This weekend, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Team Red, White and Blue at the West Point Triathlon. When there was a call out for volunteers, I signed our little family up to help with the adult triathlon. Jake and Cora were later filled in on my bright idea. Seriously though… I run so many races and truly am thankful for the support of volunteers on each and every race day. I thought that it would be a great way to give back to my local community and pay it forward. Plus, this event supports the West Point Triathlon Team. Win, win.
I should also mention that this was my very first time watching a triathlon! I’m still absolutely in awe of the athletes. I don’t know how all of my triathlete friends do it. The bike and swim still scare me. Maybe one day I will tackle a triathlon but right now I can barely get my running game back on track. So, that means I will put that thought in the far, far future.
As for race day logistics, the field seemed manageable. In terms of the size of each wave, I have no clue what is standard for a triathlon but it was less crowded than I anticipated {the thought of flailing body parts in the water tends to freak me out about the swim portion}. Before the start the race, I thought that it was really moving to hear the stories of some of the folks that were racing. Some were racing in honor of loved ones and others were racing to kick cancer’s ass. All in all, it was very touching to hear what motivated some of the athletes on this day. And, the sense of community among the athletes as they rallied behind one another at the start was just awesome.
After having some fun soaking in the start and the overall atmosphere of the event, it was off to work at the post race hydration station and pizza tent. Once the initial athletes came in, my time at the tent was a blur. We doled out so many electrolytes and boxes of pizza that my head was spinning. All in all, it was an exhausting and fantastic day to be a part of the West Point community. Who knew volunteering at the West Point Triathlon would be so tiring?!
So, if I ever decide to tackle a triathlon, I think I have my first race picked out 😉 Have you had the experience of volunteering at a race? The triathlon – take it, leave it, or somewhat freaked out like me?
Lisa
When I started with triathlon, I was totally freaked out, but I love it. I joke that it's great because I can be mediocre at three sports and still be a decent triathlete. I also really like the cross training and have discovered that biking has totally helped my running. Plus it's just nice to not be spending all winter treadmill training.
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I'm with you and keeping to running. I don't swim well and i haven't biked since middle school.
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I could manage the biking and running. However, my version of swimming is limited to the doggie paddle;(
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Sounds like a great experience. I enjoy triathlon, although mostly enjoy sprint distance – my running is actually my weakest discipline. You could always dip your toe in multi-sport with a duathlon or be part of a triathlon relay. Thank you for volunteering. I am going to be a support cyclist for a local half marathon in October – I'm excited about doing that!
Awesome!! Love volunteering for races!! I volunteer at the Portland Tri and Portland Marathon every year!!
Love triathlons!!!!!! 🙂
How great that you involved your family in volunteering! Sounds like a great race to volunteer at. I started as a runner, had an injury and then rehabbed back and started in triathlons. If you have the desire, you could get there with some training!
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