Imagine This…
You’re at Kivi Park, nestled in Sudbury, Ontario, surrounded by rugged rock ridges and twisting forest trails. It’s a crisp 5°C (41°F) in the morning setting up the crew area at 5:45am, but by midday, the sun beats down at 28°C (82°F). You’ve got exactly one hour to cover a 6.7 km (4.16 mi) loop—no more, no less. Come back too late, and the race is over. Complete it in 45 minutes, and you’ve rewarded yourself with 15 precious minutes to catch your breath before doing it all again, for however long you can, that is.
Welcome to the BB Backyard Ultra—where endurance, strategy, and mental grit collide.
I went in determined to discover my limits, and after 12 hours of running—finishing 11 loops (75 km/46.6 mi)—I found them.

Backyard Ultra 101:
The Basics and the Brutality
One Hour Per Loop: Cover 6.7 km (4.16 mi) in under 60 minutes.
Last Person Standing: There’s no finish line; the race ends when everyone else is either timed out or drops out.
Mind Over Matter: Physical conditioning will get you halfway, but mental resolve carries you the rest of the journey.
Unlike a standard marathon or ultra, you can’t just push through to a single, defined finish line. Every loop is a reset, forcing you to toe the start line over and over. Each hour, you’re confronted with the question: “Can I do 1 more lap?” The mind games this format introduces are as challenging as the miles themselves.
My Why: “Just Don’t Quit”
A Mantra Born At Mont Tremblant
The motto “Just Don’t Quit” has been my wife Marisa’s and my mantra since she tackled her first Spartan Beast in Mont Tremblant. I wrote those words on her arm with a permanent marker to keep her motivated when the going got tough, and it worked. Ever since, “Just Don’t Quit” has been more than a phrase—it’s a promise we make to ourselves: no matter how ugly it gets, we don’t walk off that course unless our bodies physically fail us.
I brought that same spirit to the BB Backyard Ultra. It was my guardrail whenever doubt creeped in, which it did, and you'll see as you continue reading.

The Build-Up: Training for a Different Kind of Challenge
By October 2024, I’d already racked up a busy race calendar: multiple Spartan Trifecta weekends, a Spartan Ultra, plus a marathon to boot. My endurance base was solid, but I quickly learned that Backyard Ultras are their own beast. Simply being fit isn’t enough—you have to adapt your training to match the race’s stop-and-start format.
Key Training Focuses:

Simulating the Hourly Loops
I practiced running 6.7 km sets at a pace that left me about 15 minutes of recovery time. Over several weeks, I built up to 4–5 such loops in a single training session, plus the additional running/strength sessions I was already doing as apart of my programming. This really helped me figure out how to manage transitions between “race pace” and “rest mode”, and dial in a pace where I could run mainly aerobic without letting my HR get out of control.
Heart Rate & Pacing Control
Going out too fast early on can destroy your day. As I mentioned above, I targeted a controlled aerobic pace, ensuring my heart rate didn’t spike in the opening loops, and then the plan was keep training that consistency as the mileage increased each week.
Mental Toughness Drills
Running without music, tackling loops in the rain or in heat, and practicing self-talk strategies all prepared me for the inevitable mental lulls. I knew coming into this race that half of it was going to be a mindgame. I had reached out to athletes who had completed this format of race and picked their brains on what worked for them, and the same thing came up time and time again - you need to be able to beat your mind on those loops.
Logistics & Crew Practice
Each loop gave me a short rest break—just enough to hydrate, refuel, and address any issues (like changing socks). I rehearsed these mini “pit stops” in training, so I could become as efficient as possible come race day.
Race Day: Highs, Lows, and Mind Games
Temperature Swings: The drastic temperature range was one of the race’s biggest challenges for me personally. Starting the day at a chilly 5°C (41°F), I was layered up in long sleeves, a sweater, and gloves. By midday, however, the mercury hit 28°C (82°F), and I found myself peeling off layers to stay cool, and changing wet shirts almost every lap. Managing body temperature became a constant balancing act: staying warm in the early hours without sweating too much and avoiding overheating as the day progressed. This variability tested not only my endurance but also my ability to adapt quickly.
Pro Tip: When preparing for a Backyard Ultra with large temperature swings, pack layers that are easy to remove and put back on between laps. Thin, moisture-wicking base layers and a lightweight windbreaker can go a long way in keeping you comfortable.

