Course and team photography courtesy of

Welcome Captains! Being a Captain for a WVR team is quite a responsibility. This is why we've developed this special section just for you - the Captain. If you have any questions about being a captain, please feel free to write us at info@wondersofwalking.com and we'll try to help you out. We are hopeful the information below answers any questions and/or concerns you may have about this special responsibility!

ABOUT BEING A WVR CAPTAIN!

Being a Captain for a WVR team is a great chance to show your leadership skills and have fun at the same time! Below are a few pointers for you to remember:

• You should be encouraging your team to start their training now and not to wait. Wonders of Walking hosts a number of training opportunities. Members of your team can also get the help and support they need by joining the WOW Walk Club. Details about this group are forthcoming so check back soon for more information!
• If you would like to have a special team training, Judy Heller holds "team" walk training courses. Judy conducts a number of training programs for developing a successful and fun walking experience:
  • Basic Program: includes efficient walking techniques, ways to avoid injuries, stretching, getting mentally and physically prepared, what to eat, what to wear, etc. Developed for and offered to teams, groups, or individuals.
  • Technical Program: includes the Basic program plus training principles, base building, relay training technique and strategies. Developed for and offered to teams, groups, or individuals.
  • Racewalking Training

For more information on these plus other personal training, fitness and team trainings, visit www.erofit.com or contact Judy at judy@erofit.com

• Capture all allergies, medications, illnesses and team phone numbers. Ensure all team members add this information onto the backs of their bibs to expedite the delivery of emergency care.
• If you don't have a complete team, try our team matching! We have a listing of people who are looking to be on a team. Send an email with your preferences for gender, age, pace and any other requirement to wvrteammatching@wondersofwalking.com
• You should also be soliciting help for volunteers. Remember, each team within a 50-mile radius of the course (excluding Vancouver , WA ) is required to have a minimum of 3 race volunteers.
• We will be adding more tips and suggestions for Captain's so be sure to check the site often!

GOOD COMMUNICATION AND DECISION MAKING IS KEY TO SUCCESS!

Jackie Lord, team Buns & Roses, an experienced long distance relay team

The captain's position requires a lot of coordination and is very rewarding. Communication is key to success as well as being a good listener and having the ability to observe a situation and make quick decisions.

Many things can happen given two days of physical effort, close quarters, heat and other elements personality clashes can try a team! It is the role of the captain to observe and use preventative measures to thwart off possible issues. Below are a few tips:

Communicate early when you are selecting team members what is the conditions that a team member will have to experience and how you expect to address the more uncomfortable situations. Some you cannot avoid and others can be minimized if recognized early. Communicate early any team expectations.

Be up front about financial responsibilities. It is very important to try and make members aware from the start of costs outside the entry fee (van rental, gas, team attire (if you decide), food, etc.)

Your van is you most valued equipment besides your shoes! Vans need to be reserved early (like months in advance) to assure availability.

Communicating these potential costs during your team selection process and during the planning stages will get you those who can willingly and knowingly participate with little to no hassle.

Know and document any medical conditions of your fellow team mates. This prior knowledge has proven to be beneficial in assisting that team member in having a rewarding experience and makes you aware of the potential issues you may need to address.

One of the most rewarding but touchy duties as a captain is leg selection. This is where you blend all your observations of the team members, get input from them on what they feel they are able to do and then blend it all together and make the sound decisions that will be best for the team. This where open communication is crucial between you and your team mates. You may have to make a decision to pull someone off a leg because they may not be physically ready for it and in the same breath have to push someone to do a leg that you know they could do but they have their doubts. Be willing to be flexible but there will come a time where you must set the rotation and the team will want it set for training purposes. When you see those accomplish what

CAPTAIN TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RELAY!

As the race gets nearer, there are still some important tasks for the captain to complete. Below are a few tips to help in your success for this year's WVR!

1. Take a ride on the course! A course run is a very valuable piece of visual information. This event wanders through small towns, cities, country roads. Taking a practice ride along the course helps for you to become familiar and reduce the chance for getting lost. Even with the help of the guidebook, complete with legends, maps, and descriptions, it can't tell you all the nuances a particular leg may have - road conditions, tree canopies (for shade on a hot day), fuel stops, Snicker and burger stops ( J ), etc. This is a trip that more than one person from the team should take. At least one from each van should ride along. Taking notes or even a video can be the best way to spend a pleasant afternoon.
2. Leg assignments. Assigning legs is very challenging! This is where your knowledge of what your team member's skills and abilities is crucial. You will have to make decisions on who can do what at least a month before the race. It is only fair to make these decisions in time for them to do some specific training if needed and time to accomplish it by race time. The guidebook provides a rating for each leg. This rating takes into consideration the length, terrain, walking surface
3. Identify First Aid Provider. In the team selection process, it is important to know any medical conditions of your fellow team mates. This prior knowledge has proven to be beneficial in assisting that team member in having a rewarding experience and makes you aware of the potential issues you may need to address. You must keep in mind that you are often times walking in remote areas, in hot or cold temperatures, walking at night, etc. Communications can be limited and close proximity to medical assistance may not be readily available.
4. Have a first aid plan. If there is a person on the team with medical knowledge, that person should be assigned the responsibility to be point person on possible issues. A complete list of supplies for each van and what each participant should bring are listed in the guidebook or on the WVR web site.
5. Buddy system. If a team mate prefers to have another team mate support them along the course, great. However, please remember that anyone on the course is required to wear a reflective vest at all times.
6. Timekeeping and team watch. Timekeeping is not difficult but it must be done throughout the race. Many teams have a clipboard that they pass from Van to Van. On the clipboard is the timing sheet and a stop watch, often times taped to the clip board so that it doesn't get lost. This way, you have your time sheet, timer and something to write on all right there.

MORE TIPS FROM VETERAN CAPTAINS

To help in the overall success of the Willamette Valley Relay:

• All captains MUST attend the "Captain's Meeting." Times and locations are posted at www.wondersofwalking.com
• Each team within a 50-mile radius of the course must register (3) volunteers, age 18 or older, to work 4-5 hour shifts. If every walker on the team lives more than 50 miles from any part of the course, the volunteer requirement is waived. Assignments are made as volunteers register (first come, first served).
• Please encourage your team to contribute to the success of the relay by supporting the communities by purchasing foods and refreshments from organizations on the course. A listing of these will be posted at www.wondersofwalking.com so it is important you check back to the site often.