Go out and volunteer at a race.
This past weekend, my wife and 3 of her friends did the SheRox Sprint in San Diego. This was my wife’s 2nd time. For the other 3, it was their first triathlon.
I was a spectator for my wife last year. Last year she was on a borrowed mountain bike. She was scared to death of the swim. This year, she was fired up. I bought her a road bike and she trained pretty hard. (She actually rode my trainer INSIDE the house - My bike stays in the garage).
So this year, instead of just standing around clapping, I decided to volunteer. I was a “swim buddy”. I got to side stroke/water polo swim for 750m alongside a girl that was freaked out for the swim. Every 75 yards or so, I would ask her “Everything okay? You are doing great. Almost to the next buoy.” I made she she stayed on course. When a wave of faster swims was coming up behind us, I swam behind her and blocked people from swimming over her.
I know some of you knock these women only events. I think they are pretty cool. Sure, there were some women that probably weren’t in “triathlon shape” (whatever the hell that means). But to see a bunch of women of all ages (10-70ish) accomplish their first triathlon was a great experience. My wife would have never done her first tri if there were a bunch of “agro dudes” blowing past her and screaming “ON YOUR LEFT…” all day long. Now she is ready to step into a race with the fellas.
I am not burnt out on tri at all (only 5 years in), but if I ever become disgruntled, I will definitely get my ass to the volunteer line for a sprint that is beginner friendly.
I also volunteered at IMAZ 2 years ago (I did it so I could get an entry the following: Yes, I am selfish like that). However, it was an awesome experience.
Feels good to give back a little .
Amen. Those first-timers who are stepping way out of their comfort zone and trying something that they never thought they could do…Sometimes I think they’re accomplishment means a lot more than the FOP athletes for whom it’s just another day on the racecourse. Way to help someone else discover the joy!
Good for you buddy.
I recently volunteered at a race as well, more out of selfish reasons than because I wanted to. When I got there at 5am in the morning to set up for a sprint, put out road closing barriers at intersections and shoo-ed away drivers who desperately needed to get on the course on a sunday morning for some reason, my appreciation for anybody who volunteers their time at any race I do has my utmost respect and appreciation.
On a different note, I have lent my first bike, an aluminum, shimano sora outfitted Cannondale road bike to my friends to do their first triathlons on when I upgraded. After all, its no use to me while I’m racing and it makes me happy to see that bike put a smile on somebody else’s face
chris
Great idea. Should try it out one of these days.