The "official" video came out...
I still get weepy over these total strangers.
It's so cool for me to see the winners coming across the finish line & to know I was standing RIGHT THERE! :)
& if you get confused watching it & seeing the 2nd place woman crossed the ribbon & not the first place - the 1st place came in after, but she had the better time. I said I hated for her that she didn't get that 'ribbon busting' moment herself.
But the girl that came through 1st, but who was 2nd - I got her chip - I got to talk to her... she was incredible. Didn't even look out of breath.
... & watch this video just to get to the story of the lady on the bike... how she was ready to commit suicide & here she is doing an Ironman.
Can you imagine how many amazing personal stories were out on that road on that day?
.... man, this stuff is inspiring to me...
& looky here... the volunteer appreciation video... I always love this.
At the finish line, I remember so many of these people that volunteered there that are in this video.
Unfortunately, they never went any further then the catchers at the finish line with the video... there was a whole other group of people back further working hard...
my knees remember it all even still....
The athletes are so appreciative though. There is one that I saw took Starbucks cards & gave them out all during the day to the volunteers... how cool is that?
These athletes are amazing.
Showing posts with label Ironman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ironman. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
The things you see at Ironman finish line!
What a day! Ironman 2015 is in the books...
Sunday was just a perfect day for it too. It was cool, in the 70's, sunny, no chance of rain - a gorgeous day! 1000% better then last year when it was 102 degrees! Oh mercy.
I was so excited to get to the area & learn what I was going to do for the day.
Ricky was going to help as well, but poor guy works so hard & needs fresh legs & energy for Monday so he decided not to do it - so he let me off on 4th street & headed home to relax....
I'm never one to meet strangers so I went in & registered in - got my t-shirt & we had to wait for the orientation.
The 2 leaders came & told us what we would be doing & how important it was that we be full of energy & support because a lot of these people travel from all over the world & have no one there for them at the finish line - we could be the only support they have. That just made me so sad to think about....
& then she passed out a stack of Thank You cards that the athletes filled out for the volunteers... how neat is that...we passed them around & read them... its always so cool to be volunteers for people that appreciate the time & energy you are giving to help them along.
We all got assigned to our areas & off we went down the finish line shoot....
The chip retrevial people was a small group - only 7 of us... me, 4 other ladies, 1 teenagers who was a son of one of the ladies & 1 guy. We were instantly chatting up all things Ironman... especially because the guy just finished the Chattanooga Ironman & was up to see his friend do the Louisville one. He was full of the coolest info about the race & we loved hearing his experience becoming an Ironman.
He was from Georgia & 2 of the other ladies were from up north, New Jersey - & had drove down just to volunteer the finish line & to feel it out because they wanted to register the next day for next year's event. How cool is that? They have done half Ironman's a few times & wanted to up their game. One lady will do her first Ironman at the age of 50. That's so inspiring to me.
I was like a silent little squirrel sitting there listening to all the talk between them all - talks of the many MANY marathons they've all one (one did Boston the year after the bombing - that story made me teary eyed) - talks about bikes & seats & other weird bike parts - talks about swimming & bubbles on strokes & ... I'm just sitting in awe of it all....
It was really cool though because the young man - I got to have some really neat talks with him. He is getting ready to propose to his girlfriend & we got talking about marriage & weddings & engagement rings... when he found out I do wedding photography, he wanted to know more about that & I showed him some pictures... it was just really fun. He actually put his number in my phone & wanted me to send him wedding info ... wouldn't it be cool if I ended up driving down to Georgia for his wedding? :)
Then it was a little bit of waiting... the director came up to us & told us he messed up the timing in our emails we had been receiving & we were actually all an hour early. It ended up being just fine because the talks we had passed the time... & they had a live shot on the transition area from bike to running & we sat & watched that for a bit...
& then we got word the winner was just a few minutes out...
HERE WE GO...
Talk about electric ... There's just something awesome about a winner crossing the finish line....
& we were SO CLOSE TO HIM...
He was just the kindest guy. So thankful to everyone for helping - shaking hands with everyone. I got to pat his back as he went by...
& then - yeah - his timing chip - that's what our group was there for.
One of the ladies did this same thing the year before & her son was a pro at getting down on his knees really fast & yanking these things off. He didn't get to do the winner the year before so we let him take the winner this year.
After the winner, it was go time for us volunteers... the athletes started rolling in.
& yeah, see that picture above & that squatting down to their ankles... that's what I did... for 4 hours.
OH MY GOSH. I know I shouldn't complain after these people did 140+ miles - but come on... all the bending & squatting? Let's just say, my right quad is still sore from all the up & down... #iamawimp
It really is amazing to be at a finish line... an Ironman Finish line is a whole other level...
here's just some highlights of the day
* You could tell some of the athletes who were out of it. We had to yell for medic a few times when you could see BLANK in people's eyes & knew they were going down in a heartbeat.
* There were also athletes that crossed that finish line & their energy was so high, they just kept running. We had to pretty much grab them & force them to stop so we could get their chip off them.
