Can you keep going when everything in you wants to stop?
One More Hour is the podcast for backyard ultra runners, ultramarathoners, trail runners, and people who want to master the ultrarunning mindset and push their limits. Hosted by run coach and backyard ultra expert Jaci Wilson, this show dives into the strategies, stories, and science behind going one more hour.
Each week, you’ll hear from athletes, race directors, sports psychologists, sleep specialists, nutrition experts, etc., on what it takes to thrive in endurance running and timed races. From fueling and pacing strategies, to building mental toughness and overcoming fatigue, you’ll gain the tools to train smarter, race stronger, and stay in the game when it gets tough.
Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon, curious about the backyard ultra format, or chasing a new PR, this podcast will help you go beyond what you thought possible.
Hit follow and join the community of runners learning to embrace the challenge, trust the process, and keep going, one more hour at a time.
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After the Last Yard (Ep.3): Megan Smyth | Team USA, 82 Yards & Working Together as a Team
Season 2 · Episode 63
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • Duration 01:12:12
Megan Smyth joins Jaci Wilson on The One More Hour Podcast for another episode of After the Last Yard, a special series featuring Team USA athletes reflecting on the 2026 Backyard Ultra Team World Championships.
After earning her place on Team USA with a massive 77-yard performance at Banana Slug, Megan headed to Big’s Backyard Ultra ready to see how far she could go. She completed 82 yards, set a new personal best, and became the last woman standing at the World Team Championships, all while helping Team USA secure the team victory.
But for Megan, the experience was about much more than the numbers.
In this conversation, Megan shares what it was like to compete at the legendary Big’s Backyard Ultra, how the team’s willingness to support one another changed the race, and why she believes teamwork helped so many athletes push beyond their previous limits.
In this episode, we discuss:
Going from a big PR at Summit to a 77-yard performance at Banana Slug and earning a spot on Team USA
What surprised Megan about the Big’s course, from the technical trails and climbing to the heat and extra fueling demands
The decision to transition to the road loops earlier and how the team adapted together
Why teamwork was one of the biggest keys to Team USA’s success, including the legendary “Ron Express” and a full-team lap
Sleep deprivation, accidental naps, audiobook tricks, and singing to stay awake
Nutrition strategies that worked, from smoothies and caffeine pills to Megan’s unconventional ham, cheese, and pickle roll-ups
Why there’s no single perfect strategy for pacing, fueling, or getting sleep in a backyard ultra
Becoming the last woman standing at 82 yards and why Megan was still disappointed when an ankle tendon injury forced her to stop
The lessons Megan is taking into future backyard ultras and her upcoming 24-hour race
What made the Team USA experience so special, and why the team championship meant even more to her than her individual achievement
Megan’s biggest takeaway? You don't have to do it all alone. Whether you're struggling through a night loop or having a great stretch, being willing to ask for help, and offer it to someone else, can make a difference.
After the Last Yard (Ep.2): Ron Wireman | Team USA, 42 Yards & the Power of Racing Together
Season 2 · Episode 62
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Duration 01:21:34
Ron Wireman has been to Big’s Backyard Ultra for both the team and individual championships, but the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships gave him a new perspective on what it means to race for something bigger than yourself.
After battling years of injuries, Ron entered the race as an alternate and worked his way back into shape with a focused training approach. He ultimately completed 42 yards at Big’s, and while the result wasn't what he hoped for, the experience left him more motivated than ever to return.
In this episode of After the Last Yard, Ron takes us behind the scenes of Team USA’s championship experience, sharing the team’s strategy, the controversial course decisions, the challenges of racing through difficult conditions, and the moments that showed just how much athletes can accomplish when they work together.
In this episode, we talk about:
Coming back from injury: Ron’s history with Achilles tendinitis, hamstring and knee issues, and how he approached training in the months leading up to Big’s.
The difference between racing for yourself and racing for a team: How Team USA approached the World Championships with a shared strategy and a commitment to helping one another keep going.
The course controversy: Why Team USA voted to change its course, the decision to run the road loop during daylight, and the practical considerations behind those choices.
Teamwork over individual performance: Why Ron believes Harvey sacrificed his own race to help teammates and give Team USA the best chance to win.
Nutrition, setbacks, and lessons learned: What Ron took away from his 42-yard performance and the things he wants to improve before his next backyard ultra.
Knowing when to push and when to protect your body: How years of injuries have changed Ron’s perspective on the risks of racing through pain.
