Little Dog's Backyard Ultra (Hosted by Laz!)
I've been looking forward to Little Dog since Strolling Jim in May. It's a Laz race, named after his dog named Little, and has its own unique charm unlike any other. This is the 2nd year of the race after Big's (the original) got too large to be an at-large event. A backyard ultra consists of completing 4.167 miles every hour until there's 1 person remaining and they are the winner. Technically, everyone else DNFs in one of the following ways: not finishing on time (timed out, over an hour to complete), incomplete (not finishing a yard), or refusing to continue. The race is counted in yards, loops, or laps and is equivalent to how many hours the race takes place. The day loop is a trail yard in Laz's actual backyard. This year the course has been revamped with new bridges and amazing trail work. The night yard is a 2.08333-mile road run out and back.
I enjoy the format of Backyard Ultras and Last Man Standing events. It rewards composure and consistency. Something I have lacked in other long-distance events this year. One mistake can contribute to a missed cutoff and you're out! I was really amped up, anxious, and nervous about this race. I packed all my gear anticipating that Hurricane Ian was going to complicate things with poor weather. I remained excited throughout the week as the weather outlook improved and was very excited to get off of work and head up to Bell Buckle despite having a cough and cold.
I drove up Friday afternoon to set up the campsite and tent area that I was sharing with my friend Molly. I had most of the layout configured to optimize space for both of us. It was good to connect with her crew of Jen and Ryan. Per the rules, each person is allowed 1 crewperson, however, my planned crewmate had a conflict, so I offered my crew spot to Molly to help her out (and hopefully me too). It was nightfall when we were done setting up and I quickly got my air mattress inflated without a tent. Turns out there was a miscommunication in the race instructions and camping before wasn't really encouraged. I offered to sleep in my car, but thankfully the guy next to me, Jonathan, helped to resolve the situation and I slept on an air mattress on top of some gravel. Somehow the mattress didn't pop!
The weather was decent and I was able to get a good amount of sleep under the circumstances and woke up minutes before Molly and her crew arrived which was an hour before the start. We laid out all our gear for easy access to essential items and begin talking about strategy and how the event will play out. Laz's tent city was on full display and the energy was electric. Some people had elaborate setups with fully enclosed canopies and tents with gear organized in totes, while others simply brought a lawn chair, cooler, and snacks.
We get our final instructions about 15 minutes before the start of the event. Then the feeling becomes real with the 3-whistle warning at 3 minutes, 2 whistles at 2, and the final 1 -minute warning. When the time to start the race came, Laz counts down from 10 down to 1, lit up his classic cigarette, and yells "Happy Time!" Everyone takes off from the start and goes out on the short road section before hitting the backyard trails. Runners are bombing downhill this 1/4 mile section and continue moving up the 1/4 mile. I am biding my time, trying to settle in with the 2nd pack hoping to go at a comfortable pace and remain in line with a strong trail runner in front of me to hold steady. The flow is very choppy, with runners of various experiences running together.
I complete the 1st yard with 7 minutes to go. I am annoyed but recognize this will likely be the pace and pattern for the 1st half of the trail loops today. I confer with the crew to develop a routine, determine intake levels, and check in. I quickly establish my checkpoints and pace. I want to complete the 1/2 mile road sections in 5:30, hit the 1-mile mark at 12 minutes towards the fence, hop over the split tree at 20 minutes, hit the 2-mile checkpoint at 25 minutes, hit the sharp switchback (3-mile mark) at 37 minutes, through the split tree again sub 40, and complete the loop within 52 minutes. At least that is the goal I've set in my mind.
After 3 yards, the pace started to slow upfront allowing there to be more space and the stronger runners to run more freely. Molly and I are still going strong and have a rhythm on the course and working well with Jennifer and Ryan. The next couple of yards takes place without issue, as the sun is starting to come out and the temperatures are beginning to rise. It's not a hot day by any means, but with the highs in the low 80s, it could play a role at the end of the day trail loop. My times are getting slightly faster as the day yards continue. Running as fast as 49 minutes, and between the 1st and 2nd pack of runners now. My legs feel strong, but my stomach is not feeling the greatest, however, I am able to make minor adjustments early on to recover quickly.
At the end of the 8th yard, Molly is beginning to struggle. She has done great so far, and I encourage her to continue and offer to help her get through the day portion. She seems ready to go on 4 minutes of rest for the 9th yard. I continue to remain steady and finish strong. The bells go off for 3 minutes to go and Molly hasn't finished yet. She crossed the line with 2 minutes remaining after she poured all of her efforts into finishing the yard and her tank is empty. Thankfully the crew has everything already prepared to go and send her back out. I take a few moments in the corral to encourage her and strategically attack the course where she feels confident to make time on this yard. I help Jen and Ryan to have everything ready to go for Molly as the 3-minute warning hits. No sign of her at the 2-minute mark, and the 1-minute mark. I am very concerned that she will not make it in time.