* People safety clip & duct tape those timers on their ankles. That's not fun getting them off.
* We had to wear gloves because how wet the athletes are & like I told someone, God knows if they've peed on themselves & it ran down their leg ... yeah, give me gloves. Again, not fun to take off safety pins with medical gloves on.
* I had a lady that had blood running down her leg onto her chip & into her socks. I asked if she was OK & she said that it was from chafing in between her legs. OH DEAR LORD - that's gonna hurt for awhile.
* A few of the athletes, when I would stop them to get their chips off, would literally grab me & hug me. I thought, these are the people who have no one. I was happy to hug them as long as they needed, telling them how amazing they are. & then I'd get their chip off of them, hug them again & on they went.
* FAVORITE MOMENT!!!! One man, he crossed, we got his chip & next thing we know - his whole support team is on the side of the fence. All wearing his bib number on shirts.... & someone hands him a phone & its his kids on Facetime - wearing the same Bib number shirt & they are telling him now much they "love you daddy"... & then we see the crowd part, & there is a man who had to be in his 80's... the athletes grandfather. He got up to the fence slowly & put his arms around him & just started SOBBING. Next thing you know - the whole family is SOBBING. There had to be a story there, but let me tell you, me & our chip retrieval gang all started sobbing with them. One of our volunteer gang offered to take a picture of them all together & they gladly accepted. It was just the most amazing moment to witness. When grandpa let go - here came grandma... & again, the tears. That was one proud family.... Team Craig #76 - my favorite support team ever!
* some people aren't meant to work with others. There was one guy on the medic team that yelled at me when I tried to help a lady with a wheelchair with an athlete in it, get over a hump that was protecting electric cords. The man YELLED at me that the nurse should be going backwards. Sorry - she was going forward & jamming it into the 'speed bump' - I didn't tell her to do this - I was just trying to help her. The guy pointed his finger at me & said, "Let them turn it around" - I kindly said, "She was going forward, I was just trying to help" ... a little later, another nurse did the same thing - went forward. I just stood there & watched & then just looked at that man on the side & said, "I guess you don't want me to help, huh?" as the lady almost pushed the athlete out of the wheelchair because she couldn't get it over the hump... geez dude. Train your medics if you want them to do it a certain way
* It got so busy that I started not seeing one athletes face - I was just staring at their ankles to make sure they didn't get past me with a timing chip. I can tell you all about their socks & shoes though.
* Compression sleeves over a timing chip really bites. You know how hard it is to get those babies up & down - we would have to pull them down to get the chip off, but pull them back up so they could get their picture taken. That required team work.
* One of the top 4 women that came through, she looked like she just came off of a fashion shoot - her make up was flawless. What is this magic? Where can I get some?
* You can tell the age of people by the writing on the back of their leg. When people would finish we were trying to guess their age - let me tell you - this race wipes you out! I'm sure its because of dehydration because everyone looked sunk in in their cheeks. We thought one guy had to be in his late 60's... saw his leg, he was only 41. That happened over & over. They all need that magic from the lady above.
* It really amazing to see all the types of people that cross that finish line. Not what you expect an Ironman to fit in a body type... I love that. Just shows that anyone can do this if you put your mind & dedication to it!
Before I knew it, it was 8:00 & the 2nd shift was coming on & we had to train them on what to do... & then we were free to go. I almost wanted to stay but the finish line was getting really crowded & I didn't want to be in the way.... plus, Ricky had to drive all the way back down to get me & I didn't want him to have to be out too late... so I just took my time, soaked it all in a little bit more & headed to the end...
I waited for Ricky in this area & watched the athletes get their things & meet up with family & friends... & I had to laugh because I said it looked like a clip from The Walking Dead...
all the limping, all the slow motion, all the groaning...
I wonder if Ironman's are where that idea came from...
Next year, I know my knees can't handle doing this gig again, but I do want to be the 'catcher' - someone who is the one person that sticks with the athlete from the time they cross the line through the whole process of getting their stuff, getting their picture taken & help them on their way..
I may even take off the day after so I can stay until the very end - those midnight runners that are trying to hard to make that cut off.
Ricky got downtown to pick me up & I went home - glad to be a part of such an amazing event in my own way...
& then turned on the live feed to see right where I just was...
& listen to the sounds all night of "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" ...
what a cool thing to hear for these amazing people.
Sunday was just a perfect day for it too. It was cool, in the 70's, sunny, no chance of rain - a gorgeous day! 1000% better then last year when it was 102 degrees! Oh mercy.
I was so excited to get to the area & learn what I was going to do for the day.
Ricky was going to help as well, but poor guy works so hard & needs fresh legs & energy for Monday so he decided not to do it - so he let me off on 4th street & headed home to relax....
I'm never one to meet strangers so I went in & registered in - got my t-shirt & we had to wait for the orientation.
The 2 leaders came & told us what we would be doing & how important it was that we be full of energy & support because a lot of these people travel from all over the world & have no one there for them at the finish line - we could be the only support they have. That just made me so sad to think about....
