Top 10 Backyard Ultra Tips 

Glad you found it useful. Backyard ultra coming up for you?

I used a "data field" called "backyard estimate." I'd hit lap at the end of each lap. It autostarts at the top of each hour. It would give me notifications 3 minutes out from the start of each hour, which was nice to get me ready. In the end it also did a nice job of tracking for me. One further strategy was to bring a battery block and charging cord for a loop when the battery started getting low. I ran that loop around 2am with my watch in a pocket. Didn't get hr numbers that loop, but at 3am I had a full battery and didn't have to think of it again.

have u tried vibram 5fingerz?

I have not tried any toed shoes. I'm a big fan of separating toes. But just have not bough the bullet on any of those type of shoes. Do you think they are worth it? I did the barefoot thing for a while. I do see the benefit, but with the high miles I put in, the lack of cushion I think leads to too much injury risk.

Obviously the course will dictate the needed footwear. Assuming the terrain is doable with road shoes, I'd lean that way personally. My thoughts are: Road shoes tend to be lighter, especially the Atreyu's I run in. When hoping to go a really long distance, I think any extra weight, especially on the feet, adds up over time. I also have never felt I needed or wanted support from my shoes. Always thought the more my shoe supports the less my ankles are able to adapt, and I've had very few twisted ankles or feet issues. Looking at your channel my guess is you know much more about this than I do, so feel free to tell me if I'm waaay off in left field. Moisture / grip could also be factors where the need for trail shoes could be necessary. JT & I lucked out on perfect conditions, and a trail that was in the range of what our road shoes could handle. My shoes did have a carbon plate in them which I think worked very well as a rock plate. I think my feet too less of a beating than JT who did not have the plate. Lastly, I just don't like running in trail shoes. Louder, firmer foot strikes, and too bulky. Thanks for watching & commenting. Looking forward to diving deeper into your content. Ben

... and best of luck in your backyard ultra? Is it your first? Goals or expectations?

@@boptmn thanks for the response! That is great info and I definitely agree, if possible, letting the foot be the primary support rather than a shoe artificially supporting. I had plantar fasciitis for years and then worked on strengthening my arches (I have very flat feet) and haven't had PF since! I also have some of those Yaktracs for extra grip if it gets muddy. Pretty hilly day course but flat road night course. I go with the Asics GT 1000s for a bit of support but still pretty light weight. Thanks for checking out the channel and the tips!

@@boptmn thanks! 1st ultra race but have run 30+ before. So shooting for 50, 100miles, or more as A, B, C goals. Your video helped a ton with things to think about to prepare!