A day in Lancaster County

Today I spent the day volunteering for the Garden Spot Marathon in New Holland, PA. I had originally planned to run the half marathon of this race. My winter training has been inconsistent and I was not ready to run a half marathon so I decided to volunteer for it instead.

I left the house at 5:30 and arrived at the race start at about 6:45. I went to the packet pick up and recieved my race big (which I obviously did not wear) and my race shirt. I'm not sure I'll wear that either since it feels a bit wrong to wear the shirt if I didn't run the race. Perhaps I can use it as a giveaway prize for my running group.

Next I went to the volunteer check in and recieved my volunteer tie-dye t shirt. I was assigned to Water Stop #6, the farthest point on the course between mile 13 and 14. I road the sag wagon to get out there. We stopped along the way to pick up stray clothes that will likely be donated somewhere. We arrived at the water stop just in time to see the lead runner pass be. (An hour into the race!)

My shift was 8-4. Around noon or so nieces and nephew and their mom and dad came by to say hi and do some cheering. Here is a picture of them and of all of us. The picture at the top of this post is of the morning shift Water Stop 6 volunteers (except me because I was taking the picture). After my volunteering was complete I went to Tom and Jill's house and had a really nice visit, a tour of their new house and dinner! Thanks guys! :)