& then she passed out a stack of Thank You cards that the athletes filled out for the volunteers... how neat is that...we passed them around & read them... its always so cool to be volunteers for people that appreciate the time & energy you are giving to help them along.
We all got assigned to our areas & off we went down the finish line shoot....
The chip retrevial people was a small group - only 7 of us... me, 4 other ladies, 1 teenagers who was a son of one of the ladies & 1 guy. We were instantly chatting up all things Ironman... especially because the guy just finished the Chattanooga Ironman & was up to see his friend do the Louisville one. He was full of the coolest info about the race & we loved hearing his experience becoming an Ironman.
He was from Georgia & 2 of the other ladies were from up north, New Jersey - & had drove down just to volunteer the finish line & to feel it out because they wanted to register the next day for next year's event. How cool is that? They have done half Ironman's a few times & wanted to up their game. One lady will do her first Ironman at the age of 50. That's so inspiring to me.
I was like a silent little squirrel sitting there listening to all the talk between them all - talks of the many MANY marathons they've all one (one did Boston the year after the bombing - that story made me teary eyed) - talks about bikes & seats & other weird bike parts - talks about swimming & bubbles on strokes & ... I'm just sitting in awe of it all....
It was really cool though because the young man - I got to have some really neat talks with him. He is getting ready to propose to his girlfriend & we got talking about marriage & weddings & engagement rings... when he found out I do wedding photography, he wanted to know more about that & I showed him some pictures... it was just really fun. He actually put his number in my phone & wanted me to send him wedding info ... wouldn't it be cool if I ended up driving down to Georgia for his wedding? :)
 |
| Everyone waiting for this party to get started (That guys head in the left corner is my new buddy... those ladies he's talking to are the NJ gals) |
Then it was a little bit of waiting... the director came up to us & told us he messed up the timing in our emails we had been receiving & we were actually all an hour early. It ended up being just fine because the talks we had passed the time... & they had a live shot on the transition area from bike to running & we sat & watched that for a bit...
& then we got word the winner was just a few minutes out...
HERE WE GO...
Talk about electric ... There's just something awesome about a winner crossing the finish line....
& we were SO CLOSE TO HIM...
He was just the kindest guy. So thankful to everyone for helping - shaking hands with everyone. I got to pat his back as he went by...
& then - yeah - his timing chip - that's what our group was there for.
One of the ladies did this same thing the year before & her son was a pro at getting down on his knees really fast & yanking these things off. He didn't get to do the winner the year before so we let him take the winner this year.
After the winner, it was go time for us volunteers... the athletes started rolling in.
& yeah, see that picture above & that squatting down to their ankles... that's what I did... for 4 hours.
OH MY GOSH. I know I shouldn't complain after these people did 140+ miles - but come on... all the bending & squatting? Let's just say, my right quad is still sore from all the up & down... #iamawimp
It really is amazing to be at a finish line... an Ironman Finish line is a whole other level...
here's just some highlights of the day
* You could tell some of the athletes who were out of it. We had to yell for medic a few times when you could see BLANK in people's eyes & knew they were going down in a heartbeat.
* There were also athletes that crossed that finish line & their energy was so high, they just kept running. We had to pretty much grab them & force them to stop so we could get their chip off them.
* People safety clip & duct tape those timers on their ankles. That's not fun getting them off.
* We had to wear gloves because how wet the athletes are & like I told someone, God knows if they've peed on themselves & it ran down their leg ... yeah, give me gloves. Again, not fun to take off safety pins with medical gloves on.
* I had a lady that had blood running down her leg onto her chip & into her socks. I asked if she was OK & she said that it was from chafing in between her legs. OH DEAR LORD - that's gonna hurt for awhile.
* A few of the athletes, when I would stop them to get their chips off, would literally grab me & hug me. I thought, these are the people who have no one. I was happy to hug them as long as they needed, telling them how amazing they are. & then I'd get their chip off of them, hug them again & on they went.
* FAVORITE MOMENT!!!! One man, he crossed, we got his chip & next thing we know - his whole support team is on the side of the fence. All wearing his bib number on shirts.... & someone hands him a phone & its his kids on Facetime - wearing the same Bib number shirt & they are telling him now much they "love you daddy"... & then we see the crowd part, & there is a man who had to be in his 80's... the athletes grandfather. He got up to the fence slowly & put his arms around him & just started SOBBING. Next thing you know - the whole family is SOBBING. There had to be a story there, but let me tell you, me & our chip retrieval gang all started sobbing with them. One of our volunteer gang offered to take a picture of them all together & they gladly accepted. It was just the most amazing moment to witness. When grandpa let go - here came grandma... & again, the tears. That was one proud family.... Team Craig #76 - my favorite support team ever!
* It got so busy that I started not seeing one athletes face - I was just staring at their ankles to make sure they didn't get past me with a timing chip. I can tell you all about their socks & shoes though.
* Compression sleeves over a timing chip really bites. You know how hard it is to get those babies up & down - we would have to pull them down to get the chip off, but pull them back up so they could get their picture taken. That required team work.