Kivi Park Terrain: The looped course at Kivi Park was as beautiful as it was challenging. Rugged rock outcroppings, root-filled trails, and the rolling hills kept me on my toes. Every step required careful attention to avoid tripping or rolling an ankle. The technical terrain also meant I had to adjust my pace frequently, saving energy on the climbs and staying controlled on the descents and flats.
The constant variety underfoot made it both mentally engaging and physically demanding. While the scenery was a welcome distraction, the relentless focus needed to navigate each lap took a mental toll as the hours wore on.
Pro Tip: If your Backyard Ultra course features technical trails, practice running similar terrain during training. Build your confidence navigating rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces, especially when tired.
Crew: The Secret Weapon
You can run a Backyard Ultra solo, but having a reliable crew is a game-changer. My wife Marisa was my crew chief, and she orchestrated everything—from water refills to gear swaps. I can hands down say I wouldnt have gotten as far as I did without her.
Additionally getting to run alongside my friends Josh Bye and Dylin Gilbert, made tackling each lap so much more fun. There is something about suffering with friends, but also having your friends keep pushing you when you need it to go that much further, an invaluable resource. Their camaraderie kept my morale high, and we alternated between bouts of focused silence and bursts of banter when we needed a mental lift.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have a personal crew, set up a small “aid station” with your essential items (snacks, fresh socks, first-aid kit) to minimize lost time between loops.
Breaking Point #1: 50 km (31 mi) Stomach Crash
What Went Wrong: I’d been feeling pretty solid until around the 50 km point, but then I hit the dreaded nutrition meltdown. In my eagerness to stay energized, I overdid the sugary drinks and gels, resulting in some brutal stomach pain that left me unable to eat or drink anything from that point on.

How I Bounced Back:
Surprise Visitor: My father-in-law unexpectedly showed up, driving an hour just to support me. Seeing him at the crew area turned what could have been a downward spiral into a moment of true inspiration.
Reset & Recover: I forced down some water and stayed on top of my salts to ensure I wasnt cramping. It wasn’t optimal, but it bought me time to regroup mentally.
Breaking Point #2: The Mental Grind
By the eighth hour, fatigue and monotony set in. You start questioning why you’re out here. The conversation in your mind becomes a battle of “I can do this” vs. “I can’t take another step.”

Where It Got Weird
Ultra races can get bizarre—“Ultra races—where things get weird!” as my buddy Dylin said. People sing off-key Disney tunes, strike up random conversations about life’s biggest questions, or laugh at jokes only the deliriously tired would find funny. The sense of community, however, is uplifting. We’re all in the same boat—pushing our bodies, testing our minds.
Why not let your inner freak out and let things get a little weird!
Breaking Point #3: An Emotional Lifeline
Just when I thought I’d run out of energy, Marisa unveiled her master plan: video messages from my closest friends and family. She had gathered them over the weeks leading up to the race, saving them for my darkest hour.
The Impact:
My grandparents, uncle, mom, training partners, and friends all offering words of encouragement or inside jokes.
A tear (or two) might have slipped out. That emotional jolt refilled my motivation tank enough to head out for another loop, and ultimately got me to hour 12.
Watch This Unfold: Check out my YouTube recap for the full story: Testing Limits – My First Backyard Ultra
The Final Lap & Hard-Earned DNF

