Salmon Falls 50K. That’s 31.06 miles. Trail.
Did I run it? LOL. No. But I did volunteer to serve at the aid station at Skunk Hollow….at the 13 mile mark.
While waiting at the finish line for sole sisters to come in, I was talking to one of the finishers who came in from Santa Rosa to run. He said he’d never volunteered for a race but knows he should at some point.
I have heard this so many times, “I know I should, but haven’t yet”.
I have ran many races, ranging from the 5k to the marathon. Probably at least 50 of them by now. I always appreciate the volunteers at the aid stations, making sure I have everything I need to get to the next aid station. There are times when I’m a little distracted/spacey and their pointed questions and suggestions help me to focus and regroup and get my mind back on track.
But here’s the thing….as blessed as I am to receive care from volunteers, I am equally, if not more, blessed to be that volunteer.
Serving at aid stations for a distance like the 50k, a distance I will probably never run, on a trail no less, is incredibly inspiring.
To be THAT person for THAT runner who comes in struggling.
To help them with what they need, whether it’s hydration, fuel, tape for bloody nipples (men), sunscreen, or a hug and a quick talk about if they have four more miles to give to get to the next station; to remind them to trust their training; to help assess if their injury is something they can keep running with.
As a runner serving, it’s a feeling of completing the full circle. To recognize and embrace that feeling is precious, and something I hope all runners experience at least once in their life. It is it’s own version of a “runners high”.
