The Flying Pig 2011

For three straight years it has rained at the outset of the Flying Pig.  Thought we might catch a break this year, but that was not to happen.  Made the trek downtown with the lovely Mrs., the oldest son, and Running Sasquatch (my friend Tim) and made it to the starting area about 30 minutes before the race would start.  We all parted ways and headed towards our respective areas (corrals for the other three, volunteer tent for myself) and waited in the rain.  Unfortunately for me, the few people I came across that were supposed to be the “Info” people, we completely useless.  I never found the group I was supposed to help at the starting area.  I found out a day later that they had been disbursed to do something they should not have been doing.

I was going to work with Tina’s company picking up the shed clothing - that’s what they do each year.  For some reason, the volunteer coordinator at the starting area decided to have them milling around the corrals trying to get people into their appropriate places.  So after about 35 minutes of searching in the rain I left the starting area and headed towards the finish area.

What a completely different world!  I was greeted by Kevin and others, showed around quickly, and started right away at helping.  Several options were given to me, but I choose to work with the mylar (space) blankets.  Having passed them up once after a race, I know the importance of heat retention after a cooler race, and knew this was where I wanted to be.  I could watch all the runners come in, from first to last (well, last if I had stayed long enough), and most importantly (and quite selfishly) I could be there at the finish line when the Mrs. and the Oldest came through. 

Not only was this my first Pig volunteer job, but my first race volunteer job!  I have to admit that it was fun and demanding.  Each box contained a roll of the mylar material, perforated, and contained 200 blankets.  I think I went through about 5 boxes myself; pulling, tearing, handing out.  I watched as the runners trickled in at first, and found myself overwhelmed by the numbers after a while.  I would get between 15-20 blankets over an arm and hand them out - often barely getting away from the fence before I would have to reload!  This made the time go by so quickly and before I knew it, the race clock was nearing three hours; about the time I had guessed Tina and Jake would be coming through. 

It was awesome to see the two of them come across the finish line.  Jake first (as he sprinted the last 30-40 yards) and then Tina.  He looked fine, but she looked like a cross of overwhelmed emotion and serious pain (which is exactly what it was).  I had just loaded my arms with blankets, hugged them both, then headed out to empty my blankets to those who needed them.  This just happened to take place just as the second wave of volunteers was taking over; perfect timing!

We slowly crept through the gauntlet; water, chip removal, food, pictures.  Tina and Jake posed with one of the Flying Pigs and I snapped a quick shot.  Met up with Kevin so I could make formal introductions before we headed out the back into the post race party.  Yes, they had done it - even without their beloved coach, husband, father, friend.  I was excited, still am, and very proud of what they managed to accomplish.  We’ve much to work on for future races, but they did an amazing thing on a truly tough course. 

In my house there are six people ranging from 6 to 36 years of age.  Three of us have completed half marathons.  I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before that ratio changes.  I really do love running.  I really do love my family.  I really do love that I can run with those I love and share something out of the ordinary with them.  Some day I hope to run with all six of us, sprinting across a finish line together.