From the Other Side of the Tape

Since I started running 6 years ago I have run many, many races ranging in distance from 5 K – marathons.  I’ve lost track of the number of times I have been to packet pick up and the number of finish lines I have crossed.  I have participated in races like the Marine Corps Marathon that run like clockwork and go off without a hitch.  I have also run races, like last year's Hot Chocolate 15K here in DC, that can only be described as disasters.  

All of these races, good and bad, have one thing in common ... a legion of volunteers. I have always been sure to thank the volunteers knowing that, without them, none of these events would have happened.   I'm also sure to give a special thanks to the law enforcement, and sometimes military, that keep the races safe.  The one thing I have not done, however, is volunteer myself.   That all changed tonight. 

Earlier this year I got an email that I really hoped would come:

Dear Marlene,

Congratulations! You have been accepted into the 2012-2013 Pacers Events and Pacers Running Stores Ambassador Program!

  

Your active lifestyle, your winning personality, your passion and your enthusiasm for all you do -- YOU embody what Pacers stands for. We are excited to have you as part of a select group of key influencers and are proud to have you represent Pacers in our community. 

  

We have lots of exciting things planned for this year... so prepare yourself for loads of great races, super fun volunteer opportunities, and loads of memorable celebrations!  

 I was ecstatic.  Pacers is an area running store.  Pacers is the place where I had my first real evaluation to find the right running shoe when I started running.  In addition to their awesome stores, where I have happily spent time and money, they also organize and put on a series of local races.  These races most definitely fall into the well organized and run category.  I ran my first DC area race last weekend, the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, proudly wearing a Pacers shirt.

As part of my “Ambassadorship” I am required to volunteer at a certain number of Pacers races.  Tonight was my first.

I spent time at the on-site bib pick up.  It was quite an experience.  I showed up an hour and a half before the race and found my spot. We started off pretty slow but as race time approached the crowds starting coming.  There is nothing quite like having a large group of people all trying to get their bibs before a race.  It took myself and the 2 others helping at the station  a little bit of time to come up with a good system that allowed us to quickly find people’s bibs.  If a racer didn’t know their bib number we had to direct them to lists posted next to us where they could find it.   Luckily we had another volunteer standing just in front of the table telling people in advance to go check for their bib number. Most people are really good about it, a very few were not.  We were still handing out bibs as the announcer shot off the gun.  All in all it was  great experience and I had a great time.  I hope all the racers who picked up their bibs thought I was enthusiastic, helpful and nice!

The strange part came when I heard the gun go off, I saw the large mass of people start moving and I wasn’t going with them.  I have never actually witnessed the start of a race that I was not participating in.  Like I said, strange feeling.  I didn’t know in advance we could volunteer and still be able to run so I hadn’t paid the fee and didn’t have a bib.  Some people said to just go ahead and run, but if there is one thing I hate it’s race bandits!!!  I wasn’t about to join the race.  Instead I asked if there was anything else I could help with and then I cheered on the runners as they began to come across the finish line.

Tonight was the first of a series of 5Ks that are run every Friday night in my neighborhood of Crystal City.  If you live in the DC area come join us.  You can register at http://pacersevents.com/race/crystal-run-5k-fridays/ .  I plan on volunteering for the other 3 races in the series … but I will also be sure to sign up so I can join the race after my volunteer duties are complete!