What does it really take to crew an ultrarunner through a backyard ultra?
In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, I’m joined by Veronica Pardo, a runner, chiropractor, and the wife of Nick Petterson, who you may remember from Episode 16 after his run at Summit Backyard Ultra.
Since then, Nick has gone on to win Ode to Laz, earning a Silver Ticket, and will represent Team USA at Big’s Backyard Ultra this October. Veronica has been there crewing him through both races, giving her a unique perspective on what happens on the other side of the course.
We talk about what a crew member actually does between loops, how to recognize when your runner is struggling, how to balance encouragement with pressure, and why knowing your runner is so important when the race gets deep.
Veronica also shares what she learned from participating in a 100-hour timed event herself, including some eye-opening lessons about nutrition, how strong the body really is, and how to get through the messy middle when there’s still a LOT of time left on the clock.
We also dive into:
- How runners can better prepare and communicate with their crew before race day
- Why crew members need to take care of themselves, too
- How to keep camp organized and efficient as the hours add up
- The emotional side of watching someone you love suffer for days
- How Veronica and Nick balance their running goals with their life together
- What changed between Nick’s Summit and Ode to Laz races
- What Veronica is most looking forward to, and nervous about, as Nick heads to Big’s
- Why runners shouldn’t feel guilty about asking someone to crew for them
Whether you’re an ultrarunner preparing for your next big race, someone who has been asked to crew, or a spouse or family member trying to understand this crazy sport, this episode will give you a look at the race that happens behind the runner.
Ultras are rarely a solo effort. Sometimes, going one more hour takes a whole team.
Follow Veronica on Instagram @drveronicapardo and Strava.
👉 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)
⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website
