Introducing our March Athlete, David Patterson!
Many of you will be familiar with Patto as the man behind a Backyard Ultra Podcast. Patto is also a die-hard BYU fan who caught the bug for this format last year at MVP where he did 16 yards. In only a year, he has pushed out his BYU PB to 26 yards!!
. Patto is also a die-hard BYU fan who caught the bug for this format last year at MVP where he did 16 yards. In only a year, he has pushed out his BYU PB to 26 yards!!
Outside of running he likes to keep things pretty low key. When he’s not running or working he enjoys reading (currently reading The Stand) and often shares his love of books on his Instagram account. He also loves doing a bit of gardening (growing veggies and mowing the lawn).
Let’s see what Patto has to say about his love of BYU…
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I started running on a somewhat regular basis towards the end of 2019 so I am still fairly new to running. The catalyst that got me running more was getting my first watch and then downloading strava. I remember my first race was a half marathon at The Bellarine Sunset Run in around Feb of 2020 and although it was the hardest thing I’d ever done I realised how much I loved running and wanted to improve so started running more.
Have you done a Backyard Ultra?
I’ve done three. Most recently I did the MVP Backyard Ultra and finished on 26 yards. The first one I had done was MVP the year before when I completed 16 yards. I also did Shepparton (GV Last Man Standing – North-Vic Backyard Ultras) last year when I did 22 yards.
What draws you to the backyard ultra format?
I remember seeing MVP BYU on the trails+ calendar and when I read about it I thought ‘this sounds easy, I want to do it’. So I went along with some coconut water and wafer biscuits and loved it. It definitely wasn’t easy though and I was absolutely blown away when I checked the results and Ben Nicholls and Mat Dube were still going the next day. There are two things that draw me to it and that is how social the BYU format is and knowing that if I try really hard, prepare and put into practise everything I have learned then I can run distances that only a few years ago I never even dreamed I’d be able to do.
If you could do any race in the world what would it be?
I’m so lucky because I am running in that race in June when I run at The Australian Masters at Dead Cow Gully.
What is your greatest running moment to date?
In April just last year I came 3rd in the Coburg 24 hour race. To podium finish at such an iconic race meant so much to me and it gave me confidence that running long distances was something I was ok at. It was only the 2nd ultra I’d run in (the 1st being MVP 2 months prior).
What has been your worst running experience?
In 2021 my mission in life was to run a sub 3 hour marathon at the Melbourne Marathon. I thought it was an achievable goal as I’d run 3:11 over the marathon distance at The Great Ocean Rd earlier that year. It was around the 35km mark that things really started going downhill and at the 40km mark I cramped up so badly I fell straight to the ground in agony. Two policewomen were nearby and they helped by stretching out my legs while I was lying on the course. It took about 15 minutes to get moving again and I staggered over the line in just over 3:30.
If you could share a course with any runner/athlete, who would it be?
Phil Gore. Hands down.
What advice would you give to a new runner thinking about doing a backyard ultra?
Do it. Soak up the experience and enjoy it. Bring a recliner, blanket, food, your own supply of water/sports drink so you stay comfortable between laps and see how far you can push yourself.
What is your next race?
My next race is the Coburg 24 hr race in April. I am fired up. I also am running 4 more backyard ultras this year, The Masters, Birdys, Shepparton and Hysterical Carnage.
Do you have the support of your family and friends of your running?
My partner, Fiona, is incredibly supportive and she enjoys coming along to my races to help crew. I also have a few really good mates who enjoy following my races and results.
Have you ever hallucinated in a race?
Towards the end of my last BYU it was heading towards the 2nd night and the trees were making shapes like faces. Kind of like a mixture between goblins and Ents in Lord of the Rings. I want to really push it in my next BYU to see what else I can see.
What is your favourite fuel during a race?
I’ve been using tailwind for the last few months and that works well for me. I also can’t get enough watermelon.
How important is mental strength compared to physical strength in a race?
Mental strength is the most important thing and it’s one of the main things that draws me towards the BYU format. Being able to keep going loop after loop even when it physically hurts like hell and you want to stop is something I admire so much backyard ultra runners.
How do you balance your running and training with your competing priorities?
I’m lucky as I work a shift job that means I work longer hours but have more days off.
Do you have a special goal for 2023?
I want to go beyond 40 hours in a backyard ultra.
You’re the creator of Backyard Ultra Podcast. What inspired you to start the podcast?
I was trying to find a podcast dedicated to Backyard Ultras and was surprised when I couldn’t find any. So, I thought about it for a few months and finally pulled the trigger. I’m so glad that I did because I’ve been loving it.
Who has been your most surprising or interesting guest on Backyard Ultra Podcast to date?
Every single guest that has been on the show has had something unique, interesting and insightful to say. Ivo and Merijn hardly changed their shoes and socks during their record breaking 101 hours blew my mind and Merijn saying that he doesn’t sleep. Listening to Phil talk about how meticulously he plans his races, he leaves no stones unturned. Scott Snell had hip surgery shortly after deciding he wanted to be an ultra runner and after around 12 months of no running he kept his resolve and now is one of the best BYU runners in the USA. It was a huge thrill for me to have Ivo & Merijn on after they ran for 101 hours for team Belgium and I am still pinching myself that Laz recently came on too. All the runners who have been on have been so open and willing to share their ‘secrets’, tips and strategies. I recently had a message from a listener in the UK who ran his first backyard and did 30 hours. He messaged me to tell me that he wouldn’t have been able to do it without all the tips he learned from listening to the podcast and that was really special to me. I feel like I’ve made some real friends from doing the podcast.
Thanks so much for sharing with us Patto! I can’t wait to see what you achieve this year in this format. Judging by your most recent trajectory, this year looks like it will include a big amount of loops!
I look forward to listening to more of your incredible guests on the podcast. You can check out Patto’s Backyard Ultra Podcast on Spotify:
