Volunteering at the Race

I finally had my opportunity to volunteer at a race. I have never done this before, but I was glad I did it. There were many events going on, and I got to congratulate everyone as they came across the finish line. It was a blast, and I would recommend anyone do this that has any interest in the behind the scenes of these events.

The event we attended was the Last Call Triathlon.  There was a traditional sprint triathlon, a super sprint triathlon, one in which people were on paddle boards rather than swimming, aqua bike, and duathlon (I may be forgetting something). Chad participated in the duathlon and did great (in my opinion). I was first stationed with the duathlon participants to make sure they were had the proper markings on their arms and left leg. Then, I was near the transition area to try to keep the spectators off of the course and cheer on the people coming in from the beach to the bikes and direct the runners out of the bikes to the running course. Finally, I was sent to the finish line to collect the timing chips that were on the participants' ankles. It was gross because they were sweating but rewarding because I got to congratulate everyone as they stopped for me to get the bracelets. It was fast moving and made the time go by faster than I believe it would have if I had worked the aid station as I was originally assigned. It was fun to see all of the events as they took place. It was eye opening to see this small part of the innerworkings these events. I would totally recommend anyone interested in racing to do this when they can!

Volunteer Experience Soon

A few months ago, I signed up to volunteer at a race Chad is doing. Today, I got the email with my assignment because the race is this Saturday. I will be manning the aid station for the run from 8:30 to 10:45. I’m getting so nervous. I know I can’t really mess it up, but I will be with people I don’t know, and I don’t do great in social situations. I’m getting a bit better, but it is still scary. I’m happy that I will be doing something that give me the chance to see him though even if it will be just for a little bit. Also, I should be done in time to cheer him on at the finish line. Hopefully, it will be a good experience. 

Changes

I have another 5K coming up on August 12, and I am getting excited and loving how my increased activity has been affecting my body. It’s not just the obvious benefits. I have noticed that even the small things are getting easier. I am so glad that I have been signing up for eaves again to motivate me to keep going. 

Last summer, I was in pain almost every time I tried to exercise. It made the idea of exercising make me want to curl up in a ball. I kept trying. Each time felt a bit better, and I had the desire to workout. It just wasn’t enough to keep me going on a regular basis. 

This past spring I started taking walks with a friend once a week. It was a great start to increasing my activity level. Having someone to meet up with gave me a reason to get out and some accountability. I’m sure this friend doesn’t know how much I like our walks that give me some human interaction outside my house on a regular basis as well as a reason to move. 

As I find more ways to keep moving, I am reminded of how I felt in 2019 and 2020 when I was running regularly. I can’t wait until I get back to the level I was then. 

Volunteering for the Race

Chad is going to do a duathlon in September in Loveland, and has been begging me to do it with him. The thing is, I have no desire to do it. It just doesn’t sound like fun to me. I’m am barely getting back into running and have no desire to race on my bike. I told him that I would cheer him on, but even though he didn’t say it, he was not happy with that solution. 

After officially signing up for the race today, he told me about their need for volunteers. He acted like it was a crazy idea pointing out that one of the benefits they listed was unlimited high fives (gross). I just turned around to face him and told him I wouldn’t mind volunteering. He was shocked and looked happy. Then, he sent me the link to sign up. 

I signed up to help at the aid station (passing out water and stuff). I don’t know everything that will be involved, but I am excited. I have considered doing this for a race in the past but didn’t know how to sign up. Now that I have, I can’t wait to learn this side of the race.