Pacer/Crew strategies

Hi Everyone!

I am in the process of writing a blog on crew/packing strategies for ultra's. I have my own thoughts and opinions of what works best for me but thought I would reach out and see what other people had to say?

What has worked well in the past? what doesnt work well? any particular tips?

Found this episode of Everyday Ultra interesting as well if anyone is keen to hear someone else's thoughts on it all!

Crew and Pacer Strategies for Ultrarunning: Tips, Suggestions, and Everything You Need to Know

https://open.spotify.com/episode/07GDtrw99l0eEQt3qy33IW

@Mark

Comments

@KitKat

I have never done an ultra long enough to allow pacers.

I am finding more and more though that I am becoming less reliant on crew and utilising drop bags more. I find it just adds another layer of stress wondering if they will make it to the next aid station on time or even just that they have sacrificed a whole day to catch me for 5 minutes every few hours.

Drop bags mean that if someone wants to come and support its on their terms, no stress, If i see them great and its a bit of a lift but otherwise I can just worry about myself!

Probably not helpful for a blog post though - Sorry!

@Mark

Never apologise for posting @kitkat its all helpful!

I know what you mean about stressing about crew though. I do love having crew but also find if you're banking on them being somewhere and then something comes up and for whatever reason they cant be it can really make you spiral quickly in that moment.

@CoreyMac

I really like having crew and think it makes a huge difference. I also try and incentivise it a little and offer to cover the accomodation costs of anyone that comes to crew for me if its not a local race. (usually just book a large house so plenty of space for anyone that wants to join).

I dont have a set number I aim for or anything because I know how boring it can get waiting for me to come to an aid station so figure the more the merrier for them to hang out and have fun with each other.

I do however make two people the "crew chiefs" so to speak.

One has the job of looking after me - so making sure I eat, drink, change socks, lube up.

The other is in charge or my vest - filling my water/electrolytes, restocking gels, making sure I got the right gear for the next leg (torch etc)

Then all the others are there to keep things fun and help out the two main ones if need be.

Otherwise there is just too many people asking you questions and you have to. manage the whole team which is the last thing I feel like doing with 70kms in my legs!

@JimmySmith

I am a planner - I find for me it helps with nerves to have a solid plan going into the race.

Usually this means I have something written down for my crew which breaks down each aid station. Gives them an approx time and what I want ideally at each aid station. Ill set aside some time usually the night before to run it through with them and give them the situations where things might change and what to do in that instance.

I know my crew have said in the past they find it really useful when everything is written down for them.

@coreymac I think thats cool you pay for everyones accomodation! Not always in the position where I can and its usually family who are happy to pay but I am going to keep that in mind in the future :)