I was looking forward to this race today as I have never done it and I heard it was great. I registered back in December and was planning on using it as a training run for upcoming half marathons.
I’m in week 5 of no running due to the stress fracture so there was no way this was happening for me. Given that a bunch of my MRTT friends were running the race, I decided to volunteer instead so I could be with them in spirit and cheer them on as they finished.
No matter how prepared I am, the night before a race I always toss and turn and wake up every hour thinking I will over sleep and miss the race. Common right? Last night I slept like a baby knowing all I had to do was show up and help out.
Driving to the race start this morning, I had all kinds of mixed feelings. I was excited to give back and volunteer as so many strangers have done for me in the past. That guy who hands you the water when you think you are dying of thirst or the woman who tells you which way to go at a turn are so appreciated by all of us runners. They sacrifice their sleep and their time to help out strangers and I wanted to repay the favor.
As I approached the race venue, I saw the cones being put out on the street and it just hit me that I wasn’t running this. We had a large group from multiple MRTT chapters running the race and we had arranged to meet up for a photo beforehand. I have to admit I felt a little like a fraud being in the picture.
I was more keenly aware of the pre race excitement and nervousness that exists especially with a large group of women. Listening to talk of how many layers to wear and whether people were carrying their own waters, I really began to feel sad that I was missing out. I had trained with some of these ladies the past few months and watched some of them run more than they ever had. I wished them well and headed to the finish line where I would be stationed.
Once I left them, I reminded myself that this was only a temporary absence and I would soon be back to running. Arriving in the finish area, I really became aware of how much work goes into putting on a race and how much volunteers are really needed and appreciated. So much coordination goes on with Police and Emergency crews behind the scenes to keep us all safe on the roads. I met some really interesting coaches and volunteers and picked up some great training tips as well.
I was one of the volunteers charged with handing out the finisher’s medals and keeping the finish chute clear and safe. The medals are really nice this year and a great reward for a 10 mile run.
I filled my arms with medals and anxiously awaited the first finishers. At about 53 minutes we saw the first male finisher approaching. My whole demeanor changed and I was so excited for him to run through the finish line and hand him his medal. Watching the faces of those starting to come through, I really noticed so much emotion on their faces. Those that seemed surprised that they made it through a 10 miler, those that looked like it was a walk in the park, young kids who were running 10 miles at ridiculous paces -all of you were so appreciative of the volunteers. All of you were genuinely thankful that we congratulated you as you completed your race.
There is something so inspiring about watching elite runners finish a race and be in awe of their physical and mental strength. It is even more inspiring to watch those who struggled to finish come through the arch and watch the look of pride and amazement that they accomplished such a feat. I was grateful to be part of their moment whether they knew it or not.
Soon, I began to see my friends approaching the finish line. It was so great to be there, watch them experience their moment and hand them their well deserved medal. Today some of my friends completed their longest race or their fastest race and I was a part of that. Not in the way I originally had hoped but still a part of their moment. I’m so thankful to all the volunteers who have done the same for me in the past and will do so for me again soon as I cross many more finish lines.
At the finish line with 2 of my MRTT mamas
Reston 10 Miler I will see you next year and it will mean so much more as I run through the finish line.
Have you had to drop out of a race due to injury/illness?
How did you deal with it?
Have you ever volunteered at a race?
It was so great to have YOU hand me my medal. I’m so sorry that you weren’t able to run, but giving back sometimes can be just as much fun. I had to drop out of the 17.75K last year because of an injury, so I know the feeling. It’s tough, but in the grand scheme, it’s just a blip on the radar of your running future 🙂 I had so much fun volunteering at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge half marathon!
Yes it is nice to give back. So much goes into planning & executing a big race that you are not aware of when you run it. It is hard being injured but I know I will be back soon. Thanks for the encouragement!
It was REALLY special having you greet us through the finish line and I remember the Woodrow Wilson being special because of the MRTT mamas shouting our names from the water stop too. You did a great job and I think it is really important to give back when we can. Have to say though – I can’t wait for you to be back on the other side with us!
I can’t wait to be back on the other side as well! Thanks for the support 🙂
Hi! I found your blog through FB page This Mama Runs for Cupcakes! I have actually seen that picture of your MRTT group before and it was on DebRuns’ blog! Small world! That is great that even though you couldn’t run the race you still made it out there to help and support the runners! I had an injury about 4 weeks out from my first full marathon last year and couldn’t really run/train right up until the race but, I decided to still run it! I am glad I did! I know I would have regretted it if I didn’t try!
Yes there were a lot of MRTT mamas there and it really was amazing to watch them all finish so strong. Injuries are tough but they go along with the sport. I hope to be back soon!
I wish I’d realized you were at the finish line, so I could have said hello since we didn’t get a chance to speak at the photo shoot earlier! I hope your stress fracture is healing nicely and you’re either back on the trails or will be soon. I had to drop out of the 2012 Rock ‘N’ Roll USA Marathon because I had injured my back about a month earlier.
I know we keep missing each other. Too bad you had to drop out of RnR too. Injuries are the worst. I’m slowly coming back & hope you are too. Next year we’ll have to crush it together!
*This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
Thanks!