The South Lakes 10K is one of my favorite local races, and it was on my race calendar "wish list" for this year. But my toe isn't ready yet, so I reluctantly accepted it wasn't going to happen this year.Last week was tough as my timehop app kept showing me pictures from past years' races and my running friends planned for this year's race. Maybe there was a way to join the race after all?
The South Lakes 10K is part of the PR Race Series, so I know a lot of the people who make these great races possible. I asked if I could volunteer so I could still be a part of the race.
Susan and I got to be course marshals by the back entrance of the South Lakes shopping center. There is a police officer at the front entrance, but a lot of cars head to the back entrance, thinking they can sneak past the police. Not on our watch! We had runners to protect!
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| I saw Gina's rabbit ears as soon as she rounded the bend. |
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| I vicariously crossed the finish line through Lynn, who smiles even more than I do! |
It was fun surprising so many of my friends on the course, and I felt like an important part of the race. It definitely helped shake off the pity party I was having over not being able to run. Where there is a will to participate, there is way!
Volunteering is a fantastic way to be a REALLY IMPORTANT part of a race. You know how much you love seeing those volunteers when you're running an event? You really made the day special for a lot of runners!
ReplyDeleteI love thinking about it that way! Thanks for the positive reframing :)
DeleteBeing injured is no fun at all! I have also volunteered a few times when I couldn't run and turned out having a great time. It is fun to be on the other side sometimes. Wishing you speedy healing
ReplyDeleteThank you Deborah. The first time I met you, you were volunteering. Water stop at Nike Women's Half. :)
DeleteLove that you did a volunteer report -- it needs more glamour-ing up! Also, I saw the thumbnail, and was like, "That's Super Hokie Girl!" The timehop app can be a dangerous thing when you're injured btw. I love it, but it's almost like "The make-me-melancholy app."
ReplyDeleteNext time I'll wear a sparkle skirt to glamour up my volunteer experience. "The make-me-melancholy" app is right on the money...last week I saw not only old racing pictures, but old vacation pictures. Calgon, take me away!
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