Deb Meeks Is the Ultimate Crew Mom for Ultra Runners

Today on the show I’m hitting up the trail with Deb Meeks.

Deb Meeks at Home on the Trail

Deb earned the title of “Crew Mom” after crewing and pacing friends for various ultra races.

If crewing and pacing for ultras were a sport, Deb would have pro status.

Running For a Bigger Cause

Deb is an adult-onset runner, entering the running scene at age 40, motivated to be more active.

She got so much more than anticipated when she joined Team RWB.

It was through Team RWB that she got introduced to the trail world.

The mission of Team RWB is, “To enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”

It was in this group that she met the runners now friends that were in need of someone to crew and pace them for their ultra races.

This Episode Is Sponsored By: Running Shoes Guru

The Ultimate Crew Mom

Deb’s first experience crewing and pacing was during a friend’s 100-mile race.

She quickly found out that she enjoyed this new role and was a natural.

Deb Meeks Taking Care of Her Athlete

Much like a mother Deb:

• Knows when to be stern.
• Knows when to be sympathetic.
• Makes sure her runners eat and hydrate appropriately.
• Changes their clothes and/or shoes as needed.

She really honed her skills when she crewed and paced her friend for the Midwest Grand Slam.

Over the course of 4 months, she successfully saw him through five 100 milers in which he ultimately earned second place.

Behind The Scenes

Over the years Deb has perfected the role of crew member and pacer.

She shared some of the tips she learned through trial and error:

• Communicate intensely beforehand and during- know likes and dislikes.
• Print out maps. Technology and phones aren’t always reliable.
• Study the terrain and topography.
• Know your runner and their paces.
• Drive multiple cars if crewing more than one runner.
• Go to the next aid station first and foremost.
• Keep a binder with each crew member with all the info.

Mental fatigue is as real as the physical for the runners which means the crew and pace team becomes their brain.

Deb Meeks Clowning for the Camera in the Bottom Corner

Also Mentioned In This Episode:

• Brimstone Bicycles
• Indiana Trail 100
• Mohican Trail 100

You can connect with Deb on Facebook

[bctt tweet=”Deb Meeks earned the title of Crew Mom after successfully pacing and crewing multiple ultras. #runchat” username=”dizruns”

As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!

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