Mastering the Backyard Ultra with Frank Gielen

Frank Gielen, a member of the champion Belgium team in the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship and owner of the Backyard world record joins the podcast. Frank shares his journey into ultra running, the strategies he employs during races, and the importance of teamwork and mental resilience. He discusses the challenges of managing sleep and nutrition, the phenomenon of hallucinations during long races, and the camaraderie among competitors. The conversation culminates in reflections on breaking records and the future of backyard ultra racing. In this conversation, Frank The Tank shares his insights on nutrition, training, and mental strategies for endurance events, particularly backyard ultras. He emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, the role of a supportive crew, and the need for a structured plan focused on endurance. Frank also discusses the significance of mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals, while looking forward to future races and challenges. Follow Frank Gielen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankdetank_ultraloper/ takeaways Always nervous for such kind of events. The less goals you have, the less stress you have. I learned to appreciate the format more and more. You help yourself also by helping each other. The nights are the hardest part of it. I make sure I have my dose of hallucinations. We chose to stop together after we break the world record. I still have the bladder of a 90 year old. I was always happy to do one more. Team dynamics are crucial in endurance racing. Portion control is key for endurance nutrition. Easy digestible foods are preferred in the early hours. Crew support is crucial for success in endurance events. Training should focus on endurance with a mix of surfaces. Mindset can significantly impact performance and recovery. It's important to learn from past experiences and mistakes. Fast laps allow for better rest and nutrition intake. A strong crew can help push you through tough moments. Training mileage can vary; quality over quantity is essential. Believing in oneself can help break mental barriers. Sound Bites "The less goals you have, the less stress you have." "I learned to appreciate the format more and more." "You help yourself also by helping each other." "I was always happy to do one more." "The nights are the hardest part of it." "I make sure I have my dose of hallucinations." "I see dinosaurs now!" "We are friends, stopping together." "I still have the bladder of a 90 year old." "Every backyard you learn something new." "You don't need to be as fast as others to succeed." "Gerald is worth gold. He's a really true friend." "I focus on endurance, about a 100K a week." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Backyard Ultra Racing 02:58 Frank's Journey into Ultra Running 05:47 Team Dynamics and Strategies in Backyard Ultras 09:12 Personal Strategies for Endurance Racing 11:59 Managing Sleep and Nutrition During Races 15:01 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges in Long Races 18:02 The Experience of Breaking Records Together 20:50 Post-Race Recovery and Reflections 23:59 The Future of Backyard Ultra Championships 34:34 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Events 41:05 The Importance of Crew Support 42:42 Training Structure and Endurance Focus 49:23 Peak Training Weeks and Race Preparation 56:43 Mindset and Mental Strategies for Success 01:03:23 Future Goals and Upcoming Challenges