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Thames Path 100
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Mr F, You have mail
HTA, you should have two emails in return
A true Gent, Thanks Mr F
Ran (or waded) most of the route between Henley and Marlow last night and its very flooded between Henley and Hurley. Had to take a detour onto the road which was not much fun. I've learned that its definitely worth checking for flood warnings before you head out, especially in the dark.
From Henley along the path wasn't too bad, but after the deer park the thames path became the thames river. I'd really like to beat my Thames trot time from last year but I think waste high water might slow me down a bit.
Glad it's not just me Mr.F I can't get out the chair. This cold has knocked me for six.
Good luck with your training!
- Find out what the runner expects from you. For example how often they want to see you, what food and drink they like to be ready for them and any kit they want handy. Some people like to change shoes etc.
- keep in mind that they will likely be in a different mood at various points of the race. Encourage them and keep them moving along as best you can. Maybe some tough love if need be.
- concentrate on the runner. They don't need to know if you had trouble finding the meeting point, are tired or hungry. To be honest they are unlikely to care
It is fun, enjoy.
Em
I rely on my crew (wife) for all my major events.
The single most important thing is, If you agree to be somewhere at a certain time make sure you are there.
During the night when your runner is really tired and everything is hurting the thought of seeing you or the next aid station is all they'll be thinking of. So if your not there it is a major mental set back. My crew and i will have maybe three meeting points that i would like her to be at during 100 miles. Then if she makes any others it's a bonus plus it gives her chance to have a kip as and when she needs it.
Another point that WiB has touched on is the encouragement factor. If it's your runners first 100 the urge to drop may at points be very high. It really is your job to try and stop them doing that unless they have an injury. Tiredness and fatigue is not a reason.
Emmy
The runner that you are supporting, will undoubtedly go through some bad patches mentally, at some point. The better check point captains are masters of persuasion, as are some of the more experienced runners. Most people who have done a 100 miler can name somebody who helped them to finish it mentally, and people who have done more than one, have likely helped somebody else to finish one.
When I did the TP100 last year, I woefully under prepared in terms of my kit. A storm came down in the morning, and a number of runners were withdrawn with hypothermia. When I reached the 95 mile checkpoint, I was shivering uncontrollably, and when I was handed a cup of hot tea, I was shaking so badly that I spilled it over everybody around me. The checkpoint captain fashioned me a makeshift jacket out of a bin bag, and said “you have got just five more miles to do, keep running and you will stay warm”. As the pep talk continued, he kept repeating the phrase “five more miles”. That checkpoint captain might just have made the difference.
A month ago I was in the Winter 100, which had challenging weather conditions, and a horrendous dropout rate. I found myself running with a girl, who had never done anything longer than 37 miles before. She was full of fight, but was getting phased the fact that more experienced runners were retiring in droves. I threw every trick in the book at her:
Finishing my first 100 miler was the most amazing experience of my life (it was by the way).
It is going to get light soon
You are obviously over the worst of it in terms of conditions
All those people surrendered their race medal for a bacon sandwich, tomorrow you would regret not finishing, but you wont think “oh god I wish I had quit earlier and got that cup of tea”
This race has a 40/50/60% DNF rate, finishing it will be a significant scalp
I personally think the beat support a crew can give is mental. If I think back to last years thames100 in the second half the food ans nutrition seemed to take care of itself cos I only really wanted hot soup and energy bars. O knew ny dad was find to be at Abingdon and despite it being thoroughly awful weather just seeing him lifted me right up and back out of the checkpoint. The smiley face, simple words of encouragement and moral support was a massive boost!
Thank you all for your responses. I've asked her what she expects and have copied over the advice so that she can also look at it.
Any tips for pacers? This will be my first venture over 50 miles and I've been lucky enough to have four volunteers for pacers from Henley onwards. I think it will be a massive boost for me and they are keen to be a part of this. Has anyone else been through Marlow and the surrounding areas, its totally flooded? Hope all the training is going well!
Here's a good start. Amusing too
Part 1 http://footfeathers.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/how-to-be-ultra-pacer.html
Link to part 2 and 3 are on the page.
Cheers WiB that is awesome. I'll send it on to my pacers and let them know what they're in for.