Friday, May 16, 2014

Being on the Flip Side

Posted by CheapRunnerMichelle

TGIF...and for all our Canadian Friends it also means a looooong weekend!

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As ya'll know Mike ran the MEC race last Sunday. I had just come off of 2 back to back race weekends - so I had decided that I was not going to run at the race. I knew though that I would be up and going to the race anyway - so I figured...why not volunteer?!?

As it turns out the person that used to be in charge of running this race series here in London, was not part of it this time...so last Tuesday I headed into the MEC store to "sign up" to volunteer. The guy that was in charge now had just gone on a conference call so they asked me to leave my name, phone #, email address and what time I was available...so I wrote it all down for them...and waited for a call or email...fast forward 2 days...and by late Thursday afternoon...nothing...no phone call or email from them...so I picked up the phone and called them again. Like seriously...do you want help or not?!? So after reaching out to them again...I had my instructions to be there for 8am (1 hour prior to the start time of the race). I showed up right on time and was sent inside to see what there was to help with. I ended up at the registration table. At first I was told to take care of the "newbies"...people that were coming that day to register for the race.  That was going smoothly for me, but the lady that was doing packet pick-up for runners that had pre-registered was falling behind...so I jumped in and started doing both - to help speed up the process. Once registration closed I was informed that my next job was going to be a water table near the start/finish line. We were given safety vests and cow bells and were asked to make sure we were cheering. Out we went to set-up our table. Low and behold I was at a table with a gentleman and his two daughters...and he loved to talk....all about himself...and how great a runner he is...and how if your not winning - what's the point?!? Seriously?!?!?! So needless to say I jumped at the chance to move over and direct the 10k and 15k participants through the "loop" chute. (The course was a 5k loop). And with my cow bell in hand I cheered and directed as loud as I could (with not much enthusiasm from the other workers/volunteers).

As we always say this is a great race series...but on the flip side...aka. behind the scenes...it could certainly use a bit more organization. Volunteers should not have to chase you to sign up. Jobs that you need done should be clearly laid out ahead of time...you have a list of the volunteers...assign the jobs ahead of time. Get people who are going to be happy to cheer and not just standing around chatting with others with their backs facing the action.

Don't get me wrong...I am happy that I volunteered, and I will definitely do it again...but hopefully next time things will be a little better planned out. I know I can be a procrastinator BUT I do like this to still be orderly and planned out.

Just my 2 cents though....
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And now for 5 random things for Friday:

1.

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Sooooo excited to be heading to the cottage tonight!!!! Campfires, BBQ's and just hanging with the fam!

2.

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Post swim date night drinks with the hubby - something that we are enjoying being able to do together

3.

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....yes we are crazy

4.

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Loving this new lip balm I picked up earlier this week

5.

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Great mail day yesterday! My 1st Alex & Ani purchase (and it will not be my last Smile with tongue out)

....well I need to hurry up and pack before I head to work. Excited to get a long run in this weekend with my MIL...in anticipation for our upcoming 1/2 marathon in just 2 weeks!!!!!

Any fav purchase this week?

Anyone else travelling this weekend?

8 comments:

  1. Love the Alex and Ani! And I'll try not to be too jelly of your long weekend...I'll have one next wknd! Enjoy!!!!

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  2. Enjoy your long weekend - we have one next weekend!!
    Weird about the volunteers being so blah about being there - glad you were there to cheer on the runners!!

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  3. Amy @ fitnessmeetsfrosting.comMay 16, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    LOVE that you volunteered for the race! Too bad they were so disorganized! Enjoy your weekend away!!

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  4. Chelsea...I think my version of a long run - is a shorter run for you...lol. Have a great weekend!

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  5. Thanks Kim...despite my complaining about their lack of origization - I did enjoy myself!

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  6. Kinda embarrassed to say this, for as many races as I have run, I have never volunteered at one!! Your post has inspired me:) LoVe LoVe my Alex and Ani collection. Have a great weekend at the cottage!

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  7. Kristi@BlogforanAverageRunnerMay 16, 2014 at 7:26 PM

    I really need to volunteer at some point for a race. But if I do one I hope it is organized, I hate being involved in something for the first time when there isn't good direction. Good for you getting out there though and what a great way to make it a family day!

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