What comes next: Why Ron is eager to return to the backyard format, his upcoming goals, and the possibility of racing at Last Soul Ultra.
Ron’s story is a reminder that a race result doesn't tell the whole story. Sometimes the biggest takeaway isn't the number of yards you complete, but what you learn, how you show up for your teammates, and how much more you want to do when it's over.
After the Last Yard (Ep.1): Nick Steel | 94 Yards for Team USA at Team Champs
Season 2 · Episode 61
Monday, October 26, 2026 • Duration 01:01:46
Welcome to the post-race edition of The Road to Bigs, After the Last Yard, a special series for the Backyard Ultra Team World Championships, where I sit down with members of Team USA to talk about their experience, the highs, the lows, the lessons learned, and what comes next.
Nick Steel ran 94 yards (391+ miles) at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships, helping Team USA secure the team victory. But his experience at Big's was about much more than the distance.
In this post-race conversation, Nick shares the behind-the-scenes stories we didn't get to see on the livestream, from howling at coyotes and playing Minecraft during the early yards to the sleep deprivation, struggles, and teamwork that defined the race.
We talk about:
The power of teamwork: Helping Greg through a difficult yard, lending Scott a knee band, and how John and Levi helped Nick when sleep deprivation nearly took him out.
The moment that changed everything: Nick was ready to quit during yard 94, but hearing Ava encourage him helped him get back up and finish the yard.
Sleep and recovery: How a few minutes of sleep completely changed his mental state and what he'll do differently in future backyard ultras.
The course and race rules: Nick's thoughts on the technical trail loop, the road loop, and the confusion surrounding communication, crew, and social media rules.
The lessons from Team Champs: How running 94 yards changed his perspective on what he's capable of and why helping others can be just as important as your own performance.
What's next: Nick's goal of completing 301 100-mile races in 2026, his plans for 2027, and his hope to return to the world championships.
Nick also reflects on finding joy in running, the importance of living in the moment instead of constantly comparing yourself to your past performances, and why he believes every runner is capable of more than they think.
🎙️ Follow Nick Steel: Instagram: @nicksteelruns YouTube:
(Ep.57) 10 Lessons From the Backyard Ultra Team World Championships You Can Use in Your Next Race
Season 2 · Episode 60
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • Duration 01:05:52
What can the world's best backyard ultra runners teach you about your next race?
The 2026 Backyard Ultra Team World Championships featured (it's still going at the time of this recording!!!) athletes pushing beyond 100 hours, running through multiple nights, and discovering just how far they could go. But you don't have to run 100 yards to learn from the best.
This episode breaks down 10 lessons from the Backyard Ultra Team World Championships that you can apply to your own backyard ultra, whether you're chasing your first 24 hours, trying to break through a plateau, wanting to run 70 yards, or looking to push your personal best even further.
You'll learn why you should:
Get off your feet early and make recovery a habit from the very first lap.
Close your eyes, even if you can't sleep, to give your brain a break from constant stimulation.
Have a variety of fueling options to combat palate fatigue and keep eating when your favorite foods stop sounding appealing.
Prepare your crew to reduce your mental load, solve problems, and help you execute your race plan.
Run boring, repeatable laps instead of wasting energy trying to bank time early.
Protect your buffer and manage your time between laps so the clock doesn't end your race.
Expect to suffer and learn how to navigate the low moments without assuming your race is over.
Plan beyond yard 24 instead of allowing the 24-hour mark to become an automatic stopping point.
Give and accept help because you don't have to navigate every low alone.
Recognize that your personal best isn't your ceiling. Your past performance is information, not a limit on what's possible next.
The biggest takeaway? You don't need to be a world-class athlete to apply world-class principles. Small decisions around pacing, fueling, recovery, crew support, and mindset can make a meaningful difference in how far you go.
Ready to build your backyard ultra strategy?
Join Jaci's free workshop (recording available), Learn how to approach pacing, fueling, mindset, crew, race-day logistics, and execution so you can prepare to go farther than ever before.
(Ep.56) Before Big's: What I'm Watching for in Team USA at the Backyard Ultra World Championships
Season 2 · Episode 59
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 51:07
The World Backyard Ultra Team Championships kick off October 17, and Team USA is heading to Big’s Backyard in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, to take on the best backyard ultra runners in the world around the world.