With 30 seconds to go, I focus on the 10th yard, understanding that Molly likely won't make it back in time. The time comes to start the 10th yard, and Molly has timed out. I head out on the yard and start the trek downhill. As I return back to the start, I cross paths with Molly and I head into the trail. I tell her great job and head into the woods. There are 2 yards remaining on the trail before we head into the night road loop. I wouldn't mind staying on the trails all night, but I'm looking forward to relaxing on the road. I have already begun formulating a plan with the crew during the change after the 11th yard, which includes a full clothes change, new shoes, new socks, headlamp ready, hydration vest, new bottles, and elastic pack with my light bar attached. I finished the 10th yard with plenty of time and get a chance to talk with Molly about her experience today. She did a tremendous job and is ready to go rest and wishes me good luck. I eat a large amount on this loop preparing for the night transition.
I set out to push a little bit on the 11th yard for the massive changeover and completed it among the lead pack with 11:30 to spare, which is perfect. I quickly changed clothes and set up the night gear. Headlamps aren't needed for the 1st-night yard but confirmed they are ready to go. I have just enough time to changeover, but not in a huge rush since I anticipate times will speed up. I was patient and took my time, but WOW!! This pack is fast!! I get back with 15 minutes to go and was in the middle of the group. 18 people made it to the night loop, and all but 1 finished in under 50 minutes! 50 miles are complete, and everything feels good. I took this yard really easy, but it felt like running on clouds with my road shoes on flat terrain. This is the 1st opportunity I've had to relax, so I stretch my legs out and stay loose. A couple of runners drop after hitting their distance goal. I ask Jennifer how long she intends to crew me, and she's willing to commit through the night. I was shocked! To step up with minimal notice and her willingness to stick it out gave me a 2nd wind! I felt incredibly confident! Based on the format and layout, I've never felt this level of support, encouragement, and camaraderie before.
At this point, the strong runners are beginning to stand out. There are a couple people conserving their energy and holding back while remaining in their comfort zone. I know the road loops will slow down over time with the roads being pitch black. Runners are forming small packs. Some people have headlamps, while others are relying on assistance from others to navigate in the dark. After 3 night yards, I am starting to feel mentally and physically fatigued. I settle on a plan of trying to run the night yards at 47-50 minutes. The emphasis is on sleep and recovery. This strategy should allow 5-7 minutes of rest between the yards if I need it. This is something I haven't done before at an event but I've heard the benefits and rejuvenation of just a couple minutes. During the brief nap time, I'm slouched in a bag chair with a blanket on top of me. I hear 3 whistles and begin my routine between yards. The muscles in my legs started to feel a tad tight, so we started to roll out the calves, quads, and hip flexors. Mentally I feel renewed and refreshed.
The yards tick off 1 by 1, and it seems like a runner dropped after each yard. Before I know it, we were on the 18th yard which is 75 miles. The last female runner is forced to drop out after a valiant and courageous effort. Another guy is hanging on, but barely. He showed up with a bag chair and Walmart shopping bags. He has run in the shirt he got for the race and the same pair of shorts, socks, and shoes the entire time. He bought a headlamp just for this event, but it's not working. He has zero-filter and kept the energy light.
9 runners completed 75 miles and we are ready to tackle the 19th yard. One runner lost the pace going out the 2 miles and I pass another one with a mile to go who decided to turn around early. The field is now 7 runners. Everyone is exhausted and hanging on. The energy level and the morale amongst the group have lowered, knowing the endgame is coming. My goal remains to hit my marks and time splits that are clearly marked on the road. Everything continues to go like clockwork, and Jennifer is doing an amazing job to keep me on track with nutrition, and hydration, and allowing me to nap on occasion. My body feels good and my head is a little groggy, so I give her the green light to prep whatever. I've been fortunate enough to survive this long on solid foods and my hydration plan is working. I'm approaching the farthest distance and duration I've ever run and have no intention of slowing down or quitting. I feel confident I will reach 100 miles tonight. That's the next goal, but I want to try and win if possible.
With 5 night yards left (4 real ones, the last one will be during sunrise), daylight is closing in and my focus is to complete each yard and stick with the current routine of naps, food, meds, and stretching. Jennifer has to leave in the morning because she has Sunday plans. I know she feels really bad about the situation and massively exceeded all expectations to get me through the night and put me in a strong position when we return to the day loop. I quickly put out a call for help and hope to find a friend willing to come out. I may have to do a couple yards or the entire finale unassisted, but I know Jennifer will have everything prepped that I need.
Jonathan is still out there, and he is keeping the energy light. We start socializing as we run together, and he even breaks out into some acapella when I asked if anyone has some good karaoke skills! I also begin to converse with Russell as well. He's been the fastest runner during the night yards, completing them in approximately 40 minutes. His pace has slowed down a little bit because he doesn't need to run that fast. He can pick up the pace anytime he wants, so I have to be careful to keep my body in check and stay within my comfort level around him.
So much so, that on the 21st yard we're the 1st two finishers in 47 minutes, which is the 1st yard that I've completed 1st. Jennifer and I lay out the plan for the transition from night to day. This is crucial since the yards will take longer on the trail. We decided that the ideal time for the 24th yard is to complete with 15 minutes remaining. This is doable since this yard will be on road and mostly in daylight. I have a full wardrobe change ready, new socks and trail shoes ready, updated hydration and nutrition plan, and feeling confident. Everyone is running close together, conserving energy and working together to get through the night yards. I rest up during the 22nd and 23rd yards when possible while updating and confirming the plan. Russell informs me on the 23rd yard that he will drop out of 100 miles. I was in shock hearing that after seeing his incredibly strong night performance. I considered him the strongest runner remaining out of the 6 remaining people. Another runner called it quits during the 23rd yard, meaning that only 5 runners are heading out to reach 100 miles, with one of them planning on dropping out afterward.
I am focused on getting this transition loop done. My goal of a 45-minute yard is all I can think of on #24 as the dawn began to break a couple minutes in the yard. I get out to a huge lead and remain steadfast and consistent. I am right on time when I make the turn just beyond 2 miles. I have a 1/4 mile lead on the other 4 runners at the turn. As I pass the other guys, I encourage them to keep going as I continue with my game plan. I finished the 24th yard in 45:07, and most importantly I did so comfortably. This kept the 2 of us on schedule to make the massive changeover to the day yard on the trails again. I go through an entire wardrobe change, lots of stretching, and squared away nutrition and hydration. We put in a lot of lower body work from feet to hips and feel incredibly loose and relaxed. We finished preparations as Laz blew the whistle for the 2-minute warning. The other 4 returned with 9 minutes to go, and the other 3 remaining runners were are varied levels of preparation for trails again. Russell indeed dropped and told Laz before he left with a smile; "Next year I have to be sure and take Monday off, too." He moved effortlessly, and wouldn't be surprised if he could make it to Monday.
At 7 AM, we're down to the final four runners after 24 hours and 100 miles completed. The energy of the group has changed again as the trail yards resume. I am energized and enthusiastic to return to the trails. The slightly tougher terrain plays into my running style and more importantly, my energy level. I feel refreshed and starting anew as Laz sends us off for Happy Time! I start comfortably along the course and quickly pull away from the group on the short road section. As I make the turn, I see Johnathan limping down the hill. I am gutted for him, he just reached the 100 miles in under 24-hour milestone. I encourage him to press up the hill and give what he has left. I quickly regain my focus as I am thoroughly enjoying this yard and comfortably complete it with just under 10 minutes left with no competitors in sight.
This is the critical moment. I get into my adjustments with Jennifer. She's leaving after the completion of the 27th yard. My friend Max is making the 2-hour drive, however, I won't have a crew for 2-3 yards. We laid out hydration and nutrition plans for the day. We mixed 2 gallons of Nuun, filled all containers and vessels with fluid, pre-sorted nutrition, and gave last-minute requests for liquid calories. Molly and Ryan are here as well, which raised my spirits as they begin to pack and clean up. I can't thank them enough for leaving their stuff overnight to help Jennifer and me out.
The 2nd runner came in with 6 minutes left and the 3rd runner with 4 minutes left. No sign of Johnathan yet... Just as Laz rings the 3-minute warning, Johnathan makes the final turn and completes the yard. He looks exhausted but is not willing to give up. He makes a quick turnaround eating and drinking what he can. Everyone is in the corral to start and the 26th yard begins with another Happy Time! I continue to steadily go out, feeling strong and in control. Time and soreness aren't an issue, but I decide to slow down just a little bit to conserve energy for later yards. One of the runners tries to keep up with me early on and I'm a bit surprised. As the 2nd half of the yard progresses, I put some distance between the 2 of us. I stick close to the plan and finish the yard with 6:30 remaining to get ready for the 27th yard. Jennifer and I go through plans to continue through the afternoon 1 last time. All preparations and emergency plans are laid out in case they're needed. Two other runners complete the yard with 5 and 2 minutes remaining. Johnathan finishes 4th with a respectable 25 yards and 104+ miles.
There are only 3 runners left to start the 27th yard. At the road turnaround, the runner that finished the last yard with 2 minutes to spare congratulated us on getting this far and intends to drop out when he returns to the start. He used everything he had left to finish the last yard. I was surprised since he's run over 150 miles in Big's Backyard in tougher conditions. The other runner remaining is running yards at about the same pace and appears to remain strong. I stick to my rhythm and verify everything is ready to go solo. The 2 of us finish this yard with 6:30 and 5 minutes to spare, just like the previous yard.
