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1
GET
SET
Packing
Give your road-trip vehicle
a good examination and make sure the spare tire has the correct
air pressure. Ensure that your road-trip supplies, tools and
gear are complete, up to date and in working order. I keep
a set of road-trip
equipment and supplies in my vehicle at all times, making
preparation for speed runs much less time-consuming. Here
is a link to Judy's rather amazing list of on-board supplies.
Sleep
In the 48-hour period before
a speed run, I try to get one to two extra hours of sleep
each night so I can begin the trip fully rested. Anyone can
do a single day of driving 750 miles or more, but the cumulative
effect of long-haul driving over several days is extreme fatigue,
which can be both dangerous and lead to crankiness, which
is unpleasant for anyone traveling with you.
Road Food
Speed runs and restaurant meals
don't mix. The portions are often too large, too high in calories
and they take too much time to eat. I've found that eating
a nutritious restaurant breakfast is a good way to start the
day; I follow it with two or three other meals
from my onboard cooler. Eating this way is healthier,
and it saves time, too. Also drink plenty of water during
the speed run - twice as much as usual. Staying hydrated not
only curbs hunger, it increases alertness. An added benefit
is that it forces you to stop for quick breaks frequently.
GO!
Three-person Rotation
If you are traveling with other
drivers on a speed run, the optimal way to apportion the driving
is by a three-person rotation. With three drivers, it's possible
to drive continuously except for fuel, food and restroom breaks.
In the rotation I like best, one driver drives for three hours,
and then does a three-hour shift as the navigator-conversationalist
in the front right seat. Then the navigator moves to the back
seat and goes to sleep. This requires discipline. Some team
drivers suggest that at the end of a driving shift, the driver
immediately go to sleep. In my experience, it's better for
the driver to unwind for a shift as the navigator, because
it can be difficult to fall asleep right away.
Drive with the Sun
Driving toward either a setting
or rising sun causes eye fatigue. Plan to have breakfast or
take a MOVE break when the sun is near the horizon.
MOVE Breaks
In addition to eye fatigue,
driving long distances can also cause leg cramps, decreased
situational awareness and even a potentially life-ending medical
condition known as deep
venous thrombosis (DVT). The best prevention is very simple:
Get out of the car and MOVE. When you stop for fuel or food,
do some stretches, jog in place, chase a Frisbee or do your
interpretation of the Chicken Dance. Forget about how odd
you look - no one knows you! Do whatever it takes to get your
circulation moving.
One Last Tip
When you get to your destination,
relax and take time to recharge your batteries. It may seem
like you've just been sitting in a car for a few days, but
as anyone who has ever done it can tell you, long-distance
driving under time pressure is exhausting and stressful.
We don't recommend speed runs,
but these tips will help ensure safety and success when moseying
is out of the question.
Mark
Sedenquist and Judy
Carter
September 17, 2006
