Blackland Tri

It's Labor Day once again.

And that means Blackland Tri!  I volunteered last year and had so much fun, I offered to do it again this year.  Our first responsibility was to man an aid station at the turn around for the older kid (11-14) run course.  From that station we could also watch the kiddos on the bike course.  So fun to watch them go by!  They were all so polite - many of them greeted us with "Good morning!"  and most of the runners offered a sincere, "Thank you" when we handed off cups of cold water.  Truly adorable!  I did experience some bike envy - one girl, she couldn't have been older than 11, had Zipp wheels.  No lie!  

One of the team coaches hung out at the water table for a bit telling us about his athletes and encouraging them as they came by.  A few really intense parents showed up shouting, um, helpful tips.  There was one mom running alongside her daughter, who was riding a little pink mountain bike, wearing a wonky pink helmet and a terrified expression.  Her mom, looking pretty anxious herself, told us, "She's been asking to do this all year!"  How awesome is that?  I didn't even know what a triathlon was at that age!  Probably best I don't have kiddos - my daughter would have Zipp wheels for sure, ha!  I'd have to get a second job to afford the custom made teeny Betty Designs kit!  

Once the kids were done, we packed up and took our wares to peddle on the grown up run course.  Thankfully this aid station was in the shade - it was a scorcher today!  Of course we cheered for all the athletes but it wasn't long before one of my favorite triathletes came careening by - Heidi!  

And right on her heels, her hubs, Brian!

Hedi and Brian are so awesome.  They came back after finishing (and after Heidi took 2nd in her AG!) to help us at the aid station. They even gave up their bottles of water when we temporarily ran out of water.  Talk about giving back to the tri community!  How cute is Heidi in her new SOAS pink top?  Very, the answer is very cute.  

Here comes Elaine, smiling as always, even though it was about a thousand degrees at this point!  

Brian and Mama C, ready to provide Heed should anyone need electrolytes!

I had no desire to race this one and I'm so glad that I didn't.  It was HOT!  And I didn't want to pass up an opportunity to give back to the community that supports me.  I think it's very important to volunteer a few times a year - it takes many hands to make a race run well!  (run well, heh) Plus, it's fun to be out there encouraging the athletes, recognizing familiar faces and lending a hand to those in need of a little extra confidence. 

Did you race this weekend?