In this episode, Jaci breaks down five key factors she’ll be watching as the race unfolds, from pacing restraint and fueling decisions to sleep strategies, team dynamics, and the importance of depth over individual performances. With every yard contributing to the team’s overall result, the question isn’t just who can go the farthest, but how many athletes can keep going when the race gets hard.
Can Team USA put multiple runners over 100 yards? Who will adapt when their plans fall apart? And how will teammates balance individual race strategies with the shared goal of helping the team go as far as possible?
Jaci also explores why the strongest-looking runners early aren’t necessarily the ones who last, why patience is a competitive advantage, and what we can learn by watching the best backyard ultra athletes in the world tackle new challenges.
Whether you're a backyard ultra runner, a fan of the sport, or following Team USA on the road to the World Championships, this episode will help you watch the race with a deeper understanding of the strategy, decision-making, and mental resilience that make backyard ultras so fascinating.
🎧 Catch up on The Road to Big’s, the special series featuring pre-race interviews with members of Team USA.
📺 Follow the Backyard Ultra World Championships live on YouTube starting October 17, and watch the lessons unfold one yard at a time.
👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.
⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.
The Road to Big’s (Ep.4): Jennifer Russo | Team USA
Season 2 · Episode 58
Thursday, October 8, 2026 • Duration 25:56
Welcome to The Road to Big’s, a special series from The One More Hour Podcast featuring the athletes representing Team USA at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships.
Jennifer Russo is heading back to Big’s for her sixth consecutive year. With more than a dozen backyard ultras under her belt, a resume packed with 100- and 200-mile races, and a 2023 performance that made her the first woman to run 300 miles in the backyard format, Jennifer has been a major part of the growth of women’s participation in the sport.
In this episode, Jennifer and Jaci talk about:
What keeps bringing her back to Big’s year after year
The unique dynamic of a Team USA year and this year’s mix of veterans and newcomers
Why she’s especially excited to see three women on Team USA
The challenges of the Big’s course, especially the cold nights and the third day
Her strategy for conserving energy and hanging farther back this year
Why she tries not to know what yard she’s on
What she’s learned from 100- and 200-mile races and what the backyard has taught her in return
Her experience becoming the first woman to reach 300 miles in a backyard ultra
The importance of not comparing your race to what everyone else is doing
What she hopes to learn about herself at this year’s Team Championships
The grit she believes she brings to Team USA
Why she wants to run with gratitude and give everything she has
Jennifer also shares her prediction for Team USA and why she thinks it’s time for a woman to break 100 yards.
The Satellite World Championships kick off October 17, 2026, with Team USA competing on the Big’s course in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
The Road to Big’s continues with more Team USA athlete interviews leading into race day, followed by post-race conversations after the clock stops.
👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.
The Road to Big's (Ep.3): Jon Noll | Team USA
Season 2 · Episode 57
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 • Duration 27:36
Welcome to The Road to Big’s, a special series from The One More Hour Podcast featuring the athletes representing Team USA at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships.
Jon Noll is heading back to Big’s for his sixth consecutive year, after setting the all-American record last year with 111 hours and 462.5 miles.
In this episode, Jon and Jaci talk about:
Why Big’s has been his primary racing focus for the past five years
Why he prefers the team years and the camaraderie they create
What makes this Team USA squad so exciting
How his training and approach have evolved over the years
His biggest change in sleep strategy: stop stressing about sleep and rest whenever you can
Running through the night with Harvey Lewis and the power of having someone beside you
What went wrong during night five last year and how that experience is shaping this year’s plan
His “one hour at a time” approach to an event that could last 100+ hours
Ham and cheese sandwiches, oatmeal, caffeine, and fueling late in the race
Why knowing the Big’s course so well can be an advantage
The role he hopes to play in helping his teammates through the day loops
His prediction for Team USA and why he thinks three or four Americans could reach 100 hours
And the one thing that matters most to Jon: pushing all the way to his limit
The Satellite World Championships kick off October 17, 2026, with Team USA competing on the Big’s course in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
The Road to Big’s continues with more Team USA athlete interviews leading into race day, followed by post-race conversations after the clock stops.
👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on
(Ep.55) Your Brain Is Doing Its Job: The Psychology of the Backyard Ultra with Sarah Strong
Season 2 · Episode 56
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 01:01:23
What actually happens in your brain when you're 20, 40, or 60 hours into a backyard ultra and suddenly everything feels harder than it should?
