Road Trip Training Summary

Having done a few of these supported training road trips with Gordo, I've learned a thing or two about supporting a group of guys putting in some serious training hours. Following is a basic "support model" to use as a guideline for others planning their own training road trips. In a nutshell, I do the driving, the cooking, the shopping, line-up pools, massage, accommodations, make sure the guys have everything they need, and handle anything else that comes up -- as well as fit in my own training! The only thing the guys should have to think about is train, eat and sleep. Its a great way to spend a week or two. Have fun out there! :-)

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First we figure out how many people are going to be in the party - that helps us figure out what we need for transport. For the V2B trip we had a 32' RV with four beds for five to six of us. The extra bodies slept outside in tents. The cost of the RV (rental, insurance, gas) was divided amongst the crew after the trip.

About a week pre-trip I draft up a sample camp menu and run through it with Gordo. This is broken down into four categories:
1. Breakfast,
2. Lunch,
3. Dinner, and
4. Support.
For #s 1,2, and 4 we list what the guys will want on hand. My job then is just to make sure those items are always in supply. #3 is more for me - its flexible, but aids me in shopping/planning. Helpful when your support person is also training.

A couple days before the camp kicks off, I spend half a day shopping. I load up on most of the dry/canned goods that we'll need. This often includes a full box of apples, oranges and bananas. They get through them before they turn. ;-) Fresh produce and meats I pick up as we go.

We also pack up a few extras like a blender, sharp knife, coffee plunger, Tupperwear and ziploc bags for food storage... Don't forget the first aid kit!

On camp, I cook all dinners and just have breakfast and lunch goods stocked and available. Sometimes I'll cook up breakfast or lunch - either way, I make sure there's always a stash of cooked protein on hand.

The support list includes ice, coke, sports drinks, gels, sports bars, coffee, water, bananas, spare tubes, vaseline, sunscreen, etc. These are always on hand when on the road.

We usually keep a list posted somewhere obvious. "The List" is for the guys to write down any special shopping requests -- ie. antibacterial wipes, Boost, etc. -- and I pick up whatever they need in the morning before heading out.

I do some of the ahead recon type stuff too. Search out if there are any pools in towns we'll be stopping in. Contact them for hours and directions. Booking massages on days we're staying put. Calling ahead and booking campgrounds -- its important to have a cell phone and a US Campgrounds book. Makes life a whole lot easier.

Also important - just in case - to have a cell phone in the RV and at least one with the crew. As well, have a "signal" so that you know to stop if any of the crew need something as you pass by them.

As far as pricing goes, well, Gordo gives me his Visa and I go shopping. ;-) That's about as simple as it gets. I keep all the receipts and then we divide everything up amongst the crew at the end. If any of the crew pay for group expenses, their names get put on the receipt and tossed into the "receipt bin".

Other support duties include rubbing sunscreen on backs and being subjected to seriously foul air. ;-)

Hope that helps. Shoot me a note if you have more questions. I'm sure I'm forgetting a thing or two.

Cheers,
Wy & gordo