July 24, 2024
I’ve ran 10 backyard Ultras in the last four years. Birdy’s Backyard Ultra three times, 24, 28 and 36 laps (hours). Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra four times 47, 34, 28 and 24 laps. Hysterical Carnage twice 37 and 27 laps and finally No Time to Die 33 laps (for my only win) .
That’s a total of 318 laps (hours/yards) and 2,130 kilometres, over 13 days running around in circles. That’s a long time running around in circles but the format is so much more than that, it’s the ultimate social ultra. Every hour , on the hour, you get to start at the front of the pack and it’s the runner who finishes last , not first, who takes out the win. Basically taking racing and switching it on its head, taking out the physical benefits and substituting them with mental toughness (albeit you still need to be able to run 6.7km loops in the hour of course.)
In case you’re sitting on the fence regarding this format I’ve written a post on each BYU I’ve ran, plus a post on the growing popularity of the event. It’s becoming a force of nature…
Backyard Ultra’s
https://www.runbkrun.com/2022/08/01/backyard-ultras-the-new-marathon/
Herdys 2021
https://www.runbkrun.com/2021/04/04/herdys-backyard-ultra-probably-the-run-of-my-life-so-far/
Herdys 2022
https://www.runbkrun.com/2022/03/27/herdys-frontyard-ultra-2022/
Herdy’s 2023
https://www.runbkrun.com/2023/03/23/herdys-frontyard-ultra-2023/
Herdys 2024
https://www.runbkrun.com/2024/03/31/herdys-frontyard-ultra-2024/
Birdys 2020
https://www.runbkrun.com/2020/08/16/most-fun-you-will-ever-have-in-running-gear/
Birdys 2021
https://www.runbkrun.com/2021/08/30/birdys-backyard-ultra-wow-just-wow/
Birdys 2022
https://www.runbkrun.com/2022/08/18/birdys-backyard-ultra-2022/
Hysterical Carnage 2021
https://www.runbkrun.com/2022/03/01/hysterical-carnage-backyard-ultra/
Hysterical Carnage 2022
https://www.runbkrun.com/2022/11/18/back-to-back-milers-and-grand-slams-hysterical/
No time to die 2022
https://www.runbkrun.com/2022/09/25/no-time-to-die-it-wasnt-and-i-didnt/
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Big shout out to fisiocrem , this product is just incredible for tired and aching legs. I use it daily and have noticed a vast improvement in recovery.
Bix hydration is just ace, a product brought to life by Vlad Ixel a professional ultra runner who knows a thing or two about hydration. ( https://www.bixvitamins.com/ ) The best thing about Bix is it tastes good with many different flavours and you never get sick of drinking it, this is a big plus as Maurten and Tailwind (both great products) can be difficult to digest later in the event. From the website :-
As an Australian elite multiple trail running champion, with wins in over 40 ultra-marathon races across Asia, recovery from training and races has always been my top priority.
In searching for a solid recovery and hydration supplement, I recognized that critical vitamins and minerals – both in diversity and quantity – were missing from almost all supplements on the market. I had the feeling that in an effort to maximize their bottom-lines, companies in the hydration space, failed to deliver a product that could meaningfully assist athlete performance.
In order to address this, I began the development of a hydration product. After two and a half years of development alongside a leading German sports scientist, BIX Recovery, an advanced, high-quality recovery drink was born.
BIX boosts 12 active ingredients scientifically balanced to replace lost electrolytes and assist in immune function. It’s designed with quality vitamins and minerals, in quantities that work!
BIX is a recovery solution for everyone, that will get you to the top of your game!
What can I say about HumanTecar, ( https://athleticus.com.au/ ) it looks great, smells great and is awesome for recovery or even pre-run/workout. Read about the science behind it first and then try the products. The compression bandages are just magical after a long event. Put these on and the next day you are recovered, I have used them on a number of occasions and they never fail to astound me albeit the family poke fun at me as I look like a ‘mummy and smell funny’ !
Fractel ( https://fractel.com.au/ ) have your performance headgear covered. I love the colours and the functionality of these hats, I guarantee there is one model you’ll fall in love with.
Shokz headphones, let you keep in touch with the world around while losing yourself in quality tunes or podcasts. ( https://shokz.com.au/ )
T8 running apparel is the best you can get, second to none. Designed for the ultra humid Hong Kong conditions the owners live in. It is light and does away with any chaffing worries. T8 is the name given to the highest typhoon warning in Honk Kong, storms and typhoons with gusts exceeding 180kph, which explains the branding. ( https://t8.run/)
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