Support Crews
A good support crew can be the difference between having a successful event or suffering a soul-destroying Did Not Finish, DNF. It is essential to choose the right support crew for you.
When planning your Support Crew you should consider the following;
Support Crew Rules: Ask your support crew to read the support crew rules before the start of the BTU. This is extremely important and may cost you a time penalty or disqualification if the support crew breaks a BTU - Support Crew Rule.
Excellent Navigation: Your Support Crew must have the skills to navigate to each Checkpoint. Please help your Support Crew by loading the Checkpoint Location on google maps before the event. Do this when you are both stress-free and calm. Talk to them about each Checkpoint and the distance you've covered when you've made it to each Checkpoint. Communication will help them understand your challenge and understand their role as your support crew.
Phone and Data: Can follow you on your GPS tracker and communicate with you throughout the race if needed. Tell your support crew where there are dead zones on the course, like at CP5, Gold Creek Reservoir. Create a strategy for contacting each other. Plan to text message or phone your support crew on the top of the ridge before you descend into a checkpoint. Tell your support crew what you require from them at the next Checkpoint. This planning and preparation that utilises the optimal phone coverage will aid with your comms plan and speed up your transition in and out of a checkpoint.
Plan: It is your role to plan and prepare for every possible scenario and have it ready for your support crew to implement this plan for you. Tell then your nutrition and hydration plan for each Checkpoint. Tell your support crew when you pick up your good headlamp, change into your night warm clothes and pick up your pacer.
Experience: An ultra runner or a close friend or family member is an excellent choice for a support crew. They will have experienced ultra's through either their races or by watching you over the years.
Weather Reports: Extreme weather events may happen when you are racing. In 2019 the BTU course had over 50ml of rain at My Nebo. Ask your support crew to regularly check the weather report and provide you with up-to-date information on the predicted weather. Ask your support crew to put the foul weather plan for you and arrange your night-time foul weather kit if needed.
Respect Volunteers and BTU Staff: In the past, sadly, support crews have been rude and demanding to our volunteers. We ask you to have a conversation with your support crew about being kind and respectful to our volunteers and BTU Staff.
Caring For Your Support Crew
Wellbeing: Make sure your Support Crew has a packed lunch for the day. Near the start line in The Gap, there is a Coles. Let them know the opening times and make sure they stock up on snacks and treats for themselves for the duration of the event. There are many Cafes on the course, The Gap, Brookfield, Paddington, Mt Nebo, and Mt Glorious. Let your support crew know where they can buy coffee and lunch. There is a great Burger Place in Paddington, with loads of restaurants. Make sure your support crew eats and is well-fed and also stays hydrated. Support Crews are not allowed to take food from the checkpoints. They must be self-sufficient while on the course.
Managing Fatigue: Your support crew must plan when they will be sleeping. The roads around Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious are some of the most dangerous roads in Queensland. Your support crew mustn't be driving when they are tired. A one-person support crew is good. Two people or more support crew is better, as it will allow the support crew to share the driving through the night if one of your support crew becomes tired.
Staying Warm and Dry: Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious temperatures can drop below zero in winter. Winter conditions combined with winds can lead to freezing conditions. Support Crews can wait for hours for a runner in exposed areas and may become hyperthermic if not dressed appropriately. Ensure the support crew also carried Mountain Kit, warm wet weather jackets with a hood. Packing a tea or coffee flask or gas stove for boiling water for hot teas and coffee to keep themselves warm is an excellent way to keep their core temperature stable and prevent hyperthermia.
Gratitude: Be humble and thankful to your support crew. Support Crews endure harsh conditions to help you achieve your goal. Being a support crew member is often a selfless role that can be unrecognised for the amount of effort required for your achievement. They are sacrificing their time for you to succeed. Always be grateful and kind to your support crew. Let me know that you appreciate them being there for you.
