Anyone who ever races - be it a tri, 5k, bike ride, whatever - I believe you should return the favor and volunteer at an event. Volunteering gives you a much different perspective as an athlete on what goes on while you're prepping for your race and thinking about only yourself.
I'm a swim coordinator for a local tri group here in Dallas and help put on two of their big races each year. Today was the last day of a two-day event where we held nearly 10 different races. Putting on a race is stressful, and racing itself is stressful. But by putting on a race, I know what it takes to get it right for the racers, yet the crap you get from the athletes is unreal no matter how good you get it together for them. Hello, I'm a triathlete too. I've probably done just as many races, and as many big races (hello, Ironman), than you, yet you give me attitude like you are coming out in first place every race. Come on. We both know you don't, and we both know you only care about yourself, but what's with the attitude man?
Not only do you get yelled at for being a volunteer and making sure everything and everyone is running smoothly, but the last struggling athletes get no respect either. People who have been finished for an hour or two can't wait another measley 30 minutes to get their bike out of transition while we wait for the last few bikers come in. Why don't you pushy people put yourself in their shoes - why don't you see what it's like to be the last biker to come in to transition and see all the bikes are gone only because everyone else has left? Where's the camaraderie and tri spirit?
I say lighten up and hold your horses. Enjoy the post race party. And if you don't have anyone to hang out, why not make a few friends who enjoy doing the same thing as you?
And don't forget to thank your volunteers. They've been out there a lot longer than you and busted their butt just to get the thing in place for you.
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