Support Squad Game Plan

TRI-Tips

Support Squad Game Plan 

The key to a smooth, enjoyable race experience isn’t just having a plan for yourself but helping your spectators, sherpas, and supporters have one too! A little structure can go a long way in making their day easier and your race day calmer. Here are a few quick tips to help you friends and family support you well and enjoy their own race day experience.

1. Download the Race app in advance, or find the tracker link, to ensure supporters have access to tracking, maps, schedule of events, etc. For example, at USAT Nationals, supporters are encouraged to download the USA Triathlon app in advance.

2. Have your supporters help you stay on track the days leading up to the race. Make a plan and share it with them. They should also ideally help you minimize time on feat, reduce stress, and stay on top of eating and hydrating.

3. Everywhere your supporters go during race weekend, they should wear comfortable shoes and a hat + pack a bag with some extra water, snacks, and sunscreen because they need some self-care too! This can also come in handy when you, the athlete, might need a little extra pick-me-up!

4. Supports should be prepared for unexpected weather. Encourage them to pack an umbrella and have a rain jacket/poncho available for rainy conditions.

5. Park it like it’s hot: Discuss where your crew should park. Some race venues close off roads and have regulations about where you can park. Sometimes spectators also have to take a shuttle to the swim start. At USAT Nationals in Milwaukee, there are a handful of self-pay parking decks within a quarter mile of transition if you need to drive to the race-site.

6. Let your supporters know that pictures and videos on race day are always appreciated, but be sure they pack a portable charging bank - between using the tracker, taking pictures, sharing splits, and googling coffee shops, their phone can get depleted quickly

7. Cheer Location: Help your squad find a place to post up and cheer. At Nationals, I would encourage supporters to post up around transition to spot athletes coming in/out of Transition 1 and 2. And after the athlete's head out on to the run - they can start to walk over to the finish line/expo, which is about a mile away from transition.

Set your crew up for success, make a plan, and you'll all elevate your entire race weekend experience!