I’ve often wondered how the IM was for the volunteers. Are they sore the next day from wetsuit stripping? Come on Mike (how to make flat coke), let us know! Also, anyone else who volunteered, tell us about it.
There was one block on the run where it seemed everyone was bar-b-que’ing. Had to pass those poor folks 4 times and they seemed to be having a rough day. Perhaps the charcoal didn’t want to light or the fire was too hot or the hamburgers were too thick and didn’t cook evenly in the center.
THANKS TO ALL WHO WERE OUT THERE FOR US! COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!!
I was at IMF volunteering along with 14 other members from my collegiate tri club. It was a great experience. I raced IMLP in the summer, and you get a very different view of IM when volunteering than when you’re racing. We were at the race site at 4:15am to do body marking (I got to mark Bella Comerford!). Later in the afternoon we took shifts working in the medical tent, then between 8pm and midnight most of our group were all in the medical tent. Most people who came in were dehydrated and cramping. We got to watch the swim start on the 4th floor of the host hotel and it was amazing to see how many people were getting pushed too far left due to the current. When we weren’t volunteering most of us were camped out by Spinnakers cheering on all the runners. I highly recommend volunteering at an IM. It was a long day, but the most fun i’ve had in a while! Congrats to all the finishers!
We whimped out on the wetsuit peeling. We had not offered this year, but received an email last week that told us when the meetings were and that if we couldn’t make them, just show up Sat. We were on the list from previous years. Sat. AM it looked like they were well covered (and the Peacefull Tribe was already present) so we just watched and shivered. My wife and I did spend about 3 hours at the finish catching and mylar wrapping from finish times of about 12-15 hours. The worst part of my day was that the bar I use as an aid station while spectating on the run has been closed. I was able to keep up with my fluid intake, but unfortunately I fell behind on my nutrition. I didn’t bonk, but the slurred speech and heavy feet were, according to my wife, sure signs that the rigors of the day were about to catch up with me. Congratulations to all that competed; it is a great day for me every year down there just watching.
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I captained the men’s changing tent and was there from 6 to 6. First, let me defend myself. I begged them for a larger tent - I know it was crowded.
It was a very rewarding experience but I have to say I’ve seen more nekkid men than I ever want to see in my life. I had a great (though maybe small) group of guys helping me. Most were triathletes themselves and several had done multiple IM’s.
As to being sore. Yeah. My hamstrings are really tight from all the bending and squatting.
The athletes were great, and really appreciative. I don’t know of any who were rude or demanding.
Though I have one piece of advice. If you’re standing naked - don’t ask for help pulling on your shirt. Put your shorts on first, then we’ll be glad to help. If you’re sitting or standing naked - don’t think that we’re going to bend down and help you get your stuff out of your bag. I ain’t gonna do it and don’t expect my volunteers to either. 
<> I need to apologize to one athlete, probably a pro. He came in with his wetsuit on and sat down. Myself and another volunteer tried to help him take off his wetsuit - but almost pulled him off the chair. Sorry if that was any of you.
I’ve often wondered how the IM was for the volunteers.
Sorry it took me a bit but click here for my volunteer report. Let me know if the link won’t work. The race was awesome for the whole family.