Let me tell you about an email I received recently that posed an interesting question: ‘How do I support my Runner?’
This is the jist of the email I received:
“I’ve just started a relationship with a runner and he has asked me to support him on a marathon soon. Help! What do I need to bring for him, if anything? What can I do to make things easier for him? Will I embarrass him if I jump up and down and scream? I’m afraid I have no idea of marathon etiquette and don’t know who else to ask!Many thanks”
Right, here goes….
First of all .. clearly your new found friend has not put you off so far. Marathon Runners are a peculiar breed and are very quick to announce their passion and desire…..for running. The faint odour of muscle rub & sweat and pairs of well-worn trainers by the front door are the first tell-tale signs that they’re not like ordinary people. Their choice of clothing is often ‘unique’ and they will spend hours in sports shops drooling over the latest running shoes and gear. They also have an alarming habit of disappearing for hours on end, only to return red faced, sweaty and windswept.
I speak ‘Running’
Marathoners have a language all of their own and have a frightening regard for stats. Words and phrases to familiarise yourself with are as follows (more on these in the coming weeks):
- Fartlek
- Interval training
- Carbo Loading
- Tapering
- Splits
- PBs/PRs
Race Day essentials
This is always a tricky area to cover as every runner has their own preferred items on race day. Some of the things your partner will hopefully remember are:
- Running shoes (they’re going nowhere without them unless they’re mad.. see next point),
- Socks (a marathon without socks is asking for trouble…although take a look at this brave
idiot‘sole’ who ran the London Marathon barefoot…), - Shorts, leggings/tights, Running top, outerwear (depending on the weather)
- Appropriate undergarments (don’t get involved in this bit – if your runner hasn’t worked out what they need in this department then walk away quickly and quietly now!)
- Race number & safety pins (supplied by the race organisers, spare pins are always useful though)
- Race belt (optional) – worn around waist for stashing small essential supplies
- Electronic tracker – most well organised races will provide an electronic tracking device that can be strapped to your runner’s shoe or ankle and provides accurate information (hopefully) about distance and time .. useful for deterring anyone who’s thinking of hopping on a bus or taking a short cut half way through their marathon!
- If your runner is raising funds for charity then it’s likely they’ll have their running top emblazoned with their name and charity logo.
Your Ta-Da Moment
Inevitably, there is always a last minute panic.. a moment of “oh hell.. I haven’t got..’ This is your ‘Ta-Da’ moment – things you should take along are as follows:
- Spare safety pins
- Spare gels/nutrition bars
- Bananas
- iPod & headphones
- Loo roll/tissue
- Vaseline (to prevent chaffing of delicate areas)
- Sports sunglasses
- Jelly beans/jelly babies.. call them what you will but they’re a great energy boost & motivator – carry 26, 1 for every marathon mile!
Don’t forget that you can also play an active part in helping your marathon runner to raise money for charity. Photographs and videos of your runner whilst in training, during the race and in a crumpled heap once home, are all useful reminders to send to family and friends and get that sponsorship money rolling in. Upload videos to YouTube, photos to Flickr and don’t forget to post to your runner’s online fundraising page and your own Facebook page.
It’s your time to shine
Spotting your runner once the marathon has started can be tricky. It’s a good idea to decide together on places that you will try to be, at certain times during the race. Wear something bright and don’t be afraid to take signs, balloons, whistles, and your loudest cheer. This is your time to shine and provide extra motivation and encouragement to your runner.
You may not realise just how important this role is. Hearing your name being called out by supporters is a wonderfully uplifting moment for runners.
Don’t limit yourself to just your runner, be generous and shout out as many names as you can read off the running tops. Remember to shout encouragement such as “Go on Sarah, looking good”, “Not far to go now Ben, finish strong”, “Great work Jan, Go Team Macmillan”
… and not “Ooh err, Nigel, you look knackered”!
At the Finish Line
However they cross the finish line (running, limping, crawling) your marathon runner will feel elated…and tired. They will receive their finishers medal and you’ll have played a hugely important part in getting them to the finish line. Ensure that you have their favourite recovery drinks, a good supply of protein and carbohydrate rich snacks and something warm to wear for the journey home.
Enjoy the day out, talk to supporters and have some fun! Support your runner with enthusiasm, good humour and some T.L.C. Marathons are full of emotion, personal stories ..and Heroes!
Got a Tip for Marathon Supporters? Leave a comment below!
