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Volunteering 101 - What you should expect from a day of volunteering.

By: Elizabeth Maura

On a Fall crisp Sunday morning, I traded in my traditional Sunday routine – sleeping in late, reading the newspaper while finishing off a pot of coffee, and breakfast at noon – to volunteer at the annual Boulder Backroads Marathon and Half Marathon race.

As I was cheering on racers, it amazed me how many people freely volunteer their time and how some people might be holding back from volunteering because they don’t know what to expect. So, here’s the top 7 things to expect so you have no reason not to volunteer for that event you have been saying you would for years now:

Volunteers at an Aid Station

To Work!
Volunteering for any event is work! Even if it’s just standing in the sun for 6 hours cheering on passing racers, you will feel like you ran the whole race yourself by the end of the day. Prepare yourself for the conditions and environment you will be working in (i.e. bring water, sunscreen, wear appropriate footwear, hat, etc.).

Be sure you understand where you need to be and when.

Free Schwag!
Most events will offer some incentive for participating. It can range from a free beer and food coupon to free clothing to a new car (ok, I’m kidding about the car).

Meet new people!
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people. If you just moved into a new area, it’s a must!

Grin and bear it!
Not everyone cares that you are there out of the goodness of your own heart. It’s a great way to practice your “smile and bear” approach.

Volunteer at Sunrise Stampede

Be appreciated!
Then there are those people that will take the time to stop and thank you for being there and makes it all worthwhile.

Doing something good!
Need I say more?

and the #1 reason to volunteer…..

Motivation!
If you’ve been meaning to do a marathon but just haven’t had the confidence, volunteer first. It is a great way to motivate yourself. After watching the racers, you’ll realize that you DO have what it takes.

Volunteering for any event is well worth the time (and the loss of a Sunday morning.) So if you’ve been meaning to participate – get out there. You won’t be sorry that you did.

If you have a free weekend, just check with the race organizers to find out how you can help.

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Elizabeth is participating in the Fleet Feet Volunteer Squad whose mission is to promote community involvement and to create a dependable community of volunteers who will be ambassadors to the sport of running and triathlon. By volunteering at races or trail pick-ups through the year, Fleet Feet rewards will be given for your time and commitment. They will host social nights at the store to say thank you and to keep the theme of FUN alive.More information can be found at www.FleetFeetBoulder.com

Read Volunteering 201 - From the Race Directors and Volunteer Coordinators