Who’s in your crew? Runners need a little help from time to time, whether it’s a training partner or someone to keep you sane when the worst of the race starts to rear its ugly head. It’s true for just about any distance but especially as the miles start piling up. Runners can experience every emotion you can imagine and the right or wrong crew-mate can be the difference between a strong finish and a long walk back to the car.
So what does it take to be a qualified member of a crew? The number 1 requirement – overall – the day is all about the athlete trying to achieve a goal. If the support team isn’t on the same page, there’s no reason to show up at all.
There are so many things that make a great crew member, but here are just a few more:
-Don’t allow pity parties. Remind your runner they’re getting an opportunity to do something amazing that many people will never get the chance to do. An objective “cut the shit” moment can be exactly what a runner needs to save a race from becoming a really bad day.
-Sometimes you have to lie…and that’s ok. For example, if it’s a hot race and your runner wants to know just exactly HOW HOT…that’s the perfect time to practice the art of storytelling. I’m not a fan of fabrication – unless it’s lying about the heat. Or the cold. Or just about anything that’s really out of the runner’s control. You be the judge and know your athlete, but telling them it’s a warm 80 degrees instead of 95 isn’t going to cause anyone any harm.
-If you’re pacing a runner, it’s important to keep them present at all times. 70 miles left in a 100mile run can be overwhelming. 10 miles to go in a half marathon can feel exactly the same way. Don’t let them get too caught up in the numbers. Instead, focus on what’s going on right at that very moment. It goes a long way towards getting them to a happy and healthy finish.
-Last but definitely not least -- don’t forget to have fun. A good old fashioned belly laugh can be the best medicine for a rough spot in the middle of a run.
Remember, being a part of someone’s “support crew” can be one of the coolest things about the community and the sport. You get the opportunity to see people at their highest of highs and lowest of lows. Treat it with respect and don’t take it lightly. They’re allowing and entrusting you with the care of all the hard work and effort they’ve put towards achieving a goal. Give it your all because you’ve got a job to do and if you do it right, it’s honestly like crossing a finish line of your own.