Megan Smyth joins Jaci Wilson on The One More Hour Podcast for another episode of After the Last Yard, a special series featuring Team USA athletes reflecting on the 2026 Backyard Ultra Team World Championships.

After earning her place on Team USA with a massive 77-yard performance at Banana Slug, Megan headed to Big’s Backyard Ultra ready to see how far she could go. She completed 82 yards, set a new personal best, and became the last woman standing at the World Team Championships, all while helping Team USA secure the team victory.

But for Megan, the experience was about much more than the numbers.

In this conversation, Megan shares what it was like to compete at the legendary Big’s Backyard Ultra, how the team’s willingness to support one another changed the race, and why she believes teamwork helped so many athletes push beyond their previous limits.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Going from a big PR at Summit to a 77-yard performance at Banana Slug and earning a spot on Team USA
• What surprised Megan about the Big’s course, from the technical trails and climbing to the heat and extra fueling demands
• The decision to transition to the road loops earlier and how the team adapted together
• Why teamwork was one of the biggest keys to Team USA’s success, including the legendary “Ron Express” and a full-team lap
• Sleep deprivation, accidental naps, audiobook tricks, and singing to stay awake
• Nutrition strategies that worked, from smoothies and caffeine pills to Megan’s unconventional ham, cheese, and pickle roll-ups
• Why there’s no single perfect strategy for pacing, fueling, or getting sleep in a backyard ultra
• Becoming the last woman standing at 82 yards and why Megan was still disappointed when an ankle tendon injury forced her to stop
• The lessons Megan is taking into future backyard ultras and her upcoming 24-hour race
• What made the Team USA experience so special, and why the team championship meant even more to her than her individual achievement

Megan’s biggest takeaway? You don't have to do it all alone. Whether you're struggling through a night loop or having a great stretch, being willing to ask for help, and offer it to someone else, can make a difference.

Connect with Megan:
Instagram: @runningnutmeg84

🎙️ After the Last Yard continues with more stories from Team USA and the 2026 Backyard Ultra Team World Championships.

👉 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.

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

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