How To Support Your Runner Through The Grueling PYP Trail Race

As we draw closer to PYP Race Day and as a Runner Mom (yes, there are Runner Moms) who has been a crew member and all round support person to a few trail runners, it has always been a challenge as to how you can help your Runner over that finish line on race day! So I thought it might be beneficial to share some tips that can be passed on to your support people that I have found helpful for both my Runner and I to assist them in having a successful race.

First and most important, let your Runner know you are there for them! Knowing they have support and someone rooting for them along the way will lessen their anxiety, give them someone to lean on if they are struggling and share in their achievements!

Discuss with your Runner where they would like to meet you, ie. which aid station, km marker sign or at the finish line. Be specific so that they are not waiting for you in a spot where you're not waiting! For example, the “tree at the bottom of the hill” is not helpful in a forest full of “trees at the bottom of hills”. Your Runner has spent countless hours studying the PYP trail maps and can probably name every plant in the forest, so trust their judgment and be where you say you are going to be. Nothing can freak out your Runner more than you deciding to go on a bathroom break while they frantically search for you.

Make yourself visible so your Runner can see you if they are coming into an aid station, meeting point, etc. (you know how peacocks fluff their tail feathers- fluff yours!!) Wear colorful clothing, hold up a sign or scream out “[name] I’m over here!”, so they know exactly where you are. Having said this, don’t ever jump out in front of your Runner to announce your presence. That may startle them and if they have to go to the bathroom, well….. you know the consequences…

To help you identify your Runner in a sea of other runners who are all wearing white shirts, black shorts and blue hats, note what your Runner is wearing so you can watch for them. I recommend having a conversation with your Runner prior to race day about this. Never suggest to your Runner that they wear Grandma’s multicolored scarf, a beer hat, bunny ears, etc. Your Runner has carefully selected what clothing to wear based on the distance they are running and the weather, so don’t mess with their prep.

Don’t panic if your Runner is not where they said they are going to be at the time they told you (which means you are now freaking out searching for them). Depending on weather/ trail conditions and training, they may be slower/faster, may have an issue with their clothing, may be feeling some pain, etc. Instead of: “OMG! Where the hell have you been??” try: “Hey, what do you need to get you back out there?” Other messaging suggestions: instead of “OMG you only have five minutes to cut off!!” try: “Let’s get you back on that trail!”, instead of “You have 40 km more to go so you need to move your butt” try: “I will see you at the next checkpoint in case you need anything”. Even if your Runner is feeling defeated, remain positive and upbeat. Resist the urge to feed into your Runner’s frustration when they say “This race is so hard, I should have never let Chris convince me to sign up for the 50 km!” by responding with: “You got this” “You can do this” “You are almost there”.

At your designated checkpoints, ask your Runner what they need and have their gear ready! If they have set aside protein bars, coco balls, etc. please do not eat them while you are waiting. Although it is quite appropriate to gently “suggest” something to your Runner, especially if they are doing longer distances, are becoming delirious and not thinking straight, do not force feed them gels, potatoes, candy, pretzels, coffee, etc. because you think they are hungry/thirsty. Ultimately, your Runner is the expert in knowing what they need to continue on (despite their state of mind).

Remember to cheer on other Runners as well! Runners really appreciate hearing others encouraging them on, especially near the end of the run. Some have even said that little extra bit of support provided them with enough incentive to finish strong!!!!

Lastly, be at that finish line to give your Runner a huge hug, hand them their favourite beverage and take a selfie with them and the famous PYP socks!!!!!

See you all on Race Day!!!!!