The Game Backyard Ultra

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: 

• Trail Racing Over Texas
• rabbit
• Victory Sportdesign
• Trail Toes
• Athletic Brewing Company
• Garmin

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.

That's my amazing support team in the background...all 5 of them.

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Next Up: Cocodona 250 (2021-May-03)

New Year, New Decade, Let's Roll!

2019 Year in Review

Its that time of year again. 2019 was a solid year for myself as an ultrarunning dad. Thank my sponsors & supporters (see my Friends) as without their support I would not be able to do as much as I did in this sport. I am proud to represent Team TROT, rabbitELITEtrail, Team Victory, & Team Nathan. The biggest thanks goes to my family whom without this wound definitely not be possible at all. I love it when they are able to be there in person and cheer me on and crew & support me at ultras (Thank you to all 5 of my women in my life).

2020 Here I Come!

Well, honestly it's probably been solidified a few weeks or even months ago for most people, including myself. But the "lottery season" (i.e. December) was just upon us and probably currently underway for the last few like UTMB. Now that I have not been drawn for Western States I have my first 7 months lined up more or less. Here it is, my current 2020 race schedule thus far:

January

• Bandera 100 km (Bandera, TX)
• Since I didn't get into Western States I require another qualifier for 2020 season and what better way than getting it out of the way early.
• GOAL: Destroy my 2018 time of 13:36:21, hopefully sub-11 hrs in reality.

• Running the Rose 108 km (Tyler, TX)
• headed back to defend my victory from last year and because these trails are epic. 
• GOAL: of breaking the 11 hour mark. I was just over this last year.
• Love this course in the pine trees and cool January weather

February

• The Franklins 200 mi (El Paso, TX)
• headed back to El Paso because I have come to love this place to run here in Texas. I've run the Franklin Mountain race twice now and the Franklins 200 last year as well. I've put in ~300 miles so far on these Mountains....why not add another 203 or so?!
• GOAL: sub-60 hour. I have no idea if this is possible. If you read my race recap from last year everything basically went pretty dang good. So I have no idea if I can repeat last years time (64h & change) or effort. This is part of the exploration of the unknown.
• 2020 is the last year for this event. It is being replaced by something bigger (mileage wise) in 2021-Feb. Check out the TROT website for more details. Rob Goyen has already dropped hints of this on his monthly FB live updates and it now appears on the schedule (all the details are not fully finalized yet - but it is in the line up).

March

• Chattanooga 100 mi (Rising Fawn, GA)
• This will be my first Run Bum Tours (Sean Blanton) event, I've heard nothing but good things and can't wait for a race in another new state and area for me.
• GOAL: I have not researched into this too much, but my initial goal will be a top-10. I may revise my goal as I get closer and dive into the race stats & profile more.

April

• The Game - Backyard Ultra (Columbus, TX)
• I ran this last year and won this event in a weather filled day in Dale, TX. I made it 23 loops/hours before my assist dropped out. I anticipate more like 150 mi (36 hours) to even have a shot at the victory this time. Great event put on by Spectrum Trail Racing.
• GOAL: Win this event. Obtain the "golden coin" which gets an invite to Big's Backyard Ultra "Last Human Standing" in 2020-Oct.

July

• California Untamed 330 mi (Arcata, CA to Mt.Shasta, CA)
• Yes you read that correctly....330 miles of point-to-point.
• California Untamed is an extreme Ultra Marathon, stretching 330 miles from Arcata (the ocean) to Mt. Shasta in beautiful Northern California.  It is the longest, most extreme endurance foot race in the Continental United States.
• GOAL: Finish & be as competitive as I can be.
• This will be my A-race of the year. Everything prior to this will be building towards this, so I may even throw in extra training or racing efforts among the above mentioned races.
• Watch the preview film of the course HERE of race director Ryan Spitz forming the course.

