What If Backyard Ultras Were in the 2024 Olympics?

Brett Hornig and Jeff Colt join the Singletrack Podcast for another edition of the Long Run Archives. We talk about the prospect of the backyard ultra format being added to the Olympic games, insights for trail runners from the Tour de France, a Western States 100 with no automatic returning top-10 runners, the value of increasing popularity in fastest known time attempts, and where Zach Miller and Courtney Dauwalter might race next.

Chapters

00:00 Imagining the Backyard Ultra Format in the Paris Olympics
08:28 Tour de France Nutrition Strategies for Trail Running
27:29 Training Partners vs. Crew Service
39:40 Changing the Invitation System for Western States
44:40 The Impact on Race Dynamics and Strategies
48:04 The Role of Team Support and Camaraderie
53:51 Improving the World Trail Majors' Team Format
01:15:09 Harnessing the Power of Self-Talk in Sports Performance
01:31:50 The Strava Pro Badge Purge
01:35:34 The Worth of Increasing the Popularity of the FKT Scene

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[runsingletrack]

Thoughts? What do you agree with? Disagree with? Comment below! We wanna hear from you.

[Sanko]

Great conversation on such a range of topics among three such interesting, fun, and knowledgeable people. I like the idea of including, at least at some races, the college cross country team model. And the idea of Backyard Ultra at the Olympics is a terrific idea. I didn't know that no one has won Western States, Hardrock and Leadville. Seems like a great pursuit for Courtney. But as you point out, this year Kevin is doing Leadville. I enjoyed your various examples of self-talk from athletes outside of running. I sure remember Ricky Henderson. Can't wait for the next episode. Thank you!

[jlore]

Yes!!! Harvey, Ihor, Phil Gore (and how bout Courtney and Jasmine Paris)... they would be out there for the world to see anytime of day. Yes!!!

[kategiles]

Backyard Ultra at the Olympics, genius!

[christopherorman]

Regarding surfing - Nazare is the big wave spot. Teahupoo is a wild wave. Look up Laird Hamilton's tow-in at that wave -- it is a bonkers wave. The swell has been a little strange and thus the waves have been tough -- not easy to find a deep one -- and rough seeing John John not make it through as he is a wizard at that spot. Don't miss any heats with Gabriel Medina, as I see him winning the entire competition and he too is a wizard. Anyway, as someone who grew up surfing, I love hearing about folks enjoying the Olympics surfing. On the Olympics' moments I've loved, the US Women's rugby winning a bronze on the last play of the game may prove to be the best moment at these Olympics.

[kirkusmarikonus]

I always agree with Jeff Colt. He is the Muad'Dib

[gojeffgo]

Agree with Brett. FKTs are fine for personal goals for runners but for me, as a fan, I really don't care about them. I love seeing people compete against each other. Aravaipa tried a couple of FKT competitions during the pandemic (Michael McKnight vs an Arizona runner) and I quickly lost interest. Like Jeff mentioned, just keep it pure as a side thing and let's get more attention on the races. Also, love the "team" aspect idea for the world majors... love to see a SLC team vs the Boulder Boys:) great show!

[mt]

Would elite Olympic marathon runners change to trail/ultra running if they are unluckily to podium in the marathon? That would be intresting to see how they transition

[GRivs]

I'm gonna have to start using Ricky Henderson and Bobby Boucher quotes as self-talk. GRivs on behalf of GRivs, GRivs wants to run ultras.

[marlinweekley]

2 weeks in a BY ? Sleep deprivation would end it long before that. That fact ivhor and Harvey went as long as they is mind boggling. But 2 weeks with only 1-2hrs sleep a day in 5 min or less chunks would bet super dangerous for sure. Back in late 1800s there were multi day in door races. The conditions of the runners was gruesome and inhumane. A BY that got anywhere close to even a week would be disgustingly inhumane.