Key Highlights
Rocky Allan, a prominent name in backyard ultra running, joins the esteemed HiveEnergy Team.
Known for his unwavering resilience and strategic prowess, Rocky embodies the spirit of this gruelling sport.
From novice runner to ultramarathon contender, Rocky's journey demonstrates dedication and the pursuit of excellence.
His insights into training, nutrition, and mental fortitude provide valuable takeaways for aspiring young backyard ultra runners.
Rocky's influence extends beyond personal achievements, inspiring a young generation of athletes.
HiveEnergy are proud to have Rocky on our Team of young Athletes and looks forward to what the season holds.
Introduction
The world of backyard ultra-running has gained a strong presence with Rocky Allan. He comes from Dunedin, and recently became the youngest person in New Zealand to run 160km in September at Dunedin's very own Brighton Backyard Ultra. Backyard ultra events are known for their tough format and exciting atmosphere. Rocky has become a true supporter of these events.
"The more time you spend doing something, the more you get to appreciate it in its rawest form. Spending hours in the mountains and trails gives you a great sense of gratitude you wouldn't usually experience".
Rocky Allan in Backyard Ultra Running
Rocky's rise in the ultra-running world is truly impressive. He was first attracted to the challenge of testing his body and mind. He soon discovered he had a special talent for long-distance running. Yet, his success didn't come right away. Rocky worked hard, planned carefully, and showed deep respect for the sport. This determination helped him become a well-known name in ultra-running.
From Novice to Ultra Marathoner: The Journey Begins
Like many athletes, Rocky's first experiences with running were full of excitement and uncertainty. Running has always been a part of Rocky's life; since Primary School, he remembers actively seeking opportunities to run. Becoming a more serious runner in high school, he came under a coach for the first time who coached him through multiple Cross-Country Seasons, where he won Otago Championships.
Every step showed his growing love for the sport. Rocky was drawn to longer distances. He was captivated by the backyard ultra, a special type of ultramarathon. The repeated efforts, the need to push himself, and the mental strength required fit his competitive nature perfectly. This moment changed not just his running style but also transformed his identity as an athlete.
Breaking Records and Setting Standards in Backyard Running NZ
Rocky quickly went from being a dedicated runner to a top performer in the ultra-running community. His name started showing up with impressive results, which showed his many hours of training and struggle. His top performances in different events, like the Brighton Backyard Ultra, got the attention of many. Rocky completed 24 laps at Brighton BYU and became New Zealand's youngest runner to complete 160km (100 miles) in doing so.
The Essence of Backyard Ultra: Understanding the Sport
To really understand Rocky Allan's successes, you need to know what backyard ultra running is all about. This exciting sport is quite different from standard ultramarathons. It requires strong physical ability, a special mix of mental strength, and smart pacing. Backyard ultras were brought to life by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, who is also part of the team responsible for the Barkley Marathons.
What Sets Backyard Ultra Apart from Other Endurance Sports?
The backyard ultra format looks simple but is very tough. Runners have one hour to finish a set loop, often in hard areas like Dead Cow Gully. This loop keeps repeating every hour. Each starting corral offers a new challenge. Only those who finish in time can continue. The last person standing, the only runner to complete a loop when others have given up, wins the race. This idea of being the 'last one standing' adds a mental challenge not often found in other endurance races. It's very important to recover fast, manage tiredness, and stay focused under pressure.
"Assist" in a race refers to the runner who completes the second-most laps, essentially acting as the "pacesetter" for the race. Their ability to continue running determines how long the race can go on since the race ends when only one person is left standing; the "assist" runner's performance indirectly influences the winner by pushing the race to its limit.
The Mental and Physical Challenges of Continuous Loop Racing
Backyard ultra running is not only about how far you can go. It is about facing a tough cycle of hard work and mental strength. With every lap you finish, you feel more tired from the lap before. This builds on your fatigue and pushes your limits. The mental part of this kind of racing is just as important as the physical side. Runners compete against others, but they also fight with their own bodies and minds. No one wants to finish with a DNF; however the reality is that out of the usual 60 - 100 starters, there is only one "last one standing"! This is a big reminder of how close success and failure can be in this tough sport.
Rocky Allan's Training Regime and Strategies
Rocky's success in the backyard ultra scene isn't just luck. It comes from a well-planned training program and smart strategies. He knows that winning in this sport needs more than just being strong. It also requires good pacing, recovery, and a strong mind. Recovery, which many people often forget, is a key part of Rocky's strategy. He emphasizes sleep, drinking enough water, and using active recovery techniques to reduce the physical strain from his heavy training.
