Guest post: Fueled by Fine Wine – from a volunteer
During the race we saw the gamut of runners: those with amazingly fresh legs, those who were excited to be on target, people who just wanted to be done, we saw tears and sore muscles, and people who were simply having a great time.
The best thing of all at our station: we could not even count the number of thank-you’s passed out by the participants.
Those who run longer distances know that the last few miles can provide a range of emotions, and quite possibly an inner dialogue about “how much you hate everything… or everyone!” The later aid-stations can be tricky sometimes because you might get eye-rolls, a glare when you tell someone they’re doing great, or just ignoring because people are “so over it.” However, the courtesy of the fueled participants were wonderful.
We had people stopping to tell us how the race was going, chat with us about why they’re doing the race, tell us about their friends, and one guy who said, “I just don’t know how much I can let my wife beat me by” as he was taking a quick rest and finding the spirit to get back in it.
I don’t know if I will ever find the wild-thorn in me to run this hilly race, but if I do I will be sure to continue the kindness that was given. If I don’t run the race? Well, I can tell you I’ll be back next year handing our your electrolytes… and maybe commenting on how much I like your outfit or joking about willing to accept tips.
Thanks so much to all those who ran.
Thank you for volunteering Katie! Races do not happen without amazing volunteers! 🙂
Thank you for volunteering, I’m sure I thank you at mile 12 as I gagged down some GU. We appreciate you being there and helping us survive that last hilly hell! Hope to see you next year!