Saturday, January 22, 2011

Volunteering

Melissa and I volunteered for a local race today.  This was the first time that I'd volunteered at a race.  I know, I'm ashamed of it, but this is also the first time I've been in an area with an active local track club that  is always looking for volunteers.  Anyway, the race today was ten miles on a very hilly course, on a very cold day. It was a chilly, hilly run!  It was sponsored by one of my favorite local restaurants and they put out a great spread for the runners, post-race.

It was 23 degrees at the start of the race, and we (the volunteers) had already been out there for over an hour setting things up. Then the long, chilly wait for the runners - I'm not sure I've ever been so cold in my life.  But then the runners were there (I was at the finish line) and it was so great to welcome them!  The other folks at the finish line thought I was bananas, I am sure, because I was applauding and cheering for each runner as they came across.  But, hey - anyone who gets out in the cold and races ten miles on a January morning deserves applause, don't you think?

I had a blast, in spite of the cold, and I learned a lot about race logistics. I'm already planning my next volunteer experience, at a half-marathon in February.  Oh, and next time I'll be sure to have some of those little hand and foot warmers. Don't say I can't be taught!

Then we joined some friends for a seven mile training run.  And, yes, I know I could have just run the ten-miler, but it's a little soon after Disney to be racing ten miles, and anyway I like running with friends. Besides, who would have cheered for those runners if I hadn't been there? :)

And, yes, I cheered as loudly for the last runner to cross the finish line as I did the first - because I'm cool like that!

8 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great morning. I hate to admit this, but I've never volunteered at a race. I should make volunteering at a race (instead of running for once) a goal for this year.

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  2. Leah, this was my first time volunteering. An eye-opening experience, to be sure!

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  3. I think it's great that you gave back to the running/racing community you cherish so much! I know they were appreciative!!! Woohoo! The first time I volunteered was for the Rocket City Marathon and I had never run one before and swore I'd never run one after volunteering the finish line, it was so painful to see those runners come in! I've done 18 since then :). Nice job, lady!!! :)

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  4. Thats great that you were able to volunteer! I know I should volunteer at races more but I always want to participate instead ;)

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  5. Thank you, Jill! I had more fun than I thought I would, that's for sure!

    Courtney, I have that same problem, so Melissa and I are volunteering for local races that conflict with our destination race training plan. It's win-win!

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  6. I wrote about this back in november. I love volunteering at races-partly to cheer because a lot of the other volunteers aren’t runners and don’t get it and to just help out. it made realize how much work goes into organizing a race. i do my best to thank all of the volunteers that i see along the race course and at the end. i love volunteering at 1/2s! hopefully you can be at the end again. i love seeing all the happy faces :)

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  7. Elizabeth, I'll definitely volunteer again - the finish line was the best!

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  8. Ive never volunteered at a race. Considering I don't race all that much and pass up on many of them I should get my butt out there! I bet it'd be a great way to introduce myself to the running community here

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