Crew Training

[denalifc]

Be very interested to know what type of training and fitness level a crew member or a pacer might need before crewing/pacing at Badwater (including solos.

Thanks
Ian, Naperville IL

[grrlpup]

For me, heat training and acclimatization was most important-- especially coming from a cool wet spring in Portland, Oregon. Sauna training, hot yoga, and always having the heat on full blast in the car. I had to teach myself how to balance salt and water, and I think my sweating and temperature patterns changed physiologically, too.

Also, good functional fitness and strength/flexibility. I spent a lot of time crawling around in the truck and pulling bins in and out.

Most of my pacing was walking speed, but that might be different with a different runner. I felt like I could get by with doing a few miles at a time and trading off, so straight-out running endurance wasn't a big issue. It was more having the focus and energy to get through the day (and night).

[TrailTramp]

Hi Ian,

So you've joined the ranks of the "Death" Heads?  I love it!  Jerry Garcia would be proud.

Five excellent sources of crewing and footcare information:

1)  www.badwater.com  - this is the Adventurecorps site; there's a relatively new feature that even illustrates how to set up the crewing vehicle. 

2)  www.badwaterbenjones.com - Ben and Denise Jones' site. 

3)  Daus-Weber/Jones DV Crewing Guide - a must have There a link in one of these threads how to order the book.

4)  "Fixing Your Feet:  Prevention & Treatment for Athletes" by John  Vonhof
      Website:  www.vonhof.typepad.com/fixingyourfeet

5)  Mike Henebry's free booklet - very informative.  Another must have.  Let me know if you'd like me to send you
     a copy in Word format. 

Plus, of course, this forum provides links to training articles, to include heat acclimatization.

That should be enough to get you on your way.....

Happy Trails,

Connie Karras
2006 - Crew, Bill LaDieu - 54:50
2007 - Solo Crossing....

[spiritextreme]

What worked the best for me was heat training. Fortunately for me I live in Phoenix AZ and so running and walking in the heat of day was great for acclimating. I would recommend some type of heat training for anyone planning on being out in that desert.

As far as endurance training I think that would depend on whether or not you plan on doing any pacing or not, and what type of pacing and for what distances. As someone stated before it also depends on your runner. I crewed for my first time at Badwater this passed year and it was awesome. I plan to try the run in a couple years if I can stay injury free. I definitely would recommend reading the listed material in the previous post. The one thing I did that payed off the best was heat train for about 1 1/2 months before the trip. I plan to crew again next year I am addicted too this is event is phenomenal. It was good to see that people are still posting on this site now and then. Good luck hope to see you all next year.

Steve Ochoa
Crew / Pacer 2006
Robert Ardulis 43:21

[denalifc]

Thanks for all the response.

And a BIG HI to my buddy Connie.

I'll be doing plenty of reading over the holidays for sure.  I'd never have thought about the flexibility needed for crawling around the crew vehicle so thanks to "grrlpup" for posting that. Connie please do email me Mike's booklet. I actually had that at one point years ago because I was curious back then in anything ultra based but it was saved on a work PC now gone.

[TrailTramp]

Hi Ian,

Sorry I'm so late getting back to you on this. 

Turns out I can't access Mike Henebry's booklet because in trying to find it for you I realized I had it in an old AOL email account that I can no longer access because I canceled my AOL service!  I do have a hardcopy of it but that will be of no use to you.

I'm sure there are many people on this forum who have it and I'll also shoot our friend Juli an email and ask her to email you a copy as I believe she was the individual who sent it to me in the first place.

Hope the training's coming along well.  Can't wait to get back on the trails with you again!

Please let all of us here know if you have any crewing/training questions as you begin your reading... 

Hopefully you can be a part of my journey out there next July...

Happy Holidays,

Connie Karras