Mark Dowdle’s First Backyard Ultra Tips: How to Keep Going

I just ran my first Backyard Ultra: 15 loops, 62.5 miles, and 100K at Prairie on Fire.In this episode, I break down exactly how I trained, what worked, and what I’d change if I were preparing for another one.We get into:Why I only averaged 27 miles/weekThe value of sandbags, strength work, and double-run daysWhy I’d add an 8–12 hour race to my next buildTraining the 11–12 minute mileBackyard simulations and run/walk strategiesWhy crew might matter more than additional fitnessI also fueled Prairie on Fire with Maple Boost — real maple syrup + sea salt endurance fuel that I’m building alongside everything we’re doing at Tribal.🍁 Maple Boost → usemapleboost.com🪓 Train with Tribal → traintribal.com

Mark Dowdle recently ran 394 miles over 94 hours to win the Last Soul Backyard Ultramarathon.A few days before myself and 15+ Tribal athletes take on Prairie on Fire, Mark joined Tribal Sports Radio to share what he has learned about succeeding in the backyard format.To learn more about Tribal Training, my endurance team of everyday dads:https://traintribal.comTo fuel your next adventure with Maple Boost:https://usemapleboost.com

Zach Bitter is the 100 mile American record holder. In this episode, we discuss what he's learned from interviewing the world’s best backyard ultra runners on his Human Performance Outliers podcast - and from coaching athletes through these races himself.Learn more about Tribal Training, our endurance team for athletic dads pursuing hard things together: https://www.traintribal.comThe Real Deal Podcast is fueled by Maple Boost, real-food endurance fuel made with 100% pure Vermont maple syrup and Mediterranean sea salt: https://www.usemapleboost.com

Get the written playbook (for free) inside Tribal University: https://www.skool.com/tribaluniversity/about

Grab the free 5 Hour Athlete Cheat Sheet at www.traintribal.com/freeThree training frameworks built for guys with full lives and a race on the calendar.

This episode dives into the Team House as the true engine of the weekend. From vulnerability and truth-telling, to family integration, late arrivals, on-the-fly leadership reps, and the importance of the day after the race, this conversation reveals how hope becomes tangible through shared experience.We unpack why honesty unlocks performance, how belief compounds when it’s reflected back by the right people, and why the Team House allows athletes to step into one integrated identity across sport, business, family, and faith.

This episode unpacks how the Team Ultra has evolved over three years, from race-first logistics to a deliberately engineered environment for growth, confidence, and self-leadership.We explore why conversation is the real training, how standards and service shape culture, and how putting men on the spot to speak, share, and lead creates durable confidence that transfers far beyond the race course.

Love talking this kinda biz building. Hope this is helpful. Don’t think many talk about this stuff. Goal is to share more of this in 2026Did you get value out of this and want to support the mission? Easiest way - jump on Batch 3 of Maple Boostwww.tribalsupps.com

Mindset!

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