27/100 - ultra surprises

Yesterday was a surprising, but great, day for me, in terms of being reminded why I love to hang around with ultrarunners. I've been getting loads of support on my own health and fitness journey, despite being nowhere near in the league of many of you guys reading, and it never fails to make me feel humbled and floored at the same time. For most of the runners I know, I offer my support - but it always feels a bit weird when that support is returned. Like, "huh? Me?"... but sometimes I'm forced to acknowledge that what I do warrants support just as much as those I know out there running 100 mile races, or things like that. Yesterday, I had no choice in the matter. The Scottish Ultra Marathon Series (SUMS) covers 17 races over the year, and at the end of the series this year, while preparing for their annual awards ceremony, they put out a request for people to vote for "Contribution of the Season", as part of the end of season survey. I didn't get along to the awards ceremony, so I never heard who won, until yesterday, finding out it was the incredibly well-deserved George Reid, who is an epic star of the Scottish ultra running scene (and a thoroughly nice bloke, too). So, then the quarterly newsletter got published, and I found out that I was recognised there as one of the other nominees for the award!!!! Me!!!!! *blushes* Then I read the explanation: "she seems to support every race!! For being a relentlessly enthusiastic marshal at nearly every event this year. Being a huge source of encouragement on loads of forums and FB."

Blown away. Absolutely thrilled to read that - my support at races is not done to get recognition, it's kinda the opposite - I'm there to recognise the awesomeness of everyone else out there putting themselves through the challenges that come with ultra running. But to see that someone put my name forward, I was absolutely ecstatic. Then I read it again, and started to laugh. Wanna take a guess how many of the SUMS races I marshaled at in this last season??? Go on.... Guess.... Out of 17, would you think 14? 11 maybe? How about 9? ....well, no. One. Just one; the Fling. I attended three other as a runner's support crew (WHW Race, Devil, and Glenmore) and attended two others as just a cheerful spectator (Glasgow to Edinburgh, and John Lucas). So, a little bit embarrassed, and a little bit amused, I clearly have one of those presences at these races that makes people think they've seen me loads - I do try to pop up a few times around courses when I can, haha!!! However, regardless of the numbers, it's been my absolute privilege to offer support, cheering and encouragement to everyone at all the events I've been at, and online via facebook for those I've not. I make the effort to get to know who people are, so I can cheer them by name if I can. It's the least I can do. And in this new SUMS year, I'll be definitely marshalling at more events - already lined up to be a volunteer at 3 races, and crewing at others, and there will be more to come. I feel part of the family, part of the big, disfunctional, insane family - and whatever small part I can play in helping inspirational people be amazing, I'll do it.

So, yesterday, still glowing inside after reading the newsletter, I got home early and found the mail had been delivered. Gerry, who I crewed for at Glenmore24, had joked a couple of weeks ago why didn't I have a Glenmore medal on my Christmas Tree - at least, I'd thought it was a joke. Until a Christmas card arrived in my flat, and when I opened it, his medal fell into my hands. Absolutely gobsmacked - I think I just stared at it for a minute or two. It's now on my tree. He really, really didn't have to do that - he's the one who earned that medal; for 24 hours I just poured the occasional mug of soup, passed him a jacket or head torch, and generally kept telling him how awesome he was. *shrugs* Not exactly tough. I guess, though, that I don't really think about how a runner sees the support crew, because I've never been in that position. In some races, it's a vital role, and one I do willingly. Being upbeat, supportive, and trying to preempt the needs of your runner, it's all part of the job, and one I continue to develop in. It definitely helps when you get to support a runner who is just downright amazing in the first place - they inspire and motivate me, and I want to help them be successful. Over the last few years, starting with Davie and Craig at Perth 50km, then going on to include John, Andy, Julie, Amanda, Dave, James and Gerry, I've crewed, or helped crew, for fantastic people and great runners, and I will continue to do so as long as they keep asking me, lol. Who knows, one day I might need one of them to crew for me... *laughs hysterically*

PS. Gerry also sent me some rude sweeties and cheeky stationery. You don't get photos of them, hehe!