* One of the top 4 women that came through, she looked like she just came off of a fashion shoot - her make up was flawless. What is this magic? Where can I get some?
* You can tell the age of people by the writing on the back of their leg. When people would finish we were trying to guess their age - let me tell you - this race wipes you out! I'm sure its because of dehydration because everyone looked sunk in in their cheeks. We thought one guy had to be in his late 60's... saw his leg, he was only 41. That happened over & over. They all need that magic from the lady above.
* It really amazing to see all the types of people that cross that finish line. Not what you expect an Ironman to fit in a body type... I love that. Just shows that anyone can do this if you put your mind & dedication to it!
Before I knew it, it was 8:00 & the 2nd shift was coming on & we had to train them on what to do... & then we were free to go. I almost wanted to stay but the finish line was getting really crowded & I didn't want to be in the way.... plus, Ricky had to drive all the way back down to get me & I didn't want him to have to be out too late... so I just took my time, soaked it all in a little bit more & headed to the end...
 |
| The finish line is down at the other end... this is the path the athletes had to walk to get their finishers gear & their pictures taken... |
I waited for Ricky in this area & watched the athletes get their things & meet up with family & friends... & I had to laugh because I said it looked like a clip from The Walking Dead...
all the limping, all the slow motion, all the groaning...
 |
| yep... really similar :) |
I wonder if Ironman's are where that idea came from...
Next year, I know my knees can't handle doing this gig again, but I do want to be the 'catcher' - someone who is the one person that sticks with the athlete from the time they cross the line through the whole process of getting their stuff, getting their picture taken & help them on their way..
I may even take off the day after so I can stay until the very end - those midnight runners that are trying to hard to make that cut off.
Ricky got downtown to pick me up & I went home - glad to be a part of such an amazing event in my own way...
& then turned on the live feed to see right where I just was...
& listen to the sounds all night of "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" ...
what a cool thing to hear for these amazing people.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
You'll see me at the finish line at IRONMAN!!!!
I am so excited for this weekend...
The energy is building around these here parts.
Its IRONMAN SUNDAY!!!!
& before you go & think something crazy like Donald Trump is going to be President, or gas is back down to under a dollar, or even more crazy - that I am doing the Ironman, just stop & focus on realistic views.
I'd die if I tried it. Simple enough.
But I love that I still get to be a part of the event.
For the past few years, I've made sure I've been close to the athletes - whether it be down cheering them on for 5 hours straight... which by the way is still one of my favorite memories. The athletes go up & back a road - TWICE - while doing the marathon portion & so many of them came up to me & said they couldn't believe I was there on all 4 of their trips past me... & thanked ME...
& last year, I had the most wonderful opportunity to work in the women's transition tent. I loved helping them so much - even though inside the tent was 110 degrees (not even joking) ... it was the best thing to help out.
This year, I almost went back to the tent again - after all, its going to be a GORGEOUS Sunday - 74 degrees & sunny.... a whole lot less sweat & people puking & passing out (Lord, please) ... but I saw an opening on the volunteer list that I couldn't refuse.
The FINISH LINE!
Now, those are coveted spots & I didn't get the one volunteer position where you walk the athletes through after they cross. I'll be in that area though. I'll be cutting the timing chips off & turning them in so their time is accounted for. I'm kinda nervous about it because if a chip is lost, the athlete has to pay like $150 for it... I don't want that to happen to anyone so I'm going to be extra vigilant on doing my job.
But I still know I'm going to enjoy seeing the expressions on athletes that just crossed that Ironman Finish Line.... all the emotion.
They say that our town -Louisville's Ironman Finish Line - is the best in the circuit...maybe because its crowded on a cool part of our town & the top of it is covered so I would imagine the cheers & roars of family just echo off making it sound like a concert in a stadium.
I just know the energy is going to be electric & magical...
& I get to be right in the middle of it - congratulating the athletes face to face...
patting them on the back....
helping them in any way I can....
& hopefully not cutting them with scissors.
I cant wait!
The energy is building around these here parts.
Its IRONMAN SUNDAY!!!!
 |
| For anyone who would think I would do an Ironman |
I'd die if I tried it. Simple enough.
But I love that I still get to be a part of the event.
For the past few years, I've made sure I've been close to the athletes - whether it be down cheering them on for 5 hours straight... which by the way is still one of my favorite memories. The athletes go up & back a road - TWICE - while doing the marathon portion & so many of them came up to me & said they couldn't believe I was there on all 4 of their trips past me... & thanked ME...
& last year, I had the most wonderful opportunity to work in the women's transition tent. I loved helping them so much - even though inside the tent was 110 degrees (not even joking) ... it was the best thing to help out.
 |
| Last Year.... I can still almost smell myself from 5 hours in a place that I would imagine Hell would feel like |
This year, I almost went back to the tent again - after all, its going to be a GORGEOUS Sunday - 74 degrees & sunny.... a whole lot less sweat & people puking & passing out (Lord, please) ... but I saw an opening on the volunteer list that I couldn't refuse.
