I had my first crack at the Backyard Ultra format over Memorial Day weekend at the Capital Backyard in Lorton VA!

It was an incredible experience on so many levels and, if you're considering this format and on the east coast, you will NOT be disappointed! Sarah Smith, the RD, does an amazing job on this one on every single level. The food at the start/finish in the best I've ever had at a race and the overall energy is stuck in the clouds every single time you finish a yard!

The format is simple. Run a 4.167 loop (yard) at the start every hour, on the hour and run until you can't continue or just decide to quit. Roughly 60 runners lined up for this one and the winner ultimately ran nearly three days to get the win!

While the format sounds straightforward, it was an eye-opener to me on many levels!

With all that said, I wanted to share all my mistakes and save you some time from making the same ones I did.

This episode is all about the Capital Backyard!

Ever wonder what it's like to run a 200-miler?

Join another conversation, and encore appearance, with Amy Adams as she offers answers to all your questions!

Should I ever venture out into the world of 200s, I'll be sure and watch the first season of MacGyver from 1985 and pay special attention to any ditches and tents he makes!!

Enjoy!

Amy's service in the Marine Corps, while raising her first two children, put her on a path to tackle some of the hardest races on the planet.

Now a mother of four, she's completed over 70 ultra marathons, including 15 100-milers, 3 200-milers and most recently took the starting line of Badwater 135! The platform we all call trail running has helped her navigate through many personal and physical struggles, and continues to be the source for her continued personal growth.

As a testament to who she is, she's most inspired when she spots a new ultra runner on the verge of unlocking the same personal growth she's found through this amazing sport; Her enthusiasm is infectious!