Along with these I aim to get in some more volunteer hours in my running community:

• I help out at my local run club, Sugar Land Running Club (SLRC), since its inception in 2019-Aug and I definitely want to continue this each week when I can.
• Goal of getting more trail work hours logged for 2020 (not just the minimum for race entries).
• Help build the Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT) trail community by giving back more.

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Let the training begin!

Suffering from Big's Backyard Ultra Withdraw?

The feat at this years Big's Backyard Ultra (BBYU) was awesome. Are you suffering update withdraw? Well you are probably not alone! The epic battle the last 2 years out there on that farm has been very exciting for us ultra fans to follow along with every 45-59 mins refreshing and clicking our various feeds to follow along, wondering who made it, who dropped out, and who is left. The simple concept of endless loops where speed really doesn't matter has become a very addicting thing to follow especially when Laz puts on the main event each year at his farm where we all tune in and read his poetic hourly updates as the story unfolds.

2019 BBYU Champion Maggie Guterl who became Last Man Woman Human Standing after 60 loops, 60 hours, 250 miles
Photo: @do_your_impossible

I can not wait for my chance to run some loops…again. Come join me in April 2020 at The Game put on by Spectrum Trail Racing, for a chance at a golden ticket for the Last Human Standing on Earth (next October back in Tennessee).  Spectrum puts on great events. I ran with them the past 2 years in this format. Last year they were an affiliate for BBYU but we collectively didn’t run enough loops to be one of the golden tickets winners for the event. Check out my blog write up on it here for 2019 event.

The Game Backyard Ultra by Spectrum Trail Racing (2020-Apr-18 | Columbus, TX)

Spectrum’s Race Directors (Mallory & Jason Brooks) were on top of it now and got onto the golden ticket list for 2020. You can see the popularity of this format by the sheer number of golden ticket races and subsequent affiliates for next year’s Big’s event in Bell Buckle, Tennessee (see picture below). I foresee unless you have one of the coveted ultra-resume that gets you an invite or are a winner of one of these golden ticket entries you may not even have a chance to get to the event on Laz’s farm. I think the general lottery format may be drastically reduced if not gone all together. He has generally capped the event around 70-ish runners which I read somewhere has more to do with the size of the event and his yard, which makes complete sense.

Check out the google doc for all things BBYU: Backyard Stats (by Rich Cranswick) - you can also find this on the Big's Backyard Ultra Facebook Group Page which is where it is linked from. The visual below we be updated and show the progress for the 2020 BBYU entry process which actually began as of August of 2019. 

2020 BBYU golden ticket (yellow: 38) & affiliate races (red: 36). Updated as of 2019-10-21

So if you are suffering from withdraw, no worries, there is still a lot of backyard ultras to follow. Check in with the Facebook group as each of these races often update progress on here, and often Laz himself shouts out praise to the winner and the assist runners.

Thank you Gary "Laz" Cantrell for creating a captivating concept. 

I hope to see you on your farm one day and meet Big himself.

Getting Loopy: The Game Backyard Ultra

Getting Loopy

The Game Backyard Ultra

Ultra #038 | Trevor Meding

Originally posted on Facebook notes 2019-04-21.

History

Official backyard ultra rules posted by Laz |
Photo: Backyard Ultra Facebook page

The Game is one of the backyard ultras that has become a very popular format due to and his Big’s Backyard Ultra that got a lot of press coverage last year when Johan Steene (283.335mi), Courtney Dauwalter (279.168mi), and Gavin Woody  (270.835mi) all went deep into in this format. Spectrum Trail Racing had this format already for the past 2 years, but with the rise of these golden ticket races they adopted the official rules and came up with a course this year that fits the 4.16667 mi loop format. When I first moved to Texas back in 2017 I ran this race with Spectrum as a long run training race where I completed 50-ish miles in preparation for a 100 miler I was training for.