The FINISH LINE!
 |
| How I felt when I saw they had 2 openings left ... one for me, one for the Hubs... |
Now, those are coveted spots & I didn't get the one volunteer position where you walk the athletes through after they cross. I'll be in that area though. I'll be cutting the timing chips off & turning them in so their time is accounted for. I'm kinda nervous about it because if a chip is lost, the athlete has to pay like $150 for it... I don't want that to happen to anyone so I'm going to be extra vigilant on doing my job.
But I still know I'm going to enjoy seeing the expressions on athletes that just crossed that Ironman Finish Line.... all the emotion.
They say that our town -Louisville's Ironman Finish Line - is the best in the circuit...maybe because its crowded on a cool part of our town & the top of it is covered so I would imagine the cheers & roars of family just echo off making it sound like a concert in a stadium.
I just know the energy is going to be electric & magical...
& I get to be right in the middle of it - congratulating the athletes face to face...
patting them on the back....
helping them in any way I can....
& hopefully not cutting them with scissors.
I cant wait!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Just do it... volunteer at Ironman....
I had an amazing weekend. I could talk about Saturday & the trip Ricky & I had to our State Fair (which by the way, I didn't eat one nasty fried piece of food there... blah)... but this weekend was all about IRONMAN LOUISVILLE to me...
My morning started early with me watching the swimmers get in the water & start their day. It blows my mind how early these people start & how long their day is ahead of them...
The heat was still there... but the temperatures dropped to 92 degrees. YAHOO!!! ... (insert very sarcastic attitude)... at least the heat advisory did actually drop.
Truth be told, I did think it was hot, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
That is, until I stepped into the tent where I worked for the day...
So yeah, I choose to work hands on with the women athletes in the tents as they were in T2 (Transition 2)... I feel so technical saying T2. But these women were coming in from a 112 bike ride & were sweaty & exhausted, & we had the job of helping them change & prepare for a 26.2 mile run.
Because its basically a changing area, all the tent had to be enclosed. In a 92 degree day, an enclosed tent is basically like 105 degrees inside... with no air... It was stifling. It made walking outside waiting for the next person feel like it was paradise. #perspective
I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do with this being my first year in this area. I literally got a brief overview that took 15 seconds & then they said, just follow someone. So I stuck with a few of the ladies dripping in sweat - I knew they had been there for awhile.
I was told the first thing was to give them a cup of water, ask if they wanted some cold water thrown on their back, take their helmets & their gear & help sit them down... then the goal was to have them talk to us, make sure they were making sense, see if they had any injuries, anything that needed assistance. & then just help them change. Whether it be just changing socks, shoes. Getting their hats or visors on them. Lathering them up in sunscreen. Even stripping clothes off of them & putting on clean clothes. Which, have you ever had to take off a sports bra or put one on when you have sweat all over your body?
Let's just say, by the end, I was the PRO at stripping off bras & putting them back on people. #newjob A lady even told me when I put her bra on her, "I had no idea it could be that easy. Can I take you home with me?"
It started off being slow enough where 2 people could work with one person at a time... but the crowd zoomed in & everyone was 1 on 1 with each athlete. I even at one time was working with 2 people at the same time.
You had to make sure they had everything they needed, make sure their bib was tied around them, & then make sure all their gear they left behind was put up & back in their bags & ready for them to pick up at the end of the race.
It was a LOT to do... & so busy... & so hot...
& I'd do it again... every time...
Why did I love it so much even though it was awful in the heat? Those one on one conversations I got to have with women.
Someone said, "oh, you're working in the tent? People are going to treat you like dogs in there"... I know every person I worked with, & all the other volunteers agreed, every single person was so appreciative & kind to us.
I saw a girl who looked like a baby... turned out she was 23... but I told her I thought she was 16 & I wanted to give her advice on being careful out there. She hugged me & said, "Thanks, I needed someone to tell me they cared"
I had a woman who was from Scotland that we got talking about accents. I told her that I loved hers & she said, "You definitely have a Kentucky accent"... then we started saying words the same to see what each sounded like.
I had a lady who came in whose daughter had come through earlier. She & her daughter had trained together & was excited to do their first Ironman together. Her daughter was way ahead of her but she left a note in her mom's bag that I pulled out & handed to her & said, "you may want to read this"... her daughter drew a picture of the two of them crossing the finish line together" & it said, "I may finish before you, but I'll be there waiting on you"... the mom started crying... so of course, I started crying... & then quickly wiped away her tears so we could keep her dry
I had quite a few people who had notes from loved ones tucked inside of their bags for them to read...
I had a lady who scared me & I had to call medic on. She wasn't talking right & she couldn't get calmed down. The medics gave her salt pills & Coke to try & get some things back in her system. She just was not doing well. They talked her into going to the medic tent & letting them check her. When she was panicked about having any penalties or being pulled, I sat & talked with her & told her she would be fine, but she needed to be safe & smart. I got her laughing a bit & then she agreed to get checked. I prayed for her... I wonder if she finished.
