“True champions aren’t always the ones that win,

but those with the most guts”

Mia Hamm

CREWING FOR A CHAMPION

WHAT DEFINES A CHAMPION?

• Going for the win

• Last place

• A PR

• First Ultra

• Just trying to finish

• Sometime into the race, character will define the champions

A LITTLE ABOUT ME• Trainer for the last 15 years

• Been running my whole life

• 2008 Brazil 135, 62:20

• Crewing

• 2006 Crewed Mario Lacerda, Brazil 135 RD at Brazil 135 and Badwater

• 2007 Crewed Valmir Nunes at Badwater, 1st place, 22:51, current record

• 2008 Crewed Ray Sanchez at Badwater

• 2009-11 Crewed Marcos Farinazzo at Badwater, 1st place 2009

• 2009 Trainer and crew for Lisa Tamati, Run through NZ, 2,250KM in 43 days

• 2011-Present Crewed Brian Recore and Iso Yucra in 7 Ultras including Badwater and SD100.

• Training

• Personal Trainer (runners and horse riders)

• Trained Mario Lacerda, Iso Yucra

DIFFERENT RUNNERS AND RACES• Runners

• Fast, slow, walkers, run/walk

• Male/Female

• Serious, chill, etc. Does that change into the race

• Some are very organized, others not so much

• Communication Skills - What language do they speak?

• Customs and culture

• Races

• Road course, Trails, point to point, out and back, 1 mile, 3 mile, 20 mile loop…..

• Heat, cold, mountains, rain….

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CREW• Generally the runner chooses the crew

• Experience and Ability

• Specific skill, like medical, organization, logistics, trainer, massage, nutrition, etc.

• No sleep required

• As a runner, do you like them enough to spend countless hours with them

• Will they fit in and get along with the team

• Some races, teams are together for days

CREW RESPONSIBILITIES• ONE CHIEF, but as a crew, take control

• Lots of Type A personalities

• Put your personal differences and goals aside, it’s all about the runner!

• Badwater jobs: Driving, pacing, food, Water/drinks, Meds/supplements, ice, spray, log book, pics/videos, DJ, logistics/pace, massage…..

• Be prepared to suffer

• Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of the runner.

• Get to the finish line as fast as you can, safely.

• Keep a positive environment

HAVE A PLAN AND KNOW IT• Study the race

• The course, the rules, aid stations, etc.

• Know your runner

• What food does he/she like?

• Supplies

• Clothes

• Habits

• Keep a log

• Be flexible, improvise, and adapt

ORGANIZATION• Logistics

• Navigation

• Put it back where it belongs, everything has its place

• A few seconds to keep organized saves time later

• Bins for different items

CHALLENGES OF CREWING• Takes lots of patience

• CREW: Cranky Runner, Endless Waiting

• Races very emotional, RAW

• Highs and lows

• Don’t take anything personal, people will say and do things they don’t mean

• You will be exhausted

ADVANTAGES OF BEING ON A CREW• Recon a race, course

• Learn the behind the scenes

• Helps with applications for some races (Badwater)

• Help a friend, family member

• For some, the races are life changing. Runner and crew.

• Travel and new experiences

• A majority of expenses paid by runner

TRAINING• What is your role going to be?

• Prepare/Train like you’re running

• Train w/runner if possible

• Badwater; heat training, hydration, nutrition, electrolytes

WHAT CREWING MEANS TO ME• I love the adventure, the people

and place

• If I’m not running, why not crew or volunteer

• Going to battle for my runner, give them everything I have

• Being part of something incredible

• I love to see the suffering, the pain, and to see people dig down deep and triumph

• Human Spirit at it’s best!

THE REWARD - FINISH• Emotional

• Someone cries, always

• Party

• Most runners love beer

• You will be inspired

• Make lifelong friends and maybe even meet your future spouse

• Very rarely a negative experience for me

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSHave fun and be safe