A few years ago, I couldn’t run 100 metres. I stepped onto a treadmill and stepped right back off, gasping for air and questioning how I had become this unfit. Running wasn’t part of my life — not then. But something shifted. I read a book from David Goggins, say what you want about him, he has changed my life. First to the gym, then to the road. Then to the trails. And now — here I was, toeing the line of a Backyard Ultra in the Dublin Mountains, about to take on something I could never have imagined back then on that treadmill.
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The Build-Up
In the six months leading up to the race, I trained harder than ever before in the gym and on my diet. Under the guidance of Luke at Prime Performance, I focused on strength and diet for running, improved a lot and learnt so much with this race and my running future in mind. Those sessions were so beneficial as I had struggled with injuries last year, they gave me the foundation I needed.
Running-wise, I pushed into new territory: 80-140km training weeks, most of it on hilly trails, something I’d never done before. There were early mornings, double run days, long stairmaster sessions, 7 hour solo runs, back to back 32km long runs, I was starting to see what it took to call yourself an ultra runner.
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Race Day
The format was simple: one 6.706km loop every hour, on the hour, until you can’t continue.
The day started well. Conditions were very sunny and warm, and the course was tough — technical trail with zig zags through trees, walking the sharp climbs to keep the heat rate down, tree roots which tripped me up a few times I started to daydream, and a few steep descents where you would just be praying you didn’t fall. It was relentless. But I stayed focused. One loop at a time.
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Fuel & Focus
I had spent a lot of time trialling and erroring my nutrition and hydration plan. Thankfully Michelle was there to have the food and drink ready during the break, and refilled my vest with drinks and snacks during the lap. Here’s what it looked like over the 14 hours and 14 laps, (keep in mind it was very hot and I eat a lot on a normal day):
Hydration
14 litres of water
2800mg sodium
280g carbs from Vitargo
280g carbs from Bulk Hydration Drink
5 Coffees
Food
4 regular gels
4 caffeine gels
10 nutri grain bars
8 flapjacks
21 slices of bread with honey
4 bags of white rice
2 packets of TUC Crackers
4 bananas
Category – Calories – Carbohydrates
Hydration ~2,250 kcal ~560g
Food ~8,470 kcal ~1,430g
Total ~10,720 kcal ~1,990g carbs
Consuming this much alone was a huge accomplishment that I’m very proud of.
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The Middle Hours 5pm
By the fifth loop, I was deep in it. The heat had peaked, legs were heavy, there was very little talking or fun being had, and the course wasn’t getting any easier.
From lap to lap, the field thinned out, starting with 170 people. People were limping, some lying on the grass after quitting. I was still standing — barely — but I was still starting the next lap every hour. That’s all that mattered.
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Into the Night 8pm
I ran with a torch for the first time ever on Lap 9. The forest turned into a tunnel of shadow. I couldn’t see much beyond the beam, but I just kept moving forward with the other headlamps in front leading the way.
I struggled beyond anything I’ve ever felt. My hips were tight, back sore, muscles cramping, feet and legs swollen, stomach unsettled, toes throbbing in pain, blisters everywhere, but they were all an issue for when I finished. Never once did I think about quitting. Not even for a second. It was as if every hard session, every early morning, every setback had brought me here to prove something — not to anyone else, but to myself.
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The Final Loop 1am
Lap 14. Midnight behind me, darkness thick around me. I ran it as best I could, body in bits, but mind absolutely clear: you don’t stop until you have nothing left. I tried and failed to run, my trusty Fartlek of running for ten seconds, walking for ten seconds was even too much to ask.
At 95km, I couldn’t start the 15th loop in time. The race was over. I was done — physically spent — but proud beyond words. To see how much progress I’ve made, I’m delighted with myself and I feel like I can take on the world.
A Short Section Not All About Me
The race was superbly organised, with clear communication, friendly volunteers, and a supportive atmosphere from start to finish. It was inspiring to see so many runners pushing their limits and achieving personal bests across a range of distances—25km, 50km, 80km, and even the full 100km mark. The energy on the course grew with each loop, as runners encouraged one another and celebrated individual milestones.
A standout performance came from Myles Barns, who claimed victory with an impressive 22 loops, 154km, showcasing extraordinary endurance and determination. He has won many of these events before, so it’s great to have a deserved champion. The event truly captured the spirit of ultrarunning—community, perseverance, and personal triumph.
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Now Back To Me for Some Reflection
This race was about so much more than distance. It was about showing up, completing my weekly schedule in training no matter what, getting off the camping chair lap after lap, regardless of how you feel, growing stronger each step of the way. It was about patience, discipline, planning, and a deep belief in your own ability to endure.
From failing to run 100m to running 95km in the Dublin Mountains, I’ve come a long way. But what I’ve learned is this:
There are no secrets to making progress, and most of it feels like a struggle. Just set your goals, make a plan, execute the plan to the best of your ability. Then just let it happen.
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One last thing…
To everyone showing up to our club sessions — you’re doing something amazing.
It’s easy to stay home, to choose the couch and comfort, but instead you’re out there in Bushy Park, putting in the work. That takes effort, discipline, and no small amount of heart.
Whether you’re chasing a PB or just trying to keep moving, you’re showing up — and that matters. Be proud of yourself. Every session counts, and so do you.
Thanks for reading
Ross Young
