Spectating endurance events - is it harder than racing them?

Think back to the last long race you did. Who was there? I bet you didn't turn up, race, and go home all by yourself. Here's to the partners, friends, kids and crew members who support our racing and training efforts. Thank you!

Supporting an endurance athlete is hard work: You think you have it bad? Swim, bike and run take their toll but spare a thought for your support crew. They're out there, on their feet, enduring all sorts of weather conditions for just as long as you are. In fact, that's the thing. Your friends and family will end up spectating for the amount of time dictated by your race pace.

The hours are long: 17 hour Ironman finisher? That's at least a 17 hour day for your loved ones. Much more, really, when you take into account getting to the race, waiting whilst you get a post-race massage and retrieve your bag. And you'll be able to collapse in a heap once you're done. But that's often when the support crew's role comes into its own.

It can be cold and dark out there: If you've ever done a race which started - or finished - in the dark, spare a thought for your support crew. It's not much fun standing about in the dark and cold, feeling a bit like a spare part, whilst your athlete busies themselves with racking the bike, setting up transition, and making last minute adjustments. It's a little easier if there's shelter and a refreshments stand for spectators. But on long races, or events held in the middle of nowhere, spectators are often an afterthought. So add "thermos of coffee for the crew" to your packing list.

It's not all glamour you know! It may sound exciting to say that you're off for the weekend supporting your partner on an Ironman race. The reality is likely to be a little less glamourous. Our trusty crew members are likely to finish the day slightly damp (from triathlete hugs), covered in smears of bike grease and Vaseline, sunburned, wind swept and suffering a dehydration headache.

The list of jobs is endless: Photographer. Key-holder. Supplier of strategic cheering. Toddler management. Dog-lead holder. Emergency suntan lotion/Vaseline/energy gel dispenser. There's a lot more to supporting an endurance athlete than just shouting and clapping. And doesn't your loved one know it!

A thankless task: Being support crew for or simply spectating at an endurance race can be a thankless task. Here's a challenge. Don't let it be. Make sure your partner, parents, friends, training partners, kids and club mates know just how much you appreciate everything they do for you on race day (and in the lead up to it). Then celebrate with them in style. After all, it's truly a team effort.