The SDTC AFC Half Marathon Aid Station #1 Volunteers!
I volunteered at the AFC Half Marathon this morning, at aid station #1, right before the 4 mile marker. I had every intention of getting pictures of many of my friends, but it was so busy that I didn't even have a chance to think about pictures.
Here's the calm before the storm:
The front runner:
Then it happened...
(OK, that's my backside, with the blue sleeves and nifty XXL orange singlet)
Before you know it, there were masses of people running -- many more people than what is shown in the photos above. At one point the street was packed full of people running. No time to take pictures. We couldn't hand out water and electrolytes fast enough. I believe I saw Lisa run past me, but on the opposite side of where I was standing. I saw AKA Alice and was able to give her a big hug, but no pictures. I also saw some of the Heffers, including Betty and gave her a hug, too. I would not have found them if it weren't for their bright green shirts! It was insanely busy. I've volunteered at water stations before, but this was just crazy. We really did need more volunteers. After the whirlwind of people, a few people trickled through, and then the end of the pack ambulance. We made sure we stuck around and cheered for the people running just ahead of the ambulance, and made sure there was still water and electrolytes for them. Clean-up was smooth. Some people decided to head out to the finish line. Michael and I decided to get breakfast at the High Dive and invited Patricia from the track club to join us. We were eventually joined by our friend, Sam, who we were supposed to meet for drinks last night, but never happened. (This place has the BEST hot Bloody Mary's!)
Cheers!The weather seemed unseasonably mild today, not so hot, but somewhat humid. I hope the weather remained kind for the runners. I'm looking forward to some great AFC half marathon reports!
Friday's song:
Hovering - Beulah
PEACE
13 comments:
We thank our volunteers, without which no race would be run. I had a good time in SD a week ago, my early morning run encountered quite a hill back at Sixth & Seventh Street as I ran away from the harbor. It was a nice run!
Thanks for helping out this morning. I'll never understand why the first aid station is four miles into the course. People are parched by then!
I'm sure everyone appreciated all of your help!! I love the picture you posted, I see some people I know and that was fun to see!
We are so fortunate to live where we live and have the privilege to run in such a beautiful place...thanks for all that you do for San Diego runners!
I love volunteering. Isn't it wonderful?
I also love spicy bloody mary's (virgin, nowadays though). ;)
AMAZING that you volunteered...I really NEED to do that soon. Very fun to have so many friends and Bloggers pass by..
Looks like perfect running weather! It also looks like you had the right idea....
Hot as in spicy (or temperature?) Bloody Marys?
Such a lovely tropical paradise you live in. I always like to see the palm trees. :-)
it's fun to be on the other side of the race sometimes and to give back! :D Great pics!
it must be chaotic helping at a large race. I've only volunteered directing traffic at a trail with with less than 300.
Thanks for volunteering. I am always impressed with how many volunteers come out for these races. I'm such a selfish runner... I have never volunteered. I really need to!
I am sorry that I totally forgot to look for you at that aid station. I was in some serious traffic and it was all I could do not to run into people. I think it is cool that you saw me. It would have been cooler had I waved or something.
You are right... the weather was nice. SO much nicer than last year. It was pretty humid,but easily dealt with.
I must try out the High Dive. You've mentioned it before.
Peter,
I'm glad you enjoyed your run while in San Diego. That hill you ran up is the at the end of the AFC HM, and can be killer after already running 11 miles!
Anne,
Which is why we were clobbered! When I signed up to volunteer I had just assumed the water station would be around mile 2 or 3, not 4! No wonder we were hit hard!
Meg,
Yes, we live in one of the best running cities ever!
JoLynn,
Mine was pretty mild in the vodka, it was mostly juice. The virgin versions are equally yummy.
Mel - Tall Mom,
It's a lot of fun to be on the other side of the hydration table! You get to see everyone!
Glenn,
The weather was really kind for the runners. If I hadn't been injured last year I may have considered going for the triple crown. It's still a rebuilding year.
Rachel,
Hot as in spicy. :)
Mel- 2nd chances,
It's fun to volunteer. It was on my list of things to do for this year,
Deene,
This race was a bit more chaotic than other events I've volunteered at, mostly because we needed more people. It was still a lot of fun!
Lisa,
It was so crazy I'm surprised I was able to pick out the people you were running with! If you hadn't mentioned the color of the tops I wouldn't have looked! The High Dive IS a dive, but good for right after running, and breakfasts are basic but good. :)
You're so nice of you to volunteer. That sounds like one hectic race!
IRFF,
Thanks. It was hectic because we needed more volunteers, but it was a lot of fun!
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