Get Out There!

When I've arrived and I am particpating in Louisville, it will be my day and over 1,000 volunteers will help to make that happen and I intend to pay them back ahead of time. You see, I made it a goal of mine a few years ago to volunteer at, at least one event a year. Well, I didn't meet that goal in the formal sense. Sure, I "volunteered" to help the kids at their events and I "volunteered" to watch the kids at Maggie's events, but it's not the same and I'm not going to pretend it is. The truth is...I actually like volunteering at races. It's exciting and interesting to be on the other side of a race. The perspective of being involved but not as a participant or purely as a fan, all the while knowing you are assisting somebody else have their day is a wonderful feeling.
If it's so great, you ask, why have I dropped the ball with this goal? That's easy...I suck. Really. Like a freakin' Hoover. I'm just sayin'. Sure I have socially acceptable excuses, but c'mon. The bottom line is I failed to deliver. I'm not proud of it, but there it is.
This year is going to be different. I've already started out on the right foot and have assisted a little with the new Grand Rapids Triathlon. I may end up doing more for them as well, but who knows.
I'm looking forward to helping at Johan's Trifest like I did in its first year, and rumor has it, this may be its last.
One of my favorite races is Tri Del Sol. It's a good fit for me. It's in my backyard, the distances are perfect, and I like the course. This year however, it's time for me to be a gracious host and help out.
Unfortunately this is all just talk until the rubber hits the road. Will there be more excuses, or more responsibility and sacrifice in other areas that prevent me from meeting my goal? I don't know, but my intentions are strong, and I hope to be out there. Maybe I'll even be helping you have your day.
Peace.