8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
* '''Organization'''. On a far more minor level, the level of organization varied widely between runners. A number of runners spent far too long rummaging through bags looking for gear and often wasting 5 minute or more. At Umstead, doing that at each aid station could easily waste an hour or more. Finding an item in a bag may not seem difficult, but after 20+ hours of racing, even simple tasks become monumental. Other runners had their gear organized into Ziploc bags, which worked better.
* '''Crew'''. It was remarkable to see how effective a well organized and motivated crew was. There were runners who effectively delegated tasks to their crew, so they were not searching for things themselves. I saw runners who even had their pacers go ahead with a message to the rest of the crew about what was required so that it would all be ready and waiting. Having a crew that includes experienced ultrarunners seemed to be remarkably effective.
==Next Year==
I'd obviously like to run Umstead next year, but I also want to work the aid station again. The ideal solution is to race the 50, sleeping for a few hours and then working the night shift. This has a deep appeal.
==Final Thoughts==
Working the aid station proved to be hard work, but it was also rewarding and valuable. It has given me a deeper understanding of the sport, the people who compete and the people that support. I'd obviously like to run Umstead next year, but I also want to work will always remember the lady who came into the aid station againat 7:45 on Sunday morning, after nearly 26 hours of racing and covering 87 miles. The ideal solution is to race She was in tears, exhausted, and had some of the 50worst blisters I saw that night. I helped re-tape her feet, sleeping and watched the look of pain as she put her shoes back on. She was clearly aware that time was running out for a few hours her to complete last lap, but she got up and then working the night shiftwent out to continue her battle. This has a deep appealHer courage was both humbling and inspiring.
==See Also==
* [[Your First 100 Mile Race]]