Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by talking about the benefits of volunteering when it comes to achieving and sustaining your running goals. Whether you're a new runner or a seasoned one, someone whose goal is completing a 5k or someone who wants to complete their first marathon or half this year, volunteering can help you make it to the finish line. For real! Now if you're saying, "Melissa what are you even talking about? How can working an aid station, packet pickup, or directing traffic at an intersection help me?" check out these two ways offering to do something for someone without expecting payment will better equip you to press on.
One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is obviously the impact on the community. Volunteering at races (most of which are nonprofit and give the proceeds to charity) allows you to make a difference while connecting to other runners who are either running or giving of their time themselves. This is a great way to make new friends who can mentor you and get you plugged into a running group that can run with you and hold you accountable and help you reach your goals.
For instance, all the photos were taken at last week's OMRR (Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners) Run for the Ranch Race in Springfield whose proceeds went to the Good Samaritan Boy's Ranch. I volunteered there as well, with friends that I met through running and volunteering... friends that were (and continue to be) essential to helping me reach my running goals. Which brings me to the next advantage gained from serving others...
Volunteers are the heart of every race. They set the tone and feel of the race. I am always thankful for every volunteer at a race when I am participating. A smile, “good job” and cup of warm soup can uplift your spirits and mood. I love seeing people crush their race goals and find something in themselves they didn’t know they had. If you want to see a race from a new perspective I encourage you to volunteer. I promise it will be a rewarding experience. - Rachel Baker (in the red coat)
Over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered the true joy volunteering at races brings to my heart. It allows me the opportunity to give back to a community that has provided me so much over the years. When you volunteer, you see the big picture of a race. You see every runner that comes through your aid station or by your corner. You become a part of their journey! You see their struggle and their triumph! You get to watch new runners crush goals they never thought possible. I love helping runners when they hit their low points by providing that extra needed support. Whether it’s filling their hydration bottles and finding the right food at the aid station, or just giving them a word of encouragement (or sometimes a little tough love) to help them move forward when they didn’t think they could. Without volunteers there would be no races. Every runner, no matter what level they are, should take the time to volunteer at one or two races a year. It really does give you a different perspective. I guarantee it will make you a better runner and your heart will be a little happier at the end of the day. - Karen Olson (on the left pictured with me).
Thank you Karen Olson. I couldn't have said it better!! - Angie Beard (in the blue striped hat next to Rachel)
I love to volunteer for just about anything. But volunteering for running or cycling events is my favorite. The satisfaction I get when I see the smile of relief on an athlete’s face when I have what they need at an aide station is priceless. The appreciation for the assistance they receive, whether it be a cold towel, hot cocoa, calf massage, or just a chair to sit for a minute gives me a little skip in my step. My favorite memory was running an aide station at Trail of Four Winds with Lisa Geary and Jackson Stilgenbauer. It was very warm that year. A runner came in and I could tell he was in trouble. He took some water and wanted to go on, but I convinced him to sit a minute. He ate a little, I massaged his calf muscles a little and made him take in more fluids. He was doing better and I let him continue. After the race, he had his wife drive up close to our aide station so he could thank me. He told me I made all the difference in him to be able to finish his race. No lie, I may have shed a tear on that one! As all volunteers would probably say, do it once and you’ll be hooked. - Heidi Thomas
Benefit 2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. Not only does it help to counteract the effects of depression, anger, and anxiety, the social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Doing good for others also makes a person happy and increases self confidence--the things needed to be successful.
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. Not only does it help to counteract the effects of depression, anger, and anxiety, the social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Doing good for others also makes a person happy and increases self confidence--the things needed to be successful.
But don't just take my word for it. Check out what three of my long-time running friends I was blessed to serve with at Saturday's race said about volunteering:
Volunteers are the heart of every race. They set the tone and feel of the race. I am always thankful for every volunteer at a race when I am participating. A smile, “good job” and cup of warm soup can uplift your spirits and mood. I love seeing people crush their race goals and find something in themselves they didn’t know they had. If you want to see a race from a new perspective I encourage you to volunteer. I promise it will be a rewarding experience. - Rachel Baker (in the red coat)
Over the past couple of years, I’ve discovered the true joy volunteering at races brings to my heart. It allows me the opportunity to give back to a community that has provided me so much over the years. When you volunteer, you see the big picture of a race. You see every runner that comes through your aid station or by your corner. You become a part of their journey! You see their struggle and their triumph! You get to watch new runners crush goals they never thought possible. I love helping runners when they hit their low points by providing that extra needed support. Whether it’s filling their hydration bottles and finding the right food at the aid station, or just giving them a word of encouragement (or sometimes a little tough love) to help them move forward when they didn’t think they could. Without volunteers there would be no races. Every runner, no matter what level they are, should take the time to volunteer at one or two races a year. It really does give you a different perspective. I guarantee it will make you a better runner and your heart will be a little happier at the end of the day. - Karen Olson (on the left pictured with me).
*On a side note, you can't help but be inspired by the runners out on a race course who come in all sizes, shapes and ages. Witnessing the tenacity it takes to cross the finish line and the smile on their faces when they do will have you saying, "I want to do that too!" See how this can help you check off those New Year's Resolutions??? And don't get me started on all the fun you'll have serving!
Thank you Karen Olson. I couldn't have said it better!! - Angie Beard (in the blue striped hat next to Rachel)
I love to volunteer for just about anything. But volunteering for running or cycling events is my favorite. The satisfaction I get when I see the smile of relief on an athlete’s face when I have what they need at an aide station is priceless. The appreciation for the assistance they receive, whether it be a cold towel, hot cocoa, calf massage, or just a chair to sit for a minute gives me a little skip in my step. My favorite memory was running an aide station at Trail of Four Winds with Lisa Geary and Jackson Stilgenbauer. It was very warm that year. A runner came in and I could tell he was in trouble. He took some water and wanted to go on, but I convinced him to sit a minute. He ate a little, I massaged his calf muscles a little and made him take in more fluids. He was doing better and I let him continue. After the race, he had his wife drive up close to our aide station so he could thank me. He told me I made all the difference in him to be able to finish his race. No lie, I may have shed a tear on that one! As all volunteers would probably say, do it once and you’ll be hooked. - Heidi Thomas
So there you have it friends. Are those some great reasons to volunteer or what? You'll not only be helping others reach their goals but helping yourself to reach your own as well. I'd say that's a definite win-win!! So if completing a race of any kind is on your list of 2024 resolutions, get out there and volunteer first!! It's a great first step to making it happen.
Happy Running!
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