Balboa 4-Miler from a Volunteer’s Perspective
Waking in the wee hours on weekends is never a problem for me; working is. I had to be at Balboa Park with friend and fellow volunteer Louise R. by 6:15 today and that’s early -- even for me. But it was worth it to help the San Diego Track Club put on its annual Balboa 4-Miler cross-country race.
First, I helped cut up oranges for 30 minutes and didn’t complain once about the citric acid stinging in my finger cut. Thumbs up for me! Next, I helped align cones that had to be realigned and spent so much time marking chalk arrows and asking some stranger on a park bench to help keep racers honest that I had to run to my own post after suddenly seeing hordes of mostly high schoolers come into my peripheral vision. The race, which was dedicated to our fallen comrade Ursula R., had started while I yakked.
This was my first time as a course marshal. I’ve done water stops, registration and finish lines. Because the four-mile course is mainly off the roads, plenty of people are needed to keep runners heading in the right direction. We have cones and markings on sidewalks, grass, mulch and asphalt, but this race requires direction-giving at just about every twist and turn. My post was close to 6th Avenue and frequented by casual joggers and walkers, and I ended up with unexpected company. First, there was a nice man with a thick Spanish accent who wanted the rundown while he took long sips on his Starbuck’s and quick drags on his cigarette. The latter was not welcomed, but as soon as the crowds thinned, he took off. A few moments later, a woman carting around a Chihuahua in her wheeled crate appeared ready to cheer. But instead, she shouted things like, “Better save your money to pay for those hip and knee replacements!” Neither I, nor those within earshot, knew what to make of the statements given they were delivered in such an upbeat tone. But one look at her dulled eyes and frown, and there was no mistaking her intent. Fortunately, she and the pooch, who displayed better manners and kept his mouth shut, were gone soon enough and I could resume my solo clapping, encouraging and directing for another 10 or so minutes.
The morning ended on a delish note. Louise and I met up with Cindy E. for brunch at a nearby restaurant called Hob Nob Hill. Cindy is the driving force behind all those wonderful running maps you find via the SDTC Web site. She’s a huge contributor to our club. Great conversation was had by all. I maybe monopolized the talk a little. It’s hard to hold back when you haven’t seen people for a long time and so much has passed in just one summer. Plus, I admit I was jacked up on caffeine and sugar.
All in all, a great way to start the long holiday weekend. I feel the lethargy that had gripped me this week weakening its hold.
First, I helped cut up oranges for 30 minutes and didn’t complain once about the citric acid stinging in my finger cut. Thumbs up for me! Next, I helped align cones that had to be realigned and spent so much time marking chalk arrows and asking some stranger on a park bench to help keep racers honest that I had to run to my own post after suddenly seeing hordes of mostly high schoolers come into my peripheral vision. The race, which was dedicated to our fallen comrade Ursula R., had started while I yakked.
This was my first time as a course marshal. I’ve done water stops, registration and finish lines. Because the four-mile course is mainly off the roads, plenty of people are needed to keep runners heading in the right direction. We have cones and markings on sidewalks, grass, mulch and asphalt, but this race requires direction-giving at just about every twist and turn. My post was close to 6th Avenue and frequented by casual joggers and walkers, and I ended up with unexpected company. First, there was a nice man with a thick Spanish accent who wanted the rundown while he took long sips on his Starbuck’s and quick drags on his cigarette. The latter was not welcomed, but as soon as the crowds thinned, he took off. A few moments later, a woman carting around a Chihuahua in her wheeled crate appeared ready to cheer. But instead, she shouted things like, “Better save your money to pay for those hip and knee replacements!” Neither I, nor those within earshot, knew what to make of the statements given they were delivered in such an upbeat tone. But one look at her dulled eyes and frown, and there was no mistaking her intent. Fortunately, she and the pooch, who displayed better manners and kept his mouth shut, were gone soon enough and I could resume my solo clapping, encouraging and directing for another 10 or so minutes.
The morning ended on a delish note. Louise and I met up with Cindy E. for brunch at a nearby restaurant called Hob Nob Hill. Cindy is the driving force behind all those wonderful running maps you find via the SDTC Web site. She’s a huge contributor to our club. Great conversation was had by all. I maybe monopolized the talk a little. It’s hard to hold back when you haven’t seen people for a long time and so much has passed in just one summer. Plus, I admit I was jacked up on caffeine and sugar.
All in all, a great way to start the long holiday weekend. I feel the lethargy that had gripped me this week weakening its hold.