Building Stamina and Resilience: A Glimpse into Rocky's Training Schedule
Rocky's training plan shows how dedicated he is to backyard ultra running. He focuses on building strong stamina and resilience, which are important for handling many loops. While the details of his training are not shared, we can see his hard work through his performance and commitment. He values consistency, gradual progress, and varying terrain, just like in real races. Also, every athlete needs support. A good support crew is key for any ultra runner's journey.
Nutrition and Recovery: Key Components of Success
Running long distances can bring about challenges, the main one being a good nutrition plan. Everyone is different, and throughout his rigorous testing, tough training routines and competitions in the past year of ultras, Rocky has adopted a preference for both natural and convenient food. Feeding the body well is about getting energy, improving performance, and helping recovery. Lucky for him, HiveEnergy is the natural and convenient answer that he has been searching for, and it’s a perfect fit for someone who requires a large amount of carbohydrates per hour to sustain energy. It was very important in his last Backyard Ultra, where he stopped eating the majority of the artificial, chemical-based foods but never got tired of the natural alternatives; one of the very few options being Hive Energy gels.
"I know the benefits that natural energy provide to not only your body during performances, but after as well, so I’m grateful to the team at Hive for having mine and other like minded athletes’ backs."
Rocky Allan's - HiveEnergy Team & Ultra Running Community
Rocky Allan's impact goes much further than just his own achievements. He shows great dedication and has a friendly attitude. Highlighted in his recent efforts as support crew for the New Zealand Backyard Team at the World Championships, his contribution to the wider ultra-running community is what attracted HiveEnergy to invite him to become part of our team. You see, not only is the sport tough on the competitors but Supporters and spectators (if you are a genuine junkie) are sleep deprived as the runners push themselves - often heading into three days, with the world record being 738km in four days and 14 hours. Support Crews need to ensure that the athletes get as much rest as possible and keep their nutrition requirements up as the runners often become unaware of their own requirements.
Inspiring a New Generation of Runners
Rocky's journey truly connects with people who want to run. It shows that hard work and persistence can lead to great success. He represents the idea that our only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. With strong faith in oneself, anyone can go beyond what they think is possible. His impact is clear in the rising group of backyard ultra runners. This sport, which used to be less known, is becoming much more popular. Rocky's story is a strong motivation for those pushing their limits on these looped tracks.
Sponsored Runner - Contributions to the HiveEnergy Team's Success
As a valued team member, Rocky's presence is instrumental in enhancing the HiveEnergy Team's success and bolstering its reputation within the ultra-running world. His collaborative spirit and willingness to share his knowledge contribute to a team culture prioritising collective growth.
Rocky was Captain of the Cross Country and Athletics teams for two years at Kings High School fostering a culture of sharing his knowledge and support. He won the Otago Championship in Cross Country to assert his domestic recognition. His mental and physical determination were highlighted when he became assist at Brighton Backyard last year breaking the New Zealand record to become the youngest runner to run 160km (100 miles) at 17 years old.
Support crew for the NZ Team at the recent Backyard Ultra World Team Championship was a great opportunity to be instrumental in team strategies and allowed an opportunity to learn from some of New Zealand's greatest runners, including Sam Harvey.
Rocky's next event is Pigs Backyard Ultra which starts on February 15th 2025. HiveEnergy team wish Rocky all the best for this event.
Conclusion
Rocky Allan's hard work in ultra running is truly inspiring. He started as a beginner and became an ultra-marathoner. This shows how important determination and resilience are. Rocky has set new records in New Zealand. He has made a big difference in the ultra-running community. His training routine and focus on nutrition show his dedication to success. Rocky’s story motivates new runners and highlights the challenges of running continuous loops. We can all learn from Rocky Allan and embrace perseverance. Push your limits just like him in backyard ultra running.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Backyard Ultra Marathon
In a Backyard Ultra, runners must complete a loop of approximately 4.167 miles every hour, with the last runner standing being declared the winner.
What is the average distance covered in a backyard ultra?
Finding the "average" distance in a backyard ultra can be difficult. This is because it depends on who is still running from the previous lap. Each loop is 6.7 kilometers (4.16 miles) long. Most runners reach more than the marathon distance (42.2 kilometers) pretty quickly. This is what the backyard ultra founder, Laz Lake, expected.
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