In the rural landscapes of Tennessee, Harvey Lewis experienced a transcendent moment during the Big's Backyard Ultra, the pinnacle of backyard ultrarunning. This grueling race requires participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour until only one person remains. Harvey Lewis not only triumphed in this world championship but set an extraordinary record, completing 108 loops, equivalent to 450 miles over four and a half days.

Lewis battled through sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion, and hallucinations, demonstrating an indomitable spirit. The backyard ultra format, devised by ultrarunning legend Lazarus Lake, challenges runners both mentally and physically. Lewis, a two-time winner and three-time assist, attributes his success to meticulous preparation, prior experience, and an unwavering belief in his vision of being the last runner standing.

His training included peculiar methods, simulating short breaks between loops by napping during lunch breaks and lying on the grass. Despite facing challenges such as hallucinations and talking gibberish in the later stages, Lewis persisted, fueled by a plant-based diet and a strategic intake of more than 40,000 calories during the race.

Lewis reflects on the mental fortitude required, emphasizing that 70% of the effort is mental. He adopts the spirit of a honey badger, resilient and relentless, as his guiding force. The ultrarunner's journey, from a "chubby" kid to a record-breaking athlete, symbolizes a gradual and gutsy transformation.

Beyond personal achievement, Lewis ran Big's Backyard Ultra to raise funds for the Brighton Center, aiming to inspire others to prioritize their health. As he contemplates future challenges, Lewis sees the limitless potential of the backyard ultra format, envisioning even longer durations and new frontiers to conquer.

For Harvey Lewis, four and a half days and 450 miles are not the finish line; they are just the beginning of an extraordinary journey without limits.