Jennifer gives me the layout of everything she has prepared, including notes for my friend Max who is on his way. Again I cannot thank her enough for 27 hours of crewing!! She went way above and beyond all expectations I had going into this race. We fill my pack with every bit of food possible. I am ready to go as Laz rings the final 1-minute warning. I spend this time at the starting line focusing on adjustments I need to make. My new goal is now 8-9 minutes left between yards, to compensate for the extra time to prepare to run solo. I already have my to-do list ready after this yard, which is to address my feet being a little sore. I thank Jennifer and her husband Michael for everything they've done to help just before the start.
Laz yells Happy Time! once again signifying the start of the 28th yard. I continue steadily down the road. The other runner, Mark, looks strong despite running Barkley Fall Classic 2 weeks ago with 27 hours and 112.5 miles so far. I get encouragement from Jennifer and Michael as I pass by. I lose sight of Mark, but as I peek down about to go into the woods, I notice that he is walking slowly across the start/finish area. I haven't seen him do that before, so my mind begins to wonder what if. Quickly I tell myself that he is probably giving his crew instructions for the next yard and will be back on pace. I pick up the intensity and pace slightly with the adrenaline pumping and knowing I need a little extra time to prepare for the next yard.
I have no issues with this yard and feel pretty good as I make my way through. I finish with just over 7 minutes to go. To my surprise, there's a guy who walks under my canopy and asks if I need any help. I am extremely grateful that Jerry was willing to step in. We do some minor footwork, popping some blisters and applying vaseline to minimize the friction and soreness in my toes. The rest of my feet feel fine and we quickly address nutrition and hydration. I feel pretty good, and take an extra long drink of water as the sun comes out. I'm ready to go with 2 minutes remaining, and Mark hasn't returned. I ask everyone if they knew why Mark slowed down and didn't really know. Everyone asks how I'm feeling, and I tell them I'm ready for the 29th yard. I won't allow the possibility of this Backyard Ultra being over until it's official. Laz blows the final whistle and there's only 1 minute remaining.
I can't stop my mind is racing, so I turn ahead and look only at the starting line. There is one viewpoint where you can see runners coming out of and you need about 20 seconds to finish if you're going all out and 30 seconds to be comfortable. I hear a distinct rustling along the tree line just after the whistle and I expect to see Mark barrel out of the woods and finish just in time. Nothing becomes visible. We wait anxiously because there was a clear sound. Then, Laz shouts 30 seconds remaining. I try to maintain my composure, but my mind is flowing with thoughts that the race is over. Laz starts counting from 10 and I know Mark won't make it back in time. 3...2...1.... the whistle blows and Mark hasn't made it back yet. I am in complete disbelief that I won!!!
Soon after the final whistle blew, Mark walks out of the woods. He looks exhausted and put forth a tremendous effort. I had such a wide range of emotions hit me all at once. Excited and enthusiastic about the win. I was a bit somber about not having any of my friends there. Molly and Ryan left 2 hours before. Jennifer and Michael left 30 minutes before, and Max was still another 90 minutes away. I desperately wanted to share this moment with the people that got me there and willing to get me to be the last person remaining. It was nice getting to talk and find out more about Jerry who stepped up to help me win.
After a few minutes, it was time to award 1st and 2nd place. Mark had to take his number after being unable to finish the 28th yard and received his medal of "I did my best at Little Dog Backyard Ultra." This was given to every other participant in this great event. It doesn't matter how many miles and hours you lasted, the goal was about personal achievement and pushing yourself to do your very best. I was the only person who did not find my limits in this event, but I pushed myself farther and longer than ever before. I was able to put lessons learned from Elsie Enduro, Locomotion 24, and Badger 100 which were 3 difficult DNFs for me to face and ultimately overcome. They taught me valuable lessons and mistakes to avoid that I saw from my fellow competitors. I honestly don't know how many more yards I had left, but I'm excited to do another event like this and hopefully find out.
I cannot thank Laz, Sandra, Bad Mike, and various people who volunteered their time enough to make this event possible. It was an honor to get to run the Big Dog course ahead of the runners that will represent Team USA.
Lessons Learned:
Salt stick every hour (based on normal heat). Adjust with temperature.
Solid foods when possible.
Soup, potatoes, bread, sandwiches.
Honey Stingers are good.
Liquid Calories (HEED, juice, soda if desperate)
Broth: Non-spicy
Avoid caffeine as much as possible.
Take care of your body early and often.
Cat naps are amazing (5-10 minutes)
Listen to your gut (literally)
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