LAKOU BACKYARD ULTRA

I was first introduced to the backyard ultra format during the Covid era back in 2020 - back then, I had never done a backyard, but due to my experience and relative success at ultra distance running, I was selected to represent Team Canada at the satellite team world championships - 15 of Canada's best headed out to Kelowna in BC to take part, and I ended up with 36 yards in my first ever BYU. Since then, I have gone on to do 5 more - my next best being 30 yards once again in BC when representing Canada at the World Team BYU Championships - but other than that, I have found that the excitement and anticipation of a backyard ultra has dwindled for me, and no longer find myself striving to run for an unknown length of time with the aim being to qualify for the national team for a third time.

 So how come I ended up at the Lakou Backyard Ultra? Well, the simple answer is because it is one of the best backyard ultras that I have ever done, it is on my doorstep with being in the Edmonton region, and the organisers -Bryan and Debi - do their utmost best to make the event a memorable one for both runners, spectators, support crew and volunteers a like, which makes it appealing for everybody. The event also takes place in Bryan and Debi's own backyard, and with camping onsite the night before, you really can make a great weekend of it. The only unfortunate thing is that it hasn't yet attracted anybody that really can go long - and by that I mean in the 40+ hours range - and I think that's because it isn't the easiest of courses.

This year, I was using the run as a good training run. It wasn't originally in my race plans, but having decided to do Survivorfest again in the hope of improving on last year's 184km, I wanted a good long run leading into it. Lakou fitted perfectly being 4 weeks out, and I figured that I would try to go for 12 hours for the 50 miles which hopefully wouldn't take too much out of me. I had also decided to take advantage of the camping this year, and after Andy had helped me to set up on the Friday night, it was just me and Wilson snuggled up in the tent later than evening, listening to the local coyote pack howling into the night, and then being awoken by the songbirds the following morning before clambering out of bed for our morning walk followed by a hearty breakfast of porridge oats.

Camping with my favourite boy :)

 It was a beautiful start to the day with sunshine and blues skies, and it promised to be great weather for running for the 75 or so runners that set foot on the start line for yard number 1. Several of these runners come back every year such is their enjoyment of the race, whilst others were registered for the first time and for their first backyard ultra, stepping into the unknown and not really knowing how far they were likely to go.

Most people are already familiar with the backyard format - 6.7km or 4,12 miles every hour on the hour until only one person remains - and it is renowned for being easy until it isn't. The time between finishing your last lap and starting the next is your recovery time - time to eat, drink, rest, change gear, go to the washroom - but  you must be in the starting corral ready to start your next lap when the whistle blows, others you receive that DNF.

With lapped courses, there isn't a great deal to tell. The first lap was extremely busy and somewhat noisy with lots of happy chatter, but by lap 7 or 8, numbers were fewer, people were much quieter, and most were running in companionable silence as they focused on getting to the end of each lap within the hour.

I was feeling great and running well for pretty much the whole time, and even my nutrition as working for me this time. I found that I was drinking plenty of fluids, and with my magical formula of Mars bars, ready salted crisps, protein drinks and just plain old water, my stomach was holding up well and I felt no nausea for the whole time I was out there. The spread of food available at the aid station was also spectacular, and I found myself taking my share of muffins, deviled eggs, bacon, pancakes, perrogies, meatballs - you name it, they had it, and my energy levels felt good and my tummy was content.

One of the things that I was extremely happy about during my time out on the course this time was that I ran every single hill, a sure sign that the hill work I had been doing on the treadmill was helping to build my climbing legs and making me much stronger. I got no noticeable blisters, and although I did trip on a tree root fairly early on that caused me to strain my glute very slightly, I was able to stay upright and not do myself too much of an injury.

As I came in to the corral on my final lap, I was still feeling pretty good and I know for sure that I could have kept going. Yes, my legs were starting to feel the miles, but in the main, everything felt great which gave me a boost of confidence as I look forward towards Survivorfest in month's time.

 Having completed my 12 hours for 50 miles, I did call it a day, and I felt a little sad watching the remaining 10 or so runners heading out on their 13th lap - I really wanted to be out there with them, but I do have other races that I need to focus on, and had to be sure that I didn't overdo things which would result in a much long recovery being required.

The DNF - very happy with the 12 yards/50 miles :)

 We were going to hang a round a little longer and complete a volunteer shift, but there were already some amazing folks giving up their free time to help out, so we started to pack our things away and got ready to head off home. I'd had a fabulous time camping with Wilson, and then having a good solid 50 mile run - it was time to get showed, have a good cup of tea and a proper meal, before snuggling up on the sofa with the pups and having a snooze.

Meanwhile, back in Devon, the remaining runners carried on into the early hours, the eventual winner being declared after 24 hours and having accomplished 100 miles on their first attempt - truly outstanding!

 I keep on saying no more backyard ultras for me, but never say never eh?! You may just see me lining up again on that start line in 12 months time - watch this space!