How to give a partner, spouse, or sherpa what they need to support you on race day.
Why a sherpa needs a plan
A support crew with no information cannot help. A support
crew with the right two-page summary can save the race when
something unexpected happens (missed aid, lost gel, broken
shoe).
Expected splits: swim out at HH:MM, bike out at HH:MM,
run out at HH:MM, finish at HH:MM. Approximate, not
promises.
Target paces / watts by leg.
Fueling plan summary: what you eat per leg, in what
rhythm.
Equipment: bike, helmet, suit, shoes (so they can
spot you).
Course knowledge
Where transitions are and how to spectate them.
Aid station locations in case they meet you at one.
Cut-off times if the race enforces them.
Bike loop / run loop direction so they spectate the
right side of the course.
What to bring (for the sherpa)
A small bag with:
Spare gels (in case you drop yours).
A 500 mL bottle of your race drink mix.
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses for them, not for you.
A phone with the tracking app (most races have one).
A roll of duct tape and zip ties (you will not need
these; they will, eventually).
What NOT to ask of a sherpa
Detailed coaching commentary. They cannot tell you
whether you are pushing too hard from the side of the
road. Race your plan.
Fueling delivery on course. Most races forbid
outside assistance. The fueling plan must work from
on-course aid alone plus what you carry.
Emotional support beyond cheering. The race is hard.
They are not responsible for fixing how it feels.
Sharing the wizard URL
The wizard URL
(/admin/race-planning-wizard/<race_id>/) is staff-only.
Do not share it as is with a sherpa; they cannot log in.
Instead, screenshot the relevant outputs and paste into a
text or message.
A one-page template
Adapt this for the message:
Race: , , .
Start: .
Wave / bib: .
Wearing: .
Targets: swim , bike , run .
Expected splits: swim , T1 , bike , T2
, run , finish .
If anything looks off (no sight of me by