Thursday, July 12, 2018

Pay it Forward on the Race Course 


Have you ever thought about paying it forward on the race course?

We've all heard of race etiquette, but paying it forward takes your best race day manners a step further. Positive actions not only affect your performance, but they also impact others. It's not always all about us, after all. Why not try to share the race day love with others?

With that in mind, I try to have as much fun as possible whether I'm gunning for a PR or just using the race as a training run.  Here are five simple actions (that don't take any extra effort) I have learned to prioritize whenever I pin on a race bib:


Acknowledge the volunteers.
First and foremost, most races would not happen if it weren't for the many volunteers working at the races. Many of them are runners themselves, who are giving up the opportunity to run that very race so others can run it instead. Make eye contact and say "thank you" when someone hands you a cup of water. Try to smile when you're handed your bib at the expo. Give a thumbs-up to the course marshals directing traffic. Bottom line, let them know their commitment to the race is valuable and appreciated.

Interact with fellow racers.
I realize not everyone wants to carry on a conversation or make friends along a race course...but there may be that one first-time racer who needs reassurance. I always appreciate other runners telling me "good job" or "looking strong" or "girl power!" I try to pay it forward and share a word of encouragement with others.

Respect the race course.
Even though it is a race course, it may also be someone's neighborhood. Often times, there are trash cans at the water/aid stations....make an effort to use them. At the very least, try to throw your empty cups to the side of the road instead of directly underfoot. If you have trash (or even a throwaway shirt or jacket to discard), consider tossing it near a mile marker sign (since a volunteer will inevitably have to come by to retrieve the sign and they can grab your cast-offs then).

Do unto others. In other words, be mindful of your fellow racers. Try to not run (or walk) in a cluster of friends. Look over your shoulder before pulling over to the side of the road. Line up according to your authentic pace (not necessarily your targeted pace, especially if the weather is unusually hot or the course is challenging). Think twice about grabbing that extra cup of water to dump on your head when there may be others who could drink it.

Show your appreciation to the non-racers.
High-5 the kids along the route (you may inspire them to become runners).  Smile (or pose) for the on-course photographers. Wave to the road-side spectators (and take the time to read their encouraging signs). Thank the police officers and military personnel for their service. Be grateful for the race and all the people who came out to support the participants (instead of sleeping-in).

What do you think? Have you paid it forward recently? What are some things you do to spread the love on race day?

I'm  linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

39 comments:

  1. What a wonderful idea for a post! Love it! We all need reminders to be kind and thoughtful, especially during a me-centered activity like a race.

    Speaking of thoughtful, thank you so much for taking the trouble to contact me to let me know that you couldn't comment on my previous post. For some reason the comment and ping-back boxes got unchecked for just that post. I corrected it. Now I know to be sure to look at those before I publish.

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    1. Thanks!! I think a huge part of the running community is what we do for others ;-)

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  2. Always thank the volunteers! That's my mantra. I also thank the police, some of whom look like they'd rather be anywhere else than stopping traffic on a race corner. Without the volunteers, none of the rest could happen.

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  3. Wonderful ideas Kim! When I take water on the course I always try to find a trash can to dispose of my cup. I hate throwing it on the floor because it just makes more work for the volunteers to clean it up. I always thank the volunteers too. I don't really talk to other runners only because I have a hard time talking and running at the same time, lol.

    One way I pay it forward is to try to volunteer at a race at least once a year.

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    1. Volunteering for races is something we all should do. We all know how valuable the volunteers are ;-)

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  4. I always make an effort to thank the volunteers and the policeman who are monitoring the traffic. I think they really appreciate it. It's fun to meet new people at races!

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    1. I love meeting new people at races as well. It's fun seeing a lot of the same faces at numerous races ;-)

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  5. Yes, yes, yes! All of these things! I get annoyed at people who act like they are the only ones who are important. I try to thank everyone, tell the volunteers that we couldn’t do it without them, and even try to get the cops to smile. That’s harder than you’d think sometimes!