For 2019 Lazarus Lake had opened his registration for the Big's Backyard Ultra and got a lot of interest. He has a 2-part selection process to get the best field. Initially he selects everyone based on their prior achievements and successes (completed already), and then later this year is a lottery process for the remaining people who put in their entries (this has not happened yet for the 2019 race). This year due to the excessive interest and the pop up of all these “copycat” backyard ultras Laz decided to make a golden ticket way of entering his race to further enhance the depth of the field at his main event in Oct-2019. Laz announced in Dec-2018 that the winner of the 10 affiliated races around the world would all gain entries into 2019 Big’s. In addition to the international Last Men Standing, two more golden tickets will go to the winners with the greatest mileage from these affiliated North American Backyard Ultras. And this is where the Spectrum race fits in.

The Game

Pre race coffee stop: Buc-ee's

03:00 wake up and time to gather my last items and get on the road. A relatively short 2.5 hour drive to the Ball Farm just south of Austin, TX. I arrived just before check-in at 06:00. The morning was still cloaked in darkness. There was rain in the forecast due to an incoming storm from the coast and so the humidity was high which kept the morning temperature warm. I found my way down the side entrance following the race signs and came through the trees to the parking which was adjacent to the large outdoor pavilion at the farm. Spectrum had lights strung up and the peacefulness of the morning was calming at this point. I parked and walked the 150 feet over to the start/finish area where a few tents were already set up for crewing purposes. I scouted out the area, and talked to Mallory Brooks, Spectrum Race Director, and then I picked out my spot and started lugging my gear over. Set up my tent and unpacked my Victory Sportdesign gear bags setting my supplies out in my tent strategically. Since I am always early and take pride in being ready on time I sat down in my chair in my tent setup and enjoyed the remainder of my coffee and delved into my kolaches I had purchased at Buc-ee’s on the way. People were now starting to file into the parking and setting up their tents and gear as the light was slowly creeping into the morning. Actual sunrise would occur until 07:06 when the race began.

My TROT teammate, Dena arrived and took a spot next to me. We were both excited to be able to push each other in this format and were scheming the prior few days of how we would do so. I met a couple other runners whom I had brief acquaintances with before and we chatted briefly as everyone was getting prepared.

Pre-race briefing | Photo: Spectrum Trail Racing

After a briefing everyone grabbed last minute items and the chatter quieted down as the seriousness was turned up slightly. Being a different format, I got the sense of everyone’s excitement and as the countdown began….07:00 was here, and off we went. We took off into the trees and started winding around a jeep type road. This quickly thinned out into a mad up singletrack section that came upon a small lake the farm had on their land. The morning light was beautiful at this point and I was grateful to be out on my feet yet again. The course winded up a small hill and joined back onto an old overgrown jeep road that swung around the remainder of the lake. Then we disappeared back into the shaded section of some more trees. There was a nice small ditch section here that dropped about 20 feet and popped right back up. (Eventually this section would hold a nice puddle at the bottom and eventually become a nice up and down mini climb on the slick dirt). The course came up to the farm fence line and from there we turned and followed the perimeter of the land, where it transitioned into a gravel road for about 0.5mi portion. After this short gravel the route jumped back onto a jeep road and here was a uneven short stretch that was an ankle twisting nightmare (Later on, post-storm, this would be an obstacle course of dodging puddles for rest of race). The last portion of the loop winded around the open fields and shrubs of the farm, around the actual homestead at the farm and to a table near the start/finish. The table was a half way point where you grabbed a poker chip, as proof of getting there, and returned all the way to the finish arch where you returned the poker chip and ended the loop at the aid area. Spectrum made this slightly more interesting by writing short questions on each chip you would answer as you returned it to them crossing the finish line. Some of the questions were examples like:
• Favorite food?
• Cats or Dogs?
• Longest you’ve ever gone without sleep?
• Sing or Dance?

These simple little questions often kept my alert and made me focus as I did the last half of the loop before returning the chip in.

