Over the weekend, Marc and I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Coeur d’Alene Ironman. It was so much fun and very inspiring. We were only able to watch a little bit of the finish, as we were volunteering at Aid Station 1, less than a mile from the finish.
It was so fun being the last aid station before the finish. The amazing athletes, were so elated to hear the finish was less than a mile away. Some of them had looks of sheer exhaustion when they came through the aid station, with relief quickly felt when they heard how close they were. Others wore smiles and seemed to have so much energy in them, not even breaking a stride through the aid station.
Unbelievable athletes!!
Before we started our shift, we walked to the finish line to see some finishers and I was tempted by a waffle cone (pregnancy).
It only rained for a little bit, which helped to cool things down a bit.
It’s been so long since I have volunteered at a race or even watched a race. I am usually participating in local races, but I loved being on the other side of it all. I have never done an Ironman, but it’s always been on my radar. When my Tri bike was stolen a couple of years ago, I didn’t give it much more thought, until volunteering yesterday.
Seeing all the athletes out their was so inspirational and definitely ignited an Ironman bug. It won’t be for a while, with the baby coming in October, but I hope I can do some triathlons soon!! Especially after yesterday’s experience.
I encourage you all to volunteer at a race a couple times a year. I don’t think the distance or size of the race matters, it will be inspirational for sure.
There’s participants of every age and athletic build. Really it’s simply amazing watching an Ironman or any race for that matter. The participants are giving it their all, in most cases, and pushing themselves farther than they ever have before. Even though I have done physically strenuous races and ultra-marathons, it was still inspiring to watch this race.
Marc and I were at our post from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. I spent most of my time handing out water, gels and Performance Gatorade, as well as cheering and encouraging the participants along.
I did get to see some people I know participate, who came through my aid station, which was really cool. It was an out and back loop ran twice, so we got to see the same athletes multiple times, and there seemed to be waves of runners at one time, and then only a few here and there throughout out entire shift.
As the time grew closer to our shift ending, the participants grew slimmer and slimmer (as they were all finishing), but the strength of the athletes remained the same. They thanked you, said you were their best friend for having ice, water, chicken broth, gel or whatever it was, they forced smiles of appreciation, and they joked. Most of all they persevered until the end.
All around it was fun and inspirational…..yes I keep repeating myself, but there’s no other words to describe it.
This was my form of giving back. I don’t think you can truly appreciate a race volunteer until you volunteer yourself. They do so much. I do appreciate the volunteers in my races, with their encouraging words and the fuel they provide me to get me through, but now I can fully appreciate their presence.
I will definitely be volunteering more often and really felt blessed to be included in the athletes race.
I hope you all had a great weekend!!
Oh and for the curious type. I am now over 23 weeks pregnant, with my latest bump update taken on Friday after my run:
Officially started my 6 month of pregnancy. Less than 17 weeks!!
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
Have you volunteered at any races? What’s your favorite part of volunteering at races?
Great job volunteering! It’s so rewarding and important to give back to the community. At least from my perspective. I’ve volunteered at a few ultras, and I love the attitude of the participants. It always renews my spirit and love of the sport.
I love that you volunteered at IM CDA. I hope to be one of those people at my Ironman, who is still smiling at the last mile! It must have been a very rewarding experience watching those athletes and helping out! I have never volunteered at a race, but would love to someday!
It was definitely rewarding!! Kristin, I hope ironman training is going well. I thought of you when I was volunteering!! I guarantee you’ll be smiling. You always seem to be in all your race photos.