This weekend I got to volunteer for an inaugural all-girl 5k and half marathon called the Run Girl Run. It was a fun event, but there was something pretty interesting that happened to me. I mean, I was a volunteer, I just had to get up, get in the car, and get to the event. As a course marshal, I just had to stand there, at the 4.5 mile marker and make sure that someone stopped at the stop sign and that the runners made their way down the right side of the course.
As I left the main area to head over to my designated spot at 7:30 AM, there were only a few runners moseying around. I got to my location and waited:
Alone, I waited. I watched the occasional car drive by, I listened to the roosters crow, I even smelled the faint scent of someone in the house next to my post frying bacon.
And, I waited.
Hark! Ahoy! The first runners came heading up the road – So I moved to my designated spot, with my orange safety vest, and ushered the runners in the right direction.
“Good job!” I said, as the first couple of runners came by.
And they said: “Thank you for being here.”
*Blink*
Then the next group, “Thank you!” And the next, “Thank you for doing this!” and again, and again…
Wait, What? I said to the next ones, “You’re doing the hard part! Way to go!”
“Thanks for keeping us safe,” came the reply.
There were nearly 300 runners on the course, and no matter how out of breath they were, how they may have been struggling, they managed to say “thank you.”
And maybe I’m a moosh, but it still moves me.
Maybe there’s something we can all learn from this group of runners with “moxie,” saying thank you to a person, no matter the circumstances should be the norm, not an exception. How great we all can feel with just a hint of gratitude, just a sliver of acknowledgement.
As all the runners and walkers came by, they said thank you, and I was only one person on the course, I am truly certain they thanked everyone along the course.
Aw shucks ma’am, I’m just doing my job.
Awrsome! That makes my heart smile!
Even a day later, it gives me warm fuzzies.
That’s great!!
Nice job…both the writing and the volunteering. You get a “gold” star!
Aw. Thanks Betty!
Thank you, Nick! It lightened my step to see you at the 4.5 mile marker!
Heh. Glad I could help. Gives me something to think about when I run my first.
Aww that is so sweet!
It was pretty inspiring.
Great reminder!
Hi Jan! Thanks for stopping by!
This was my first time volunteering. I thought I would be sad that I didn’t get to run, but it was very inspiring to just watch this time around.
I agree. I was really inspired too, I went out running that afternoon, even though I didn’t really “feel it.” I figured, how can I slack off if all the ladies ran in the heat, too?
So glad you were well appreciated. I totally remember your sincere “You’re Welcome” too. There’s no justifiable reason for someone NOT to thank a race volunteer. We couldn’t do it with out selfless people like you to be there for us!
I had such a good time! I would totally do it again.
it was a great group of people, thank you everyone!!
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Great Read!! This is exactly why I love volunteering at the women only events. The gratitude for being out there is phenomenal, no matter if I’m leading them on the bike or marshaling a corner. The ladies are so darn appreciative, that it encourages me to cheer them on, no matter what it takes.
And to you, my fellow volunteer, thanks for being out there!!
Doug Carr
It was very inspiring. It reminds me that I need to say thank you a little more. I can’t wait until next year!
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