In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I'm joined by Sarah Strong, aka The Trail Therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, certified ultrarunning coach, and ultrarunner who specializes in the mental side of performance.
We talk about what happens when your brain starts telling you, "I can't do this anymore," and how to respond without automatically believing every thought that shows up.
Sarah breaks down mindfulness, anxiety, fear, negative thoughts, nighttime hypervigilance, and the tendency to start negotiating with yourself deep into an ultra. We also talk about why trying to argue logically with yourself often doesn't work when you're highly activated and what you can do instead.
You'll hear practical strategies for:
Staying present instead of thinking 12 hours ahead
Recognizing when your brain is spiraling
Shifting your attention out of your head and into your body or environment
Handling the heightened anxiety and fear that can come with running at night
Preparing for the "defense attorney" in your brain that starts building a case for why you should quit
Using visualization and mantras to make mental skills more automatic
Helping your crew support you without trying to "fix" your thoughts
Creating a plan for the predictable mental challenges you're likely to face
Processing a DNF without turning one race into a judgment about who you are as a runner
Sarah also shares specific tools runners can practice in training, including body scans, mindful check-ins, chunking, environmental awareness, counting, breathing, visualization, and her "SNACK" approach to getting out of a spiral.
One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation: the goal isn't to get rid of difficult thoughts or feelings. It's to notice them, create some space from them, regulate your body, and then decide what to do next.
The Road to Big's (Ep.2): Scott Snell | Team USA
Season 2 · Episode 55
Monday, October 5, 2026 • Duration 32:16
Welcome to The Road to Big’s, a special series from The One More Hour Podcast featuring the athletes representing Team USA at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships.
Scott Snell is no stranger to Big’s. He has competed at the event multiple times, including on Team USA, and this year he’s heading back with a mindset shaped by those past experiences and a renewed appreciation for what makes the team format so special.
Scott and Jaci talk about:
What keeps bringing him back to Big’s year after year
Why he actually prefers the team years to the individual World Championships
How his mindset changed between the 2022 and 2024 team events
The power of having teammates beside you when the race gets hard
The difference between racing for your own performance and running every yard as a point for Team USA
How he balances high hopes and big goals with realistic expectations
A memorable sleep-deprived moment from the 2024 race involving Scott, Cody, and some very enthusiastic “USA!” chants
And the mindset Scott hopes to carry through four days and four nights: focus on the process, not the ending
Scott also shares his prediction for Team USA, and it's a big one. 👀
The Satellite World Championships kick off October 17, 2026, with Team USA competing on the Big’s course in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
Follow Scott on Instagram: @beastcoasttrailrunning
Use code SCOTT10 for 10% off at Mount Coast.
The Road to Big’s continues with more Team USA athlete interviews leading into the World Championships, followed by post-race conversations after the clock stops.
👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.
⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.
The Road to Big's (Ep.1): Scott Martin | Team USA
Season 2 · Episode 54
Sunday, October 4, 2026 • Duration 26:43
Welcome to The Road to Big's, a special series from The One More Hour Podcast featuring the athletes representing Team USA at the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships.
In this episode, Jaci sits down with Scott Martin, an ultrarunner with more than 120 races on UltraSignup and a recent 78-yard backyard PR at Banana Slug, where he covered 325 miles.
Scott earned a spot on Team USA two years ago but was unable to compete because of injury. Now he's back and heading to Big's with a much bigger question in mind: How far can he go?
Scott and Jaci talk about:
What it means to finally get his shot at Big's after missing out two years ago
Representing Team USA and the unique dynamic of competing as part of a team
What he learned from his 78-yard performance at Banana Slug
Why he believes the key to a backyard is simply starting the next loop
The mental challenge of watching other runners and assuming they're doing better than you
His goal of experiencing a fourth night of backyard running
Why the difficult parts of the race can actually become easier the longer he goes
And what it would mean to Scott to truly find his limit, even if he isn't the last runner standing
Scott also shares the fascinating story behind how his diagnosis with ankylosing spondylitis changed his relationship with running and ultimately helped shape the consistent, high-volume runner he is today.
The Satellite World Championships kick off October 17, 2026, with Team USA competing on the Big's course in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
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Follow The One More Hour Podcast for more The Road to Big's interviews with Team USA leading into the World Championships, followed by post-race conversations after the clock stops.
👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.
⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.
The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset, a podcast by Jaci Wilson - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
