Long Distance Runners

Join

Crew or no crew?

buttonfeet
buttonfeet Posts: 50 Member
in Social Groups
So I'm running the Burnig River 100 next year. They have aid stations every 5 or 6 miles with food and drink. Plus, there are lots of drop bag stations. In light of all this, why do some runners still use crews? The answer to this question will help me decide to go with a crew or not.

Replies

  • davemunger
    davemunger Posts: 1,139 Member
    I have crewed 3 100-milers, all of which have had plenty of aid stations. While it's not essential to have a crew, each runner I have crewed for has said the crew was a huge help -- just a familiar face and someone to keep them going, and to bounce ideas off of. Yes, technically you don't need it but a crew and / or pacers can really make a difference. That said, crew that aren't very experienced and / or don't know you as a runner probably aren't going to be much help.
  • jturnerx
    jturnerx Posts: 325 Member
    I think a big part of it is the psychological boost knowing you'll see someone who knows you really well and is there for you 100%. Not just a friendly face because there's plenty of those in the volunteers and other runners. Your crew are just as deeply invested (hopefully) in your success as you are. Ideally they have experience with ultras and dealing with you when you are cranky. They'll know when to smack you with a stick or entice you with a carrot.
  • LisaGNV
    LisaGNV Posts: 159 Member
    Moral support, emotional support, pacing. Three best reasons ever. I agree with above comments about really knowing your crew well & them being experienced. The experience part is big - if they're a seasoned runner, but not so much experience on a trail then they could become more of a hazard than a help.
  • buttonfeet
    buttonfeet Posts: 50 Member
    So an inexperienced crew is worse than no crew? Looks like I need to be selective when looking for one. Perhaps I need to start crewing for others as well just to know what it's like. Thanks so much for the input, everyone. This is why I like runners so much.
  • jturnerx
    jturnerx Posts: 325 Member
    So an inexperienced crew is worse than no crew?

    Not necessarily but it sure helps. It all depends on the people you choose. I've run ultras - 100k is my max so far. I plan on doing my first hundo in 2014. I've had pacers and crew. I've also been on the other side of the fence and paced, crewed and been a volunteer at ultras. All these things have helped me figure out what I want in a pacer and crew.

Categories