My running group had a 6-person co-ed relay team in the full marathon. Two of our runners were doing the half. Two of us were planning to sit this one out.
I wasn't running, but wanted to participate in a meaningful way. I decided the best way to do so was to show up and cheer for our solo runners. I decided to position myself near the half-marathon turn point. Since I didn't want to miss my runners, and I wasn't sure where I find a parking space, I made sure to get out there early.
While I intended to take photos while I was out there, in reality the only photo I took was of the 7 mile marker that I was standing near. Exciting, huh?
Of course, I couldn't just stand there silently and wait for my runners. Soon I fell into a cheering rhythm. CLAP CLAP CLAP "Good job runners" CLAP CLAP CLAP *pause* (repeat)
The first person that I saw that knew me was none other than the hills repeat guy! In our interchange that one day, we hadn't introduced ourselves by name, so he called me by the name of the village that we live in. "Hey, Corrales! " Hahahahahaha.
I almost missed my first runner. To my surprise, one of the other runners that I thought had sat out this race was running with her. He had mentioned the possibility for making a last minute decision to pace her (I think there was time to sign-up at the expo). As he ran by, he stopped for a moment, took off his long sleeve shirt and handed it too me. I was happy to help out, but it was pretty gross...all sweaty...when I got it home, I put it into the wash immediately. LOL
Since I was near the turn point, I was able to cheer for my runner directly after the turn around. She was looking strong and I wouldn't be surprised if she ended up with a half-marathon PR.
Back to my routine of CLAP CLAP CLAP "Good job runners!" CLAP CLAP CLAP *pause* (repeat) while I waited for my other runner.
I want to mention something. When I run, I make it a point to thank the volunteers and folks on the course who are out cheering. I've never been very sure how many other people do that. Based on my experience yesterday morning, I'd say that maybe 5% said thank you as they ran by while I was cheering. That's more than I expected, and it made me happy.
I had no problem finding my next runner. To my surprise, he was running with one of the guys who had run an early leg of the marathon relay who was essentially doing a cool down. When they saw me they said that they had been looking for me and were really happy to see me which warmed my heart. I gave some encouragement and made a few jokes as they ran by (both times). It was good to see them smiling.
I stayed for a little while longer, then decided to head home. I would have preferred to be out on the course running myself, but in lieu of that, cheering was a surprisingly satisfying alternative.
I love to cheer on my buds. I always try to say thanks..at least I hope I do...I can be delirious on the course..
ReplyDeleteI love cheering, though I was little surprised how low the number was for thank you's, interesting
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you went and cheered for everyone! I definitely smile at people cheering for me and volunteers, but sometimes I don't have the energy to speak. :)
ReplyDeleteYup... Giving back is so cool. You must've seen my pal Darrel come by. He was doing the full.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Wes, giving back is always a good thing, sounds like it was just what you needed and btw, that photo is just too stimulating for words...LOL
ReplyDeleteI usually say thank you to the volunteers unless they are on the phone. I wave at cheer people. I thank cops.
ReplyDeleteI would appreciate you on the sidelines.
Volunteering and cheering are definitely ways to feel connected when you can't be out there. At my local half marathon that my running group hosts, I never run it. It's the one race that I prefer to volunteer. Good job Lisa!!!
ReplyDeleteaw that's nice! I'm sure they all appreciated it very much!
ReplyDeleteI get a big charge out of volunteering at races. ;)
ReplyDeleteYou were a great spectator. I may not have the energy to SAY thank you but i try to flail my hand in a "wave" of thanks. Not sure if the volunteers/spectators know how to translate that...
ReplyDeleteGood for you going out to cheer! I appreciated every single person who was out there yesterday and tried to smile, wave or say thank you to as many as I could.
ReplyDeleteenthusiastic spectators make all the difference - I thank you on the runners' behalf! I always try to thank the marshalls, but sometimes I forget, must do better!
ReplyDeleteI've never cheered at a race, but it would be a fun thing to do! Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteCheering for members of my running group (and other runners as well) is like my way of paying it forward. =) Always makes me feel good!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you went out and found it so satisfying. I've never been good for the sidelines but I have signed up as support crew for Alberto's big race next Saturday and I'm looking forward to it, especially now after reading your post. It will be a great opportunity to meet new people and socialise and give something back to others. Oh, and good on ya for saying Thanks to the volunteers. I also make a point of doing this because without them there wouldn't be any racing for us!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure everyone appreciated your cheering. I know how I love to see a familiar face next to the road. I'm good at thanking and talking to people next to the road...because I run so slow!
ReplyDeleteLove that lone shot. runny. I like cheering and like you I always try to thank the volunteers and the people who come out to cheer. Especially in bad weather, which I have mostly had this year on race days.
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