Elm Creek Backyard Ultra

Getting Through It

Loops 5–7 nearly derailed everything. Brutal stomach issues in the early hours — the kind that bring physical suffering and mental chaos together at the same time. He slowed down, problem solved, and clawed his way back to the plan. That's the thing about a backyard ultra that doesn't show up in the recap posts: the low can come early and ugly, before the race even really starts. For Tanner, the mental pivot point is always midnight. Once the clock hits 12am, something shifts. He enjoys night running. He found a groove and locked in. Crossing 100 miles last year gave him a rush — and an out. This year he crossed it and went straight to his tent to reset.

Another loop was coming. The job wasn't done.

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