Vermont 100

I'll start with an adage that many of you have heard - “if you want to have your faith in humanity restored, watch a marathon”. It is always so inspiring to see how people will help other people to push their physical limits. When Ed switched to the ultra trail running world, we discovered that feeling was exponentially compounded.

It is mind-boggling to watch as runners attempt the seemingly impossible and equally impressive to watch the crews and volunteers who help to make it possible. It is a team effort like nothing you've ever experienced. Pushing your body to go way beyond its limit breaks it down in ways you don't expect, despite your training. But no matter what happens, there is somebody they who did anticipate it and will help you. Even if you're a perfect stranger. It doesn't matter. There are no boundaries. That disgusting sock that you've been running in for 60 miles needs to come off so that you can tend to blisters that are excruciating painful but you can't quite bend that far because your back is seizing up? No worries. We've got you. Sweat is causing chafing in places you wouldn't normally mention in public? Here's the bag balm. You need to change your clothes because something is rubbing you the wrong way? Don't move. Conserve your energy. We'll advert our eyes. Nakedness loses it's shock value when there are much more important things at stake. Need a drink? We've got water, sports drinks, cola for a hit of sugar and caffeine, etc. Please help yourself. Need something stronger ‘cause this hurts? Have a beer. 

Mind you, this all happens over the length of the course. There are aid stations full of volunteers who set up ahead of the race at various mile-markers, but the crews that follow the runners move from point to point. So, as crew, you follow hand-written directions to each of the places where you are allowed to meet your runner, park, unload all the gear and lug it to the trail, wait for your runner, spend a few minutes bolstering their body and spirit as needed, and then pack everything back up, lug it to the car, and head to the next location. There is never a dull moment. It's an adventure, and a fascinating ebb and flow of people throughout the length of the race. It's exhausting and exhilarating because of all the things that you experience. You cheer on other runners and their crews and watch how they interact. You learn new tricks to help your runner. You visit with people. You see friends and you make friends. The ultra world is like no other!