The loop overall was a great mix of singletrack, jeep road, a short gravel section, and some open meadow type fields that wound its way around the Ball farm property. I had envisioned a plainer and more boring route to be honest, and so I was pleasantly surprised.

My initial plan was to tick by 45 minutes loops and have 15 mins to rest and aid myself in between. Loop 2 provided slight excited as a group of 4 of us where we turned wrong at one point and didn’t realize it until we ended up having runner coming at us, because we were turned around and on the wrong direction. We added like 0.4 extra mileage on our 2nd loop, bad for being a looped course, but that is trail running. Loop 3 and 4 we started to get some minor rain and slight dampness. The storm that was predicted had seemed to be delayed or maybe miss us totally? After 4 hours we started our 5th loop in the rain and headed out, and it was at this point the sky opened up as well and a downpour ensued. About 1 mile into the outward section the thunder and lightning had begun, and it was quickly closing in. There was 3 strikes that were within mere miles of our proximity based on counting time between the flash and the loud boom. At this point it was like running in the shower. Everything was soaked, my rain jacket was rendered useless to the onslaught of mother nature. There was even a short bout of hail the size of peas or maybe slightly bigger. Jason Brooks, Spectrum Race Director, was out in the storm flagging everyone down and waved into the covered pavilion at the start/finish area. Here we stood as a collective group in a Texas storm and not knowing what this meant. Was the race over? Did mother nature just decide it for us? Were we allowed to keep running on the farm in these conditions? No one knew. The race directors were concerned for the runner’s safety due to proximity of these lightning strikes, and rightfully so. We performed a head count to ensure everyone was back since the lightning had been within 1 mile of the course.

Once everyone was gathered up Mallory announced that we would access the conditions every 15 minutes and once there was no lightning in the area anymore we would continue. As fast as this storm blew in, it was starting to leave us on the farm in the same fashion. Mallory & Jason then announced we would head back out on the course at the top of the hour. Since the course was so twisting and winding it was really easy to get back to where you left the route, and so they employed the honor system where we’d all head back out to where we stopped and continue on from there. In the end we had to shelter in place under the pavilion for what ended up being a 30 minute total delay overall, including the time in and back out onto the course. The remainder of loop 5 was finished and we were now starting & finishing the loops at the bottom of the hours, due to this Texas weather delay. Of course, being a farm and just natural land type route there was multiple ponds and new water holding areas out there. I later recall my shoes never fully dried out well into the dark hours of the night.

My oldest 3 daughters crewing. My shirts also hand drying now
that sun was poking out a bit | Photo: Katie Meding

At the very end of Loop 6 my crew was just showing up on the scene. They were also slightly delayed from arrival because of the storm. I was very happy to see all their smiles and gave me quite a boost as it always does. I kept maintaining my 42-45 minute loops and kept that time in where I could get my feet up for 10-12 minutes before each loop start. So far I was enjoying the experience, beside the soaking feet that was unavoidable due to the prior storm and the puddles left behind. I think I ended up going through 4 pairs of socks, but never did change shoes.

My pace kept consistent as we slowly dwindled the field of competitors. I was waiting for the 12 hour (50 miles) and then again at 15 hour (100 km) mark since they we the nice round numbers. I expecting to see more people drop off at these typical ultra distance milestones. As the night hours crept in just after that 12th loop headlamps came out, feet were still wet, but the spirit was elevated of the remaining competitors.

My entire ultra family crew | Photo: Mallory Brooks, from Spectrum Trail Racing Facebook page

14 runners started loop 14, then a couple more dropped. Sadly, my TROT teammate Dena fell off here after loop 15. I was hoping we’d be pushing till loop 30+ together.

12 souls started loop 16.

Can’t recall exactly what happened here but only 7 people headed out for loop 18. I believe this was the time in the night where the colder wind began to pick up and cool off significantly. Especially since most of us were damp and worn out from the day’s moisture.

6 started loop 19.

4 runners began loop 21.