I had a lady whose feet were so swollen after her bike ride, she couldn't get her shoes on. I had to rub her feet & massage them until she could bend them a bit to get circulation back in them. In the end, we gave her some pickle juice to get cramps from over taking her & getting her body moving again.
I had a lady who was a total diva. She brought a Princess towel, had to change her full wardrobe, even brought make up & a brush & redid her hair. I laughed & said, You are coming in here totally prepared. She said, "Looking good makes me feel good"... whatever works for you lady.
I saw a lady who came in at the end who was struggling. She sat there for about 10 minutes & kept saying, I'm not sure I can finish. She had to be in her 60's. I knelt down to her & told her that she had to make the decision but whatever she decided, she already completed the swim & the bike portion - something I have never done - something I could never imagine doing - that she was amazing no matter what decision she made. I saw someone walking her out of the tent. Not sure what she decided.
I loved it because their names were on their bibs & as I wrapped them around each persons waist, I made sure to see their names & then use it.... making it personal. I'd hug them or pat them on the back & say their name & tell them to finish strong / have a great race / you are amazing... always leaving them with encouraging words.
The best part was when they said back to me, "Thank you so much for helping me.... "... "You are the best volunteer".... "You made this so much easier for me"...
It was so worth being in that 'hot box' in the end...
I figured up a few things to let you know if you want to work in the women's' changing tent.
You DONT want to:
* Being in a place that feels like a hot garage on a summers day bothers you
* If the sight of naked women bothers you
* If stripping the clothes OFF women or dressing them again bothers you
* If the idea of someone throwing up on you bothers you (I got lucky - I got out puke free - others weren't so lucky)
* Touching people's sweaty socks & feet bother you
* If getting dirty bothers you
You DO want to:
* If hearing people's individual stories makes you happy
* If you want to meet people from around the world. I met someone from England, Scotland, Germany
* If you want to be inspired to see greatness
* If you want to make life easier for someone
* If you want to be an encouragement.
This is what I got on a picture I put on Instagram last night...
I think all the volunteers had the same attitude... making the race better for these amazing athletes.
I spoke with a lady who traveled down from Indianapolis to volunteer. She said she was going to work the course but then realized how much they needed tent people & she said, "I thought, this is what it is to serve others. To be hands on. To really be a face of Jesus"... I loved this lady. & I just said to her, "Amen"... it honestly was a spiritual God-given moment to me as well. To look people in their eyes & help them. To encourage them. To even say quick prayers of safety over them as they left. Serving doesn't have to be in mission fields to spread the love of Jesus.
At the end of my shift, I was a sweaty, stinky, tired, but it was the best feeling.
I got home, took my shower & got ready for bed. I kept thinking of the people STILL out running on that road to the finish line. I pulled up the web site & watched the live feed on the finish line. I actually saw 2 of the women that I helped get ready cross the finish line. I was like, "I KNOW HER... I KNOW HER"... I felt proud myself to see them cross & hear those words, "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN"
A total stranger to me... but someone whose life crossed mine... even if for a few minutes.
It was a great weekend....
My morning started early with me watching the swimmers get in the water & start their day. It blows my mind how early these people start & how long their day is ahead of them...
The heat was still there... but the temperatures dropped to 92 degrees. YAHOO!!! ... (insert very sarcastic attitude)... at least the heat advisory did actually drop.
Truth be told, I did think it was hot, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.
That is, until I stepped into the tent where I worked for the day...
 |
| The HOT BOX |
So yeah, I choose to work hands on with the women athletes in the tents as they were in T2 (Transition 2)... I feel so technical saying T2. But these women were coming in from a 112 bike ride & were sweaty & exhausted, & we had the job of helping them change & prepare for a 26.2 mile run.
Because its basically a changing area, all the tent had to be enclosed. In a 92 degree day, an enclosed tent is basically like 105 degrees inside... with no air... It was stifling. It made walking outside waiting for the next person feel like it was paradise. #perspective
I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do with this being my first year in this area. I literally got a brief overview that took 15 seconds & then they said, just follow someone. So I stuck with a few of the ladies dripping in sweat - I knew they had been there for awhile.
I was told the first thing was to give them a cup of water, ask if they wanted some cold water thrown on their back, take their helmets & their gear & help sit them down... then the goal was to have them talk to us, make sure they were making sense, see if they had any injuries, anything that needed assistance. & then just help them change. Whether it be just changing socks, shoes. Getting their hats or visors on them. Lathering them up in sunscreen. Even stripping clothes off of them & putting on clean clothes. Which, have you ever had to take off a sports bra or put one on when you have sweat all over your body?
Let's just say, by the end, I was the PRO at stripping off bras & putting them back on people. #newjob A lady even told me when I put her bra on her, "I had no idea it could be that easy. Can I take you home with me?"
It started off being slow enough where 2 people could work with one person at a time... but the crowd zoomed in & everyone was 1 on 1 with each athlete. I even at one time was working with 2 people at the same time.
You had to make sure they had everything they needed, make sure their bib was tied around them, & then make sure all their gear they left behind was put up & back in their bags & ready for them to pick up at the end of the race.
