Give Back to Running

All of the races I run need the help and support of many volunteers to make it possible.  My family also participates in the giving back to the running community, despite the fact they don't even run.  A long while back I was running a race called Johnny's Runnin' of the Green.  Somehow my mom started talking to someone important about the water buffalo (this giant water tank on wheels) that she had seen at our big championship cross country and track championships in high school.  One thing lead to another and my mom was put in charge of organizing the water stop for the race.  I believe she's been in charge of this for about 10 years now.

 This year it was extremely cold (ice forming in the glasses cold).  My mom was super prepared for all of the volunteers, as usual.  She had festive items for us to wear (hello XL stuff to wear over jackets).  We were all cracking up at her since she had hand warmers in her hoodie pouch to get started for us and forgot to pull her t-shirt back down.  We told her she looked like the old men with their bellies hanging out except she had a Shrek belly.  She loves to make us all laugh.

Here is the crew she got together for this year with our slush water ready to hand out.  We also had another table set up down the road a little further.  Throughout the race we filled more cups.  Thanks to the Monroe County Water Authority for bringing their water buffalo to the event and helping out all of those crazy runners... they appreciate it (I know).  Thanks to all our family and friends that help out with the event each year.