And then just like that we were down to 2 people for loop 22. I was left standing with Joshua Houser. I knew the sunrise was just around the corner and was really looking forward to the warmth and the rejuvenation ultra runners often feel with the start of a new day that comes with the reset of natural circadian rhythms. Besides I had been receiving texts from my wife and she was about to pack up the kids again and head back out for the day, and that would be another big boost.

Facebook post updating the Big's Backyard Ultra group page

Loop 23 started, which would be the last one with a headlamp for next 12 hours. I kept my pace aiming for my 45 minute loop still and was ahead of Joshua. By the time I arrived at the half way table where the poke chips were, Mallory was there and said well “I have good news and bad news”. I knew instantly what this meant. I was now the only person on the course as Joshua had turned around. This meant all I had to do was complete this loop 23 and I’d be the winner, but at the same time this meant the backyard ultra was over and we wouldn’t have a chance at the golden ticket (This part was known as the prior races had already achieved 31 hours/loops, and so we knew starting this would be minimum needed to have a chance at this). I took the news in the good & bad way. I had planned mentally on being there for a long time and even had a personal day off work on Monday lined up in case we went into day3 of running. I thought it might take 48 hours (200 miles) to win this event, but the Texas storm probably had something to do with the field achieving less time than I had predicted. There were a lot of strong competitors out there. I thought of all of these as I slowly returned to the finish on what was my final loop. I did a lot of walking here now not pressured at all knowing I would not have another loop to prepare for. I recall my final thought before jogging it in. I don’t remember if this was from a documentary or I read it on an article, but it came from Laz himself. He stated how each competitor needs each other out there to draw the best out of one another and be able to push the other, for once it is down to one person the desire to continue on a simple loop is all but gone. He says he’d seen it time and time again on the final loop when the eventual winner must go out and finish without anyone. And these final 2 miles back to the finish was exactly how I felt. I could have physically gone on for a long time, but knowing there was no one else to run against my motivation to continue had just automatically resided. How far could I have gone on for? I guess I’ll have to wait to find that out.

Results

My STRAVA activity is posted here (https://www.strava.com/activities/2290039340). I had 23 loops of 4.166667 miles which came out to just shy of 100 miles. I totaled 3,967 ft of elevation gain.

Official results | Photo: taken from Spectrum Trail Racing website

Pre-loop selfies. I though of this concept right before I started and kept it up throughout the race.

The Game trophy. A very cool & unique gift well earned.

My Gear Used

·        Gear Bags: VictorySportdesign

·        Shirts: TeamTROT jerseys, and many different rabbit tops

·        Shorts: rabbit ELITE team split shorts

·        Shoes: AltraRunning TIMP 1.5

·        Socks: Drymax Socks

·        Jackets: rabbit, & a warmer Salomon running jacket at night.

·        Headwear: rabbit, BOCO gear

·        Sunglasses: Goodr

·        Watch: Garmin Fenix 3 HR

·        Hydration: NathanSports Inc ExoDraw 18oz Handheld

·        Headlamps: NathanSports Inc Halo Fire

·        Nutrition: Tailwind Nutrition, fruit, coca-cola, and a bunch of other random stuff.

Data

My own spreadsheet data post-race. Lap analysis.

My own graphed version of the laps (running time vs inter loop time).

Thank You

·        Trail Racing Over Texas | Team TROT

·        rabbit | rabbitELITEtrail Team

·        Victory Sportdesign | Team Victory

·        Nathan Sports Inc | Team Nathan

·        Altra Running

·        Trail Toes

·        Drymax Socks

·        Goodr

Spectrum Trail Racing for being gracious hosts and putting on a stellar event. Mallory & Jason Brooks for making the right call in the storm moments and managing through the conditions. The homemade pizza and burgers that Spectrum provided to the runners was amazing fuel during the day!

My wife, Katie, whom is always my biggest supporter and allows me to do these crazy adventures. I am so thankful when she is able to attend and be there. My 4 little one who inspire me as well.

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