It was a LOT to do... & so busy... & so hot...
& I'd do it again... every time...
Why did I love it so much even though it was awful in the heat? Those one on one conversations I got to have with women.
Someone said, "oh, you're working in the tent? People are going to treat you like dogs in there"... I know every person I worked with, & all the other volunteers agreed, every single person was so appreciative & kind to us.
I saw a girl who looked like a baby... turned out she was 23... but I told her I thought she was 16 & I wanted to give her advice on being careful out there. She hugged me & said, "Thanks, I needed someone to tell me they cared"
I had a woman who was from Scotland that we got talking about accents. I told her that I loved hers & she said, "You definitely have a Kentucky accent"... then we started saying words the same to see what each sounded like.
I had a lady who came in whose daughter had come through earlier. She & her daughter had trained together & was excited to do their first Ironman together. Her daughter was way ahead of her but she left a note in her mom's bag that I pulled out & handed to her & said, "you may want to read this"... her daughter drew a picture of the two of them crossing the finish line together" & it said, "I may finish before you, but I'll be there waiting on you"... the mom started crying... so of course, I started crying... & then quickly wiped away her tears so we could keep her dry
I had quite a few people who had notes from loved ones tucked inside of their bags for them to read...
I had a lady who scared me & I had to call medic on. She wasn't talking right & she couldn't get calmed down. The medics gave her salt pills & Coke to try & get some things back in her system. She just was not doing well. They talked her into going to the medic tent & letting them check her. When she was panicked about having any penalties or being pulled, I sat & talked with her & told her she would be fine, but she needed to be safe & smart. I got her laughing a bit & then she agreed to get checked. I prayed for her... I wonder if she finished.
I had a lady whose feet were so swollen after her bike ride, she couldn't get her shoes on. I had to rub her feet & massage them until she could bend them a bit to get circulation back in them. In the end, we gave her some pickle juice to get cramps from over taking her & getting her body moving again.
I had a lady who was a total diva. She brought a Princess towel, had to change her full wardrobe, even brought make up & a brush & redid her hair. I laughed & said, You are coming in here totally prepared. She said, "Looking good makes me feel good"... whatever works for you lady.
I saw a lady who came in at the end who was struggling. She sat there for about 10 minutes & kept saying, I'm not sure I can finish. She had to be in her 60's. I knelt down to her & told her that she had to make the decision but whatever she decided, she already completed the swim & the bike portion - something I have never done - something I could never imagine doing - that she was amazing no matter what decision she made. I saw someone walking her out of the tent. Not sure what she decided.
I loved it because their names were on their bibs & as I wrapped them around each persons waist, I made sure to see their names & then use it.... making it personal. I'd hug them or pat them on the back & say their name & tell them to finish strong / have a great race / you are amazing... always leaving them with encouraging words.
The best part was when they said back to me, "Thank you so much for helping me.... "... "You are the best volunteer".... "You made this so much easier for me"...
It was so worth being in that 'hot box' in the end...
I figured up a few things to let you know if you want to work in the women's' changing tent.
You DONT want to:
* Being in a place that feels like a hot garage on a summers day bothers you
* If the sight of naked women bothers you
* If stripping the clothes OFF women or dressing them again bothers you
* If the idea of someone throwing up on you bothers you (I got lucky - I got out puke free - others weren't so lucky)
* Touching people's sweaty socks & feet bother you
* If getting dirty bothers you
 |
| My legs from kneeling in mud helping putting on shoes for hours on end |
You DO want to:
* If hearing people's individual stories makes you happy
* If you want to meet people from around the world. I met someone from England, Scotland, Germany
* If you want to be inspired to see greatness
* If you want to make life easier for someone
* If you want to be an encouragement.
This is what I got on a picture I put on Instagram last night...
I think all the volunteers had the same attitude... making the race better for these amazing athletes.
I spoke with a lady who traveled down from Indianapolis to volunteer. She said she was going to work the course but then realized how much they needed tent people & she said, "I thought, this is what it is to serve others. To be hands on. To really be a face of Jesus"... I loved this lady. & I just said to her, "Amen"... it honestly was a spiritual God-given moment to me as well. To look people in their eyes & help them. To encourage them. To even say quick prayers of safety over them as they left. Serving doesn't have to be in mission fields to spread the love of Jesus.
At the end of my shift, I was a sweaty, stinky, tired, but it was the best feeling.
I got home, took my shower & got ready for bed. I kept thinking of the people STILL out running on that road to the finish line. I pulled up the web site & watched the live feed on the finish line. I actually saw 2 of the women that I helped get ready cross the finish line. I was like, "I KNOW HER... I KNOW HER"... I felt proud myself to see them cross & hear those words, "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN"
A total stranger to me... but someone whose life crossed mine... even if for a few minutes.
It was a great weekend....
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Ironman Weekend - Louisville
Some people get excited for Christmas...
I get excited for Ironman weekend!
It's here this weekend & I'm so excited because this year, I'm volunteering to help out.
