What does it take to go from a 27-yard backyard ultra runner to consistently running 60+ yards and still believe you have more to learn?

In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, I’m joined by Dave Kwiatkowski, one of the most intriguing young athletes in the backyard ultra world. Dave has built his success through a process of experimentation, problem-solving, and learning from every race.

We talk about how his approach has evolved since his first backyard ultra, the mistakes that have shaped his training, and why he believes every runner is an “experiment of one.” Dave shares how he trains his quads and glutes, why uphill hiking and stair repeats have become staples, and how he balances running by feel with the data he does pay attention to.

We also get into the less glamorous, and often overlooked parts of going deep in a backyard: electrolyte balance, bathroom breaks, sleep deprivation, caffeine, and what happens when your brain starts seeing basketballs and treehouses that aren't actually there.

Dave also shares his philosophy on crew, including why he believes the crew camp should be designed primarily for the crew, and how running with other athletes has helped him push through those moments when he wants to quit.

And we talk about Big's Backyard Ultra, what makes Laz's backyard so special, where Dave thinks the backyard format could go in the future, and his new project, Yard Lore, a backyard-ultra data hub designed to bring athlete and race history together in one place.

If you're fascinated by the process of getting better, not just the final result, this episode is for you.

Show links:
Dave's website and blog
Dave's Instagram @davekwiatkowski
Yardlore
Andy's Backyard on October 24, 2026 (Dave's dad's race)
Big's Backyard Ultra

In this episode:

• Dave's unconventional introduction to ultra running
• The story behind his first 27-yard backyard
• How he's progressed to multiple 60+ yard performances
• Learning from failure and turning every race into an experiment
• Training for the physical demands of multi-day backyards
• Sleep, caffeine, and hallucinations
• Electrolytes and the surprisingly important problem of bathroom breaks
• Building an effective crew camp
• Why running with other athletes can be the difference between quitting and continuing
• Dave's experiences at Big's Backyard Ultra
• The future of backyard ultras
• The story behind Yardlore and its unique “Lore Score”

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast

📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

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