body marking, timing chips and medals

those of some of the tasks i took part in today rather than participating. 

My day started at 5:10am.  I woke up, got dressed, fed the cat, and was out the door. Stopped along the way for a coffee and a bagel, and drove about an hour away to arrive for 6:30 am. Like most races, I would imagine, it was organized chaos, as we put up some tents, decided who would be doing what, and for me, a whole lotta explaining... about the boot on my leg.  Once racers started arriving, I started doing a bit of body marking.  That was fun.  Like being a kid, drawing somewhere you normally wouldn't... another person's body, and not getting into trouble for it. Then they asked me to start handing out the chips, since there were not enough people there, so I did.  The steady stream of people going from station to station seemed to flow fairly quickly, and time flew by.  Soon we were hearing the announcements for the first race to start.  Once it appeared that all were through, we started sorting out the finishing medals, getting Accelerade and water bottles into plastic bins, with ice, and organizing the finishing line.

Super Sprint Duathlon participants started arriving, and I was tasked to making sure the timing chips were removed after passing the first 2 girls, and giving the racers their finishing medals.  The whole experience was bittersweet.  I felt great being on the "other side".  Being the one to congratulate the racers.  This was a women's only event, and one that was described as being great for beginners.  It was amazing to see the age range, and women of all shapes and sizes racing.  It was a great inspiration!  When I was handing out the timing chips, a lady came up and said that she knew how I felt... she was in a walking cast as well after a stress fracture on her tibia as well.  I told her that since she was now participating, she was my inspiration to know that I will be a participant in this race one day.  Her said beamed an amazing smile, obviously proud of his mom.  It was a great moment.  I'd be lying if i tried to say i wasn't envious of seeing all the bikes, and runners out there, crossing the line, huge smile, and tears. There were also a few that were pretty close to blowing chunks. LOL One even vomited something green... and I did not look away in time... yikes!

Looking at Marathon Anners' post tonight... i remember seeing her when I was handing out chips, and may have given her the medal!  I wasn't 100% sure she was participating, but I remember her orange shirt crossing the line, and almost said something, but with my personality, and fear of people thinking that i'm a dork, I clammed up and didn't say a word. DOH!   Now I know it was her! Great race Ann!!! You should be very proud.  And now I wish I would have said something.

Oh well.  Even though it's not exactly how I wanted to spend my 31st on the 31st, it was still a great day... figures that this is the first weekend that we've had perfect weather this summer... lol.

I was so inspired seeing all the women cross the line!  One day it will be me :)