471: Your Guide to Crewing an Ultramarathon

Crewing an ultramarathon is so much more than handing someone water and cheering from the sidelines. Over the past few years of crewing Kevin through multiple 100-mile races, I've learned that my role isn't just to support him. It's to help him get to the finish line. That mindset completely changed the way I approach race day. In this episode, I share the lessons I've learned, the mistakes I've made, and the systems we've developed that have made every race smoother than the last.Kevin also shares what it's like from the runner's perspective and what actually helps when you're hours into an ultramarathon and your brain is running low on energy. We talk about everything from treating aid station stops like an F1 pit stop to having the difficult conversations before race day, creating a detailed crew plan, packing for every possible scenario, and remembering that taking care of the crew is just as important as taking care of the runner. Whether you're getting ready to crew your first ultramarathon or you're the runner sending this episode to your support team, I hope these lessons help you feel more prepared and confident.Get your Ultimate Ultramarathon Guide here!02:05 From Scared Wife to Crew Chief04:08 Keys 100 Lessons Learned09:43 What Crewing Really Means12:52 F1 Pit Stop Mindset16:38 Crewing With Kids20:10 Planning Starts Early21:01 Know the Race Rules26:42 Pre Race Crew Conversation37:00 Build the Crew Document39:30 Assign Roles and Checklists42:35 Packing and Supply Runs43:44 Crew Community Help45:11 Nutrition Planning Backups46:33 Hydration Strategy Gear47:32 Clothing Foot Care49:39 First Aid Comfort Items53:46 Crew Self Care Logistics55:11 Pit Stop Checklist Setup01:01:04 Aid Station Mistakes01:04:30 Psychology Mood Decisions01:08:33 DNF Medical Triage01:14:07 Crew Chief Self CareGain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secretJoin the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!!Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one!Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.