Team Dynamics: Racing, Crewing, and Building Community | Duo Athlete EP3

Welcome back to the Duo Athlete Podcast! In Episode 3, we’re talking about team dynamics — not just during a race, but in all the ways endurance sports become bigger than one person. Frank starts with the pressure and fun of trying to ride Unbound with teammates and friends, while Shayna talks about the very different kind of team dynamic that comes with leading a nonprofit race team. From there, we get into CycSol Racing, building community around local racing, organizing Dragon’s Back XC at Scales Lake, and why putting on a race is its own endurance event. We also talk about the hidden labor of crewing and SAG support: labeling bottles, hauling gear, keeping packs cold, reading note cards, trying not to mess up someone’s months of training, and being the calm brain when the racer no longer has one. Frank shares what it felt like to rely on support away from home, and Shayna shares what it’s like to crew at races like Leadville. The conversation also turns toward racing as a couple — making decisions together, balancing budgets and big goals, handling the emotional sting of a DNF, and the very relatable post-race urge to immediately look for the next big thing. Topics include: Teamwork at Unbound Leading a local race team Building Dragon’s Back XC Why local racing matters SAG stop logistics The pressure of crewing Race-day communication DNFs and emotional race decisions Training together as a couple The “what’s next?” feeling after a big event Bike. Run. Real life.