Your Dream Ultra Support Crew: A Guide for Biggest Little Ultra Participants

As you prepare for the Biggest Little Ultra, one of the most crucial elements of your race strategy isn't your training plan or gear selection - it's your crew. These dedicated volunteers will be your lifeline during the race, providing everything from nutrition and hydration to mental support when the miles get tough. Let's explore how to build an effective crew and why showing gratitude for their sacrifice is essential.

Understanding What CREW Really Means

Before diving into crew selection, remember what CREW truly stands for according to Race Director Todd Leigh: Cranky Runner Endless Waiting. Your crew members will spend hours standing around, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, waiting for you to arrive at aid stations. They'll deal with your mood swings, fatigue-induced irritability, and potentially irrational decision-making, all while maintaining a positive attitude and keeping you moving forward.

The Three Pillars of Effective Crewing

Based on insights from Todd Leigh, who has run hundreds of marathons and ultra distance marathons, successful crews excel in three critical areas:

1. Maintain a "Can Do" Attitude

Your crew's mental approach can make or break your race. They must:

• Not suggest dropping from the race, even when you're struggling

• Provide unwavering positivity and encouragement

• Redirect negative thoughts toward solutions and forward progress

• Remind you why you started and what you're capable of achieving

• Stay calm under pressure and help you problem-solve challenges

  
  

2. Master Hydration and Nutrition Management

Proper fueling is often what separates successful ultra finishes from DNFs. Your crew should:

• Understand your nutrition plan inside and out

• Track your intake and ensure you're meeting caloric and fluid needs

• Have backup options ready if/when your stomach rebels against your planned foods

• Monitor signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance

• Prepare and organize nutrition between aid stations efficiently

  
  

3. Communicate Proactively and Anticipate Needs

Great crews don't just react—they prevent problems before they start:

• Regularly check in about how you're feeling physically and mentally

• Watch for signs of developing issues like hot spots that could become blisters

• Have medical supplies ready and know how to use them

• Anticipate weather changes and gear needs

• Communicate clearly and calmly, even when you're not thinking clearly

  
  

Selecting Your Crew Members

Let's face it, sometimes we will take absolutely any friend or family who can be there for us when it comes to this passion for exercise. However, if you can, try to choose crew members who possess these ideal qualities:

Reliability: They show up when they say they will and follow through on commitments. Ultra races don't wait for anyone.

Patience: They can handle your worst moments with grace and understanding, knowing that race-day you might be very different from everyday you.

Problem-Solving Skills: They can think on their feet and adapt when plans change or unexpected challenges arise.

Physical Capability: They can handle the physical demands of crewing, which may include lifting gear, walking quickly between locations, and staying alert for long periods.

Positive Energy: They genuinely want to see you succeed and can maintain enthusiasm even during difficult stretches.

Essential Crew Preparation

Before race day, invest time in preparing your crew:

• Practice Sessions: Meet with your crew before the race to practice nutrition handoffs, gear changes, and communication protocols.

• Detailed Instructions: Provide written instructions about your preferences, backup plans, and potential challenges.

• Course Knowledge: Ensure your crew understands the course layout, aid station locations, and logistics.

• Emergency Procedures: Make sure they know what to do in case of serious problems and have important contact information.

Most Importantly: The Power of Gratitude

Your crew members are volunteers who are sacrificing their own time, energy, and often money to support your goals. Showing genuine appreciation is not just good manners, it's essential for maintaining these valuable relationships.

Before the Race: Thank them for committing to help and acknowledge the sacrifice they're making.

During the Race: Even when you're suffering, remember to express gratitude. A simple "thank you" can go a long way.

After the Race: Regardless of your race outcome, celebrate your crew's contribution. Consider writing thank-you notes, taking them out for a meal, or giving them a small gift that commemorates the experience.

Building Long-Term Crew Relationships

The best ultra crews develop over time through shared experiences. Consider:

• Reciprocating by crewing for your crew members when they race

• Giving them a gift, donation in their name, or other act of kindness to thank them for their assistance and valuable support

• Including them in your training and preparation process

• Maintaining relationships beyond just race day interactions

• Being honest about what worked well and what could be improved for future races

• If possible and regardless of race outcome, plan a nice dinner out or other celebration to clearly acknowledge and show appreciation for their generosity

Final Thoughts

Remember that behind every successful ultramarathon finish is usually a dedicated crew that believed in the runner even when the runner didn't believe in themselves. Your crew members will witness you at your most vulnerable and help carry you through your darkest moments on the course.

As you prepare for the Biggest Little Ultra, invest the same energy into building and preparing your crew as you do into your physical training. The miles you'll cover are challenging, but with the right support team believing in you every step of the way, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.

Your crew doesn't just help you finish the race—they become part of your ultrarunning story. Choose them wisely, prepare them thoroughly, and never forget to express your gratitude for their incredible gift of support.

For additional crewing resources, check out the comprehensive guides at TrainingPeaks and No Limits Endurance.