Relentless Forward Progress_ A Guide to Running Ultramarathons - Bryon Powell [65]
Some ultrarunners, myself included, envision their crew as a Formula 1 car racing crew with a plan designed to minimize time in an aid station. For example, when I enter an aid station, I drop my empty bottles; my crew asks me short, predetermined questions; they hand me full bottles and additional fuel; and we exchange additional gear, such as a headlamp as evening approaches, that I’ve scheduled for pickup or drop-off at that aid station. That’s it. It may sound like a lot, but when it’s done well I can walk straight through a crewed aid station without stopping. I’m not asked any questions about creature comforts or what I might “want.” Additional issues are only addressed if I feel they are necessary. To save time, if an issue is not critical, I often let my crew know what I need and ask them to have it ready when I next see them.
Why am I sharing all this now rather than in the “In-Race Strategy” section that follows? Two reasons.
First, you need to assemble your crew and make sure that their travel and lodging arrangements are set, whether by you or them.
For the most part, people ask their friends and family to crew, for obvious reasons. Generally, a crew consists of one or two people, but can be larger. If you’re new to ultras, it’s helpful but unnecessary to include a veteran ultramarathoner or ultra crew member in the ranks of your crew. He or she will know what to expect and can help direct any other crew members.
Second, you need to determine what exactly you’ll have your crew do. What will they bring to aid stations? What will you expect them to do with it? Should they have certain items ready or be prepared to assist with preset tasks at specific aid stations? How would you prefer for them to interact with you on race day? It’s important to be realistic about what you, personally, expect you’ll want and need on race day. Everyone approaches races differently; you should assemble your crew and provide them with instructions that match your approach.
Before race day, be sure to give your crew adequate instructions. That might mean a simple five-minute chat. If you’re unlucky enough to be on my crew, it means an eight-page single-spaced document supplemented by individual briefings. Previous crew members only wish I was kidding.
A supportive crew is often a welcome addition at an ultra. (Photo courtesy of Bill McGovern)
Pacers
Some ultras, particularly races of 50 miles or longer, allow you to have a runner accompany you on later sections of the course. These runners are known as pacers. With few exceptions, the pacer’s role is limited to mental support in that they are prohibited from carrying any of your gear. They can, however, give you a mental boost or break, help keep you on course, and act as your brain when yours is fried. They can also help assess your state and offer lucid suggestions for bettering it. When I’m pacing, I often tell a runner when he or she should eat, drink, take electrolyte tabs, and even when to run or walk. A good story, a raunchy joke, some encouraging words, a kick in the pants, or resounding silence all fall within a pacer’s support role.
The term pacer is a misnomer at times, as some races require the racer to run in front of the pacer. However, at many ultras, the pacer can lead. The advantage of having a pacer lead is that he or she can scan for the best running line on a trail as well as keep an eye out for course markings. This allows you to concentrate more on your needs. While leading, a pacer can also subtly encourage a slightly faster pace.
As with a crew, find a pacer or pacers (each pacer would run a different section) who suit your needs. If you think you want someone to carry on a multihour monologue to entertain you, don’t ask your friend Silent Bob to pace you. Likewise, try to find someone who matches your preferred motivation, be it Cheerleader Charlie or Drill Sergeant Dan. All that said, I’ve had