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    1. Making the cops smile!!! That's great ;-) So many times they will say "you're welcome" back to me...almost like they either are surprised someone's acknowledging them, or maybe they're so service-oriented they don't expect a thank-you (?). None the less, I'm glad they're there ;-)

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  6. It always makes me feel good when fellow runners say good job to me, so I try to do the same thing as well! Also thank you for the volunteers, all of that wouldn't be possible without them!

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    1. I agree...it's nice sharing encouraging sentiments with others

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  7. Awesome, feel good tips! :) I always thank volunteers, even if I'm not stopping at the aid station. On a trail race, where there are less runners and it's more spread out, it's always nice to say to someone "good job" or "looking strong" as you pass them or they pass you. It happens a lot at the races I do.

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  8. Nice post, Kim! I think I'm pretty good about all of that. At the very least I try to be! Especially as someone who uses run/walk I try to be very aware of the people around me when I walk.

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    1. Run/walk would be a tough race day tactic for the non-run/walk people...thanks for playing nice ;-)

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  9. I volunteered at RnR Denver for a water stop, and it was cold! It was fun too. I did appreciate the runners who used the trash cans, and I try to as well. It makes it just a little bit easier for cleanup.

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    1. I'm always surprised when I see stray water cups way beyond the water stops...

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  10. Great post! We all need reminders to be thankful!

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    1. I think most people are thankful, they just don't always remember to express it. Myself included ;-)

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  11. All of these are so important. It is so important to be courteous to other runners who are trying to pass. And, I love making friends on the course. That is the best!

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  12. I think I am good at this.

    I have run with a slower runner who was nervous about finishing a race even though it meant a slower time for me.

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    1. That's great that you supported your friend ;-) Some people get so focused on the "race," that they lose sight of the bigger picture.

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  13. I definitely do ALL of these things. I am mindful of my environment, other runners, spectators, volunteers. I have volunteered myself and I know it can be hard work! but also I try not to throw my trash on the ground, for example, stay on the right (but that doesn't work in England!) and always check if people are ok if I see someone struggling. A race for ME is just a race - I'm not trying to win a world record, I'm just trying to do something good for myself.

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    1. I forgot to mention "helping others in distress." That's a huge thing to do!!!

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  14. This is a great topic! I definitely try to do all of these, especially thank volunteers. I know that's a hard job and I really appreciate people being out there for the races.

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    1. Totally agree! The volunteers are being so selfless in serving the runners, the runners should be grateful.

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  15. I love this post! Kindness and appreciation can go a long way and make the experience even better. Great reminder.

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    1. Kindness and appreciation are crucial in everyday life, why not show them on the race course as well? ;-)

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  16. I love this!! I am such a chatty runner so I am very good at encouraging runners on the course and greeting the (sometimes very grumpy looking) police officers! LOL

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    1. ha ha ha!!! I'm sure the police officers appeciate your cheerfulness ;-)

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  17. I love all of these suggestion! I've found that paying it forward on the course makes for a more enjoyable race over all no matter what pace you're running!

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    1. I totally agree! If I'm struggling, throwing some encouragement towards OTHERS is always a positive way to keep the focus off of myself.

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  18. I'm not a very chatty runner, but I do appreciate how much interaction there is at trail races! Going up a steep hill, everyone commiserates with each other.

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  19. I def love doing this for races. I always say thank you to everyone and especially thank the police officers who keep the roads safe for us.
    I love to encourage other runners along the way as well :)

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    1. I just know how much I appreciate it when others encourage me...why not return the favor? ;-)

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  20. A little courtesy goes so far! I try to always thank the volunteers - and there's one woman who is out there nearly every single NYRR run and I love seeing her. Especially in a difficult race she's always a friendly smile.
    I also try to check on those who have stopped who seem to be struggling. Make sure they're OK. Had someone thank me for "sacrificing your time". Really, human decency means way more than 30 seconds.

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