Last Minute…Give Back Girls Head to the Fairfield Half Marathon.

Hello friendly readers! Don’t let the headline fool you, this Give Back Girl (Arlene that is), cannot run. Maybe run ragged or run to the store, maybe, but run as a physical movement, not anymore! I honestly have great respect for people with the athletic endurance to run these races. It’s impressive. Our time in Fairfield started with an email. Sometimes a give back opportunity happens last minute. On Friday I received an email from a representative from the Hole In The Wall Gang. She reached out to the Give Back Girls to see if anyone was available to volunteer last minute on Sunday. I sent out a text to our group; however, no one was available to meet me in Fairfield for this event. Now, this is the fun part. I remembered that I recently met a woman at the Shoreline trolley gala that was interested in doing some events with the Give Back Girls. The caveat is that she is from the Stamford area. I sent her a text and asked if she would be interested in meeting me in Fairfield for this event, her first volunteer opportunity. I was so excited when Carin responded back with “yes”!

The Fairfield road races have been happening since 1981 when the first road race had only 200 runners. These races are done to benefit charities including Ben’s lighthouse and the Hole In The Wall Gang. This year there were over 2000 runners! Ben’s lighthouse is an organization in memory of six-year-old Ben, whose young life was taken at Sandy Hook. Programs are offered to teach young children, empathy, self-awareness, and social connectedness. The Hole In The Wall Gang is a special camp that offers very sick children the chance to experience all the fun activities and social experiences of camp. The organization has programs that also brings camp to the children in places such as hospitals and homes.

Carin and I were so happy to help with this race that in turn benefits these wonderful charities. When I got to the address where the water station was to be set up, I called Carin to let her know how to find me. We were both unfamiliar with the area and had each other driving up to street signs trying to figure out where we were! Finally we met in a lot that could not be missed and walked to our post together. Phew!

The neighborhood where we were setting up the water station was sensational. Manicured lawns flanked homes that were full of character and charm. The neighbors were excited about the event and welcomed the use of their properties and water sources. Before long, we were hauling tables, carrying “trash” cans, and organizing supplies.

I had no idea the major production that goes into a water station! We had a group of volunteers, in addition to Carin and I, that prepared the area. Tubs were filled with plain water. “Trash cans” were lined with clean heavy duty bags and filled with water. The "trash cans" would hold an electrolyte replacement drink called UCAN. We mixed the UCAN powder into the water with a clean “broomstick” until it was thoroughly dissolved. This drink was so salty; it was not something you want to drink when expecting clear, refreshing water lol!

A fancy sprinkler system was set up for the runners to pass through to cool off their overheated body. A few children enjoyed this set-up before the race began. I didn't realize that I captured a rainbow in the picture below until I was putting together this blog!! To some of the runners, I'm sure the water was their "pot of gold".

The tables were prepared ahead of time with cups of water. I mean a lot of cups of water!! The volunteers that worked along side us dipped pitchers into the tubs of water and filled the cups. Then the cups were packed on the tables and layered using a big piece of plywood creating an architectural masterpiece! One that I did not want to be responsible for knocking over.

Who knew there is a method to handing water to the runners! This is probably based on trial and error, or perhaps proven in a grant-funded scientific analysis! The cup of water is held by the volunteer outstretched on an open palm. This way the runner can run by and grab the water. They either gulp it down, sip and spit, take one sip, or pour the water over their head. The cup is then thrown on the ground behind them toward the side of the road. Volunteers armed with rakes or broom quickly brush the cups out of the running path and scoop into the trash.

The first runners were really impressive. They were sprinting through the water station without any interest in slowing for a sip. Amazing running talent.

At one point runners ran by announcing that a medic was needed from where they just passed through. I imagined everything that could happen to a runner from getting a cramp, being bitten by a dog, or of course suffering a heart event. Being a nurse, I asked if I should respond. The leader, very casually said, "No, I got it." He made a call and a little while later, a medic cart headed in the direction of “runner-down”. I could not help but think with the time that had passed, “I hope CPR was not needed”. Another runner went down with a cramp in front of the water station. The other racers circumvented the injured sprinter and a couple of us volunteers checked on him and gave him water and U-can electrolytes. He was on his way in no time.

Carin and I had fun being part of this great running event in Fairfield. I asked Carin what she thought of her first volunteer event. “I had a great time and it was for a good cause . I love to give back so I am hoping to do more events when possible”, was her response. I look forward to volunteering with Carin again and can’t wait for the other Gove Back Girls to meet her!

Our next event is the Oyster Fest in Milford! August 17th, see you there.