Ron Wireman has been to Big’s Backyard Ultra for both the team and individual championships, but the 2026 Backyard Ultra World Team Championships gave him a new perspective on what it means to race for something bigger than yourself.

After battling years of injuries, Ron entered the race as an alternate and worked his way back into shape with a focused training approach. He ultimately completed 42 yards at Big’s, and while the result wasn't what he hoped for, the experience left him more motivated than ever to return.

In this episode of After the Last Yard, Ron takes us behind the scenes of Team USA’s championship experience, sharing the team’s strategy, the controversial course decisions, the challenges of racing through difficult conditions, and the moments that showed just how much athletes can accomplish when they work together.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Coming back from injury: Ron’s history with Achilles tendinitis, hamstring and knee issues, and how he approached training in the months leading up to Big’s.
• The difference between racing for yourself and racing for a team: How Team USA approached the World Championships with a shared strategy and a commitment to helping one another keep going.
• The course controversy: Why Team USA voted to change its course, the decision to run the road loop during daylight, and the practical considerations behind those choices.
• Teamwork over individual performance: Why Ron believes Harvey sacrificed his own race to help teammates and give Team USA the best chance to win.
• Nutrition, setbacks, and lessons learned: What Ron took away from his 42-yard performance and the things he wants to improve before his next backyard ultra.
• Knowing when to push and when to protect your body: How years of injuries have changed Ron’s perspective on the risks of racing through pain.
• What comes next: Why Ron is eager to return to the backyard format, his upcoming goals, and the possibility of racing at Last Soul Ultra.

Ron’s story is a reminder that a race result doesn't tell the whole story. Sometimes the biggest takeaway isn't the number of yards you complete, but what you learn, how you show up for your teammates, and how much more you want to do when it's over.

Follow Ron Wireman:
Instagram: @wired_ron
Follow Big Miles, Ron’s cat, on Instagram: @LazCatStanding

The Road to Bigs, After the Last Yard, continues with more Team USA athlete post-race interviews!

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