I never knew anything about running until 2009 & then after I caught the 'running bug' I started learning about all the other incredible athletic events. Ironman caught my attention... & then we're lucky in Louisville to have it come right into our back yard.
In 2011, I went down to see what it was all about. Especially because there was a young man from our church that was doing it. I wanted to see him & cheer him on. & being someone who loves capturing moments, I took my camera with me.
I loved being there...
I actually sat on the side of the road for HOURS... I mean like 6-7 hours. I honestly didn't want to pull myself away. I wanted to cheer for every runner going by. On this part of the road, they had to run up & down, twice... so I would see people up to 4 times. I loved it because I ended up putting my camera down & stood & clapped & cheered on people for as long as I could. I had a few athletes even tell me that I was the best cheerleader they've seen all day....
Ever since then, I've been hooked on going down & supporting Ironman athletes.
There's something about watching these people go through this incredible feat. To watch the strength, the endurance... even to see them fighting to make it through. The real emotions of a race of 140.6 miles...
& can we stop for a second & think how far 140.6 miles is? ****MIND BLOWN****
This year, I get to be hands on with the athletes.
I'm working in the women's tent where they are coming off their bikes & transitioning into the running 26.2 miles.
I can't wait!
The description says that we will be helping them individually, getting what they need, helping their transition run smoothly & the biggest part, give them encouragement.
We'll be the people that they talk to as they go into the last leg of the 3 part race.
I want to just send them all off on their miles with glitter & butterflies & on a Pegasus... or at least in their mind, give them that same feeling.
I'm actually worried about the athletes this year. Its going to be the hottest day of the ENTIRE.FREAKING.YEAR Sunday. Right now, the temp is going to be 98 degrees. & let's not even start thinking about humidity - which Louisville is well known for.
This could be scary...
Heck, I'm afraid I'll pass out just working in a hot tent that is closed up all day.
But I'm going to get out there & slap on a smile to help these amazing women!
I laughed the other day thinking how excited I was go to out & work for hours in extreme heat, when in real life, if its above 85 degrees, I make all plans indoors in AC...
But I'm so excited to go sweat it out Sunday.... to root on everyone...
I'm hoping when my 'shift' is over, to head down & check out some of the finish line emotion. I can't ever watch an Ironman video where they show the finish line & I don't cry. #everytime
So lift a prayer up for our weather here Sunday... for those athletes... for safe races for everyone...
(& for me not to pass out)
I get excited for Ironman weekend!
It's here this weekend & I'm so excited because this year, I'm volunteering to help out.
I never knew anything about running until 2009 & then after I caught the 'running bug' I started learning about all the other incredible athletic events. Ironman caught my attention... & then we're lucky in Louisville to have it come right into our back yard.
In 2011, I went down to see what it was all about. Especially because there was a young man from our church that was doing it. I wanted to see him & cheer him on. & being someone who loves capturing moments, I took my camera with me.
I loved being there...
I actually sat on the side of the road for HOURS... I mean like 6-7 hours. I honestly didn't want to pull myself away. I wanted to cheer for every runner going by. On this part of the road, they had to run up & down, twice... so I would see people up to 4 times. I loved it because I ended up putting my camera down & stood & clapped & cheered on people for as long as I could. I had a few athletes even tell me that I was the best cheerleader they've seen all day....
 |
| I was next to this family as they watched their husband, father & son come through... they were great |
Ever since then, I've been hooked on going down & supporting Ironman athletes.
There's something about watching these people go through this incredible feat. To watch the strength, the endurance... even to see them fighting to make it through. The real emotions of a race of 140.6 miles...
& can we stop for a second & think how far 140.6 miles is? ****MIND BLOWN****
This year, I get to be hands on with the athletes.
I'm working in the women's tent where they are coming off their bikes & transitioning into the running 26.2 miles.
 |
| See those tents? That's where I'll be |
I can't wait!
The description says that we will be helping them individually, getting what they need, helping their transition run smoothly & the biggest part, give them encouragement.
We'll be the people that they talk to as they go into the last leg of the 3 part race.
I want to just send them all off on their miles with glitter & butterflies & on a Pegasus... or at least in their mind, give them that same feeling.
I'm actually worried about the athletes this year. Its going to be the hottest day of the ENTIRE.FREAKING.YEAR Sunday. Right now, the temp is going to be 98 degrees. & let's not even start thinking about humidity - which Louisville is well known for.
This could be scary...
Heck, I'm afraid I'll pass out just working in a hot tent that is closed up all day.
But I'm going to get out there & slap on a smile to help these amazing women!
I laughed the other day thinking how excited I was go to out & work for hours in extreme heat, when in real life, if its above 85 degrees, I make all plans indoors in AC...
But I'm so excited to go sweat it out Sunday.... to root on everyone...
I'm hoping when my 'shift' is over, to head down & check out some of the finish line emotion. I can't ever watch an Ironman video where they show the finish line & I don't cry. #everytime
So lift a prayer up for our weather here Sunday... for those athletes... for safe races for everyone...
(& for me not to pass out)
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