blackflagrunning) completed 33 yards, started the 34th but turned around.

STRAVA stats: 126.87 mi | 2,274 ft+ | 14:11/mi overall average pace
Overall Time: 30:00:19 elapsed time

21:20:29 running time (71.14%)
08:39:31 interloop rest time (28.86%)

STRAVA activity: https://www.strava.com/activities/5152057093
Results: 3rd overall, but still technically a "DNF"
Achieved my backyard Personal Best of 30 yards (previous was 26)
This was my 75th ultramarathon & my 21st completion of 100 miles or more

My personal spreadsheet data analysis of the race numbers.

Gear Used

kit (top): rabbit - all sorts of various shirts used
kit (bottom): rabbit 5" FKT shorts
jackets: rabbit Elements light wind jacket
hats: rabbit (BOCO gear)
Gear bags: Victory Sportdesign
Lights: kogalla RA adventure light wore around waist & a NATHAN Halo Fire headlamp (as backup)
Flasks: NATHAN 20oz handheld
Socks: Drymax
Shoes: Altra TIMP 1.5
Anti-Friction Body Lube: Trail Toes
Watch: Garmin fēnix 6X Pro Solar (finished with 43% battery life still)
Eyewear: goodr (Sorry, Not Sorry (But Actually Sorry) edition)
Chair: Magellan Outdoors Oversize Anti-Gravity Lounger
Cooler(s): x1 YETI & x1 Coleman

Thank You

Huge shoutout to the Race Directors of Spectrum Trail Racing, Mallory & Jason Brooks, whom put on a great event. The race was a pretty decent size and they kept up a great upbeat atmosphere throughout the event with music, pizza for the runners, and a well stoked aid station at the start area. Thank you for putting on The Game and encouraging us to run far and push our limits.

Thanks to my sponsors and supporters:

Last and certainly not least thank you to my 5 ladies in my life (Katie, Addison, Lillian, Paisley, Hazel) whom without their support I would not be able to do what I do. Not only do they allow me the time to train for these crazy endeavors, they came out this weekend and supported me and cheered me on. I am truly grateful for their support.