When the 12th loop rolled around, my body had reached its limit. My legs felt like concrete pillars, my stomach was still uncooperative, and every cell in me was screaming to stop. But I still showed up at that corral, determined not to quit. I started the loop, symbolically, before admitting that I simply couldn’t go any further.
Final Tally: 11 loops completed, 75 km (46.6 mi) covered, and a final lesson in listening to your body’s absolute limit.
Lessons Learned & Deeper Takeaways
Early and Ongoing Nutrition
Mistake: Waiting until I felt depleted to adjust my fueling strategy.
Fix: Pre-load your body with balanced calories (mix of carbs, fats, and proteins) and stay consistent with electrolytes. Avoid relying solely on sugary gels or sports drinks.
Pace Yourself, Loop by Loop
Finding Balance: Running too fast early wastes precious energy. Going too slow means barely making the cutoff, leaving little time to rest.
Sweet Spot: Aim to finish each loop with enough time to sit, stretch, and breathe. It’s a marathon of hours, not just a single stretch of miles.
Mindset: Embrace the Suck, but Stay Grateful
Monotony Is Real: You’ll run the same loop so many times you might start memorizing every root and rock. Accept it and focus on the positives—like consistent landmarks that help measure progress.
Community Is Everything: Chat with fellow runners, volunteers, and crew members. They’ll keep you laughing and grounded.
Pit Stop Efficiency
Don’t Dilly-Dally: Have a set routine for each break—change shoes if needed, grab a quick snack, refill your hydration, and get your mental game in check.
Stay Organized: Label your gear and nutrition so you’re not scrambling each time.
Know Your Why
When the Pain Hits: Reconnect with the deeper reason you signed up. For me, it was “Just Don’t Quit,” which reminded me that every loop was a testament to my resilience.
Why a Backyard Ultra Is Worth the Pain
Despite the grueling nature—both physically and mentally—there’s a transformative magic in this format. You discover what you’re made of when forced to decide, loop after loop, if you can continue. It’s not just about chasing miles; it’s about uncovering your mental thresholds, forging friendships, and experiencing the raw camaraderie that emerges when people struggle together.

If you’re on the fence, consider these perks:
Mental Strength Gains: A Backyard Ultra trains your brain to deal with adversity in a unique way.
Community & Camaraderie: There’s an electric sense of unity in repeating the same loop with fellow runners.
Self-Discovery: You’ll learn your limits, your triggers, and what truly motivates you—lessons that spill into everyday life.
Final Word: Take the Leap
A Backyard Ultra is such a unique style of race. My journey ended at 75 km, but the lessons and friendships I gained are immeasurable. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or new to long-distance events, the Backyard Ultra offers a uniquely challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience.
Train Smart: Simulate loop conditions and perfect your pit-stop routine.
Fuel Right: Don’t wait until you’re on the brink of collapse to realize your sugar intake is off.
Embrace the Pain: Each loop is an opportunity to prove you can keep going.
Lean on Community: Crews, volunteers, and fellow runners form a supportive, tight-knit environment that carries you further than you think possible.
Just Don’t Quit: When your mind whispers “stop,” remember your why.
If you’re tempted to join the ranks of Backyard Ultra survivors, stop wondering and start training. You’ll discover parts of yourself you never knew existed. And trust me—once you’ve tasted this format, it’s impossible not to want another shot at one more loop.
Watch the Journey Unfold
Curious about the raw, behind-the-scenes moments of my first Backyard Ultra?
Check out my YouTube recap: Testing Limits – My First Backyard Ultra
So, will you answer the call of the Backyard Ultra? Remember: the only real finish line is finding out how far you’re willing to push yourself. For me, it was 75 km. For you, it might be two loops or twenty. The point is to show up, give your all, and—above all—just don’t quit.
Acknowledgments
Bush Bitches & André Dumais: For orchestrating an incredible event in Kivi Park.
Marisa, Josh, and Dylin: The ultimate support crew and race companions. Your energy and patience were unmatched.
Michael Rouleau: A special shoutout to the winner who hammered out 25 loops, battling harsh weather and fatigue to claim victory.
Volunteers & Fellow Runners: For the high-fives, jokes, and endless inspiration. You made the event worth every painful step.
Written by Chris Gilbert
Owner & Head Coach, TNT Fitness
Certified NCCPT Personal Trainer | Tactical Conditioning Specialist
Helping individuals achieve purpose-driven fitness for life & performance.
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