Volunteer

Since it's been almost a year since I've joined the Old Man's Running Group, I haven't really volunteered for anything. 

They coordinate a few races per year, and one is today. 

Volunteering can take a few forms - pre race and race day. As I was planning on "walking" the 5k (this was my first ever race two years ago), I opted to work for four hours yesterday doing packet pick-up. 

This is where registered runners pick up their bib and would-be swag. There are two days (four hours each) where this can happen - and then again on race day. As I've picked up a number of bibs / swag in my "career", I've never been on the opposite side of table. 

It was what I expected. Rushes and lulls. Chill folks with a handful of Karens and Chads. And then the non-planners or don't give a fuck folks.

Mostly, I handed out the shirts. Easy enough.......you'd think. Until the 15 Large they had ran out and, oh - the rest must be out in the truck.  Lord.  As they are unisex shirts, it was the Karens that complained about not a stylish fit.  ......and could I see if they had others that were cut differently. 

They didn't take kindly to "no" - or "all the shirts are designed the same way, just in different sizes".  .....which, btw, they had to pick at time of registration. 

This would be a good time to mention that not only was the event sold out, but that swag had sold out before the event. So switching sizes could only happen after the race, IF there were any extras. You can imagine how that went over. 

Or the guy who asked if the National Anthem was being played before the race. If not, he was going to cancel. 

Seriously.  ....and went on to say how he'd never race if it was not played.  I'll just assume I know which way he voted a few weeks back. I'm surprised he didn't request to see signed permission slips from the male head of the household okaying women to be running. 

Then there was the woman who really wanted '69' as her bib number. And the guy who really wanted '420'.  69 was long gone before she got there. He got his '420'.  I dunno - if you're personality is all about being tagged to pot I just kind of feel sad for you. 

But we ended at 15:00. And packed up.  So people showing up at 15:20 and irked they couldn't get their shit amused me. They were old they could get it race day and hey were just livid. For weeks - through social medial, our website and individual emails to all registrants - had the hours of operation. 

Disappointment, I'd get. Apologetic, I'd understand. Entitlement?  I have zero empathy.  Though that is true most of the time these days.  

All said, I liked giving back and being in the running community in this aspect. It's really made me not want to be a race coordinator.  g-d love 'em, but no. 

Let's see how today goes. 

Song by: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit