Die hard Backyard Ultra fans will already know this guy! Introducing Chris Murphy!
My answer to what race in the world I’d like to run, and who I’d like to run with, is Bigs and Courtney Duawalter. Well Chris has done both! He really is a champion of Backyard Ultras and I’m so excited to share this with you all.
- How long have you been running and why did you start?
After moving into a more desk based job, eating and drinking too much, putting on weight, then dealing with myocarditis in 2014, I decided I needed to get some sort of fitness back. With work and family commitments, I couldn’t commit to team sports so decided to start running as it was convenient most of the time. So in 2016 I started running around the block a couple of times a week with no real goal other than to get moving.
- What draws you to the backyard ultra format?
I remember seeing an interview with Guillaume Calmettes in 2017 after he had won Bigs Backyard and I just couldn’t understand how you would tackle a race like that. It’s a format that’s like no other, that gives everyone (except the last one standing) the opportunity to find their limit. So the curiosity of how far I can go is what I really enjoy. And on top of that it’s also just a really cool style of event to be able to meet people and be able to talk while you run.
- If you could do any race in the world what would it be?
The Barkley marathons for some reason really intrigues me, especially after getting to spend some time in Frozen Head State Park last year. But the thought of actually running it scares the hell out of me. Which I think is part of the reason why I like the idea. I would love to one day get myself into a position with my running where I would feel comfortable attempting it…
- What is your greatest running moment to date?
Getting to travel to Tennessee and compete in Bigs Backyard. I met so many awesome people and got to run with some of the best ultra runners in the world.
- What has been your worst running experience?
My first ultra in 2018 – UTA 100 and I was 40km in and my quads started cramping! Mentally that was tough knowing that I had 60km to go and that my legs were against me already. My longest race before that was 28km… Those cramps and more in my calves, hamstrings and feet were with me until the end!
- If you could share a course with any runner/athlete, who would it be?
Gary Robbins. He’s done some really cool stuff over the years, and has such a passion for the sport.
- What advice would you give to a new runner thinking about doing a backyard ultra?
Keep it super simple by making as many decisions beforehand as you can. Food, clothes, shoes, sleep… the less you have to worry about the better. This also includes decisions about dropping out! This should rule out you making hasty decisions during a low point. Mine are I can’t quit in the chair, and the only reason I don’t start the next lap is if I have a bone sticking out! My crew know these rules, and they aren’t negotiable. So even if I’ve convinced myself to stop, they’re not going to let me.
- What inspires you to stay motivated?
The curiosity of what’s possible. After every event, I always find something I could change slightly to make an improvement…
On top of that, I want to set a good example for my kids about setting big goals, and working hard towards them and that it’s the hard work over a long time that counts.
- What do you think about during long runs?
A little bit of everything, but I usually end up clearing my head of all the day to day clutter. Then it generally turns to arguing with myself about why I need to keep running, and all the reasons why stopping is a great idea… Quite often I’ll try and find a good podcast and get myself lost in that.
- For you, running is like…?
A way of winding down and relaxing.
- Can you describe what it feels like to run for over 40 hours?
Its like a rollercoaster. Some hours you feel like you could go on forever, then the next minute you’re just scraping by. Each lap takes a little bit further to get things loosened up again.
- Big’s backyard ultra in 3 words?
Long and Inspiring
- Have you ever hallucinated in a backyard ultra?
I wouldn’t say I’ve hallucinated, but I’ve definitely started seeing things in the dark and shadows that weren’t really there or turned out to be a stump or a gate. At one point during the last night at Oxley, it looked like Barry Loveday was leading a horse down the trail…
- How important is mental strength compared to physical strength in a backyard ultra?
Mental strength is everything! So much of the physical in a backyard ultra can be overcome with the mind. But keeping in the right mindset and winning those internal battles is the hard part because no matter what, you will want to quit!
- What is the toughest part for you in a backyard ultra?
The lack of sleep is something that can impact you both physically and mentally. Nodding off while your running, getting woken up by the whistle when all you want to do is sleep, multiple days with only a couple of minutes of sleep, just really wears you down and can put your head into a really bad place.
What was your goal for DCG in April this year & generally?
Take it to the limit! A PB and an Aussie record. Would love to be involved in taking the Aussie record into the 60+ hour range.
Thank you Chris for sharing your experiences. We are very lucky to have you lining up at races and really look forward to seeing you take all your races to the limits.
