The common phrase “learning by doing” describes how most of us learn and grow the best – by trying things ourselves and practicing them over and over. But sometimes, we also learn by not doing something. By simply observing others. That’s exactly what happened on Sunday when I volunteered at the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon, a race I’ve competed in twice.

It was my first time ever being a race day volunteer (I know,*gasp!*). For once, I wouldn’t be running (or swimming or biking). For once, it wouldn’t be about me. I would be handing out water and Gatorade and cheering on other athletes. I knew it would be a fun morning, but I didn’t realize how inspiring it would be or how many important lessons it would remind me of.

Here is what I learned on Sunday from being on the sidelines and supporting other athletes:

• Personal victory comes to anyone who puts forth the effort. One of the things I love most about the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon is that it attracts a large percentage of first-time triathletes. Women of all shapes, sizes and speeds were out on the course. Women with fancy tri bikes and women with mountain bikes and hybrid cruisers. Women with tri kits and women with T-shirts and shorts. Women who were fast and women who were very slow. The diversity of the sport is what makes it so great, and the pride I saw from the women who were doing a triathlon for the first time – whether they were first or last – was so inspiring. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go. We can all be proud when we cross that finish line knowing we put forth the hard work and effort to get us there.

• Spectating matters. I’ve talked a lot about the power of spectating (here and here and here), but volunteering at the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon reminded me of this once again. The aid station I was volunteering at was at the top of a very steep and long hill the women had to climb both on the bike and the run. They were all struggling at the top, and seeing our group of volunteers smiling, cheering and wearing pink wigs and sparkly skirts made them smile. Countless women thanked us and many felt a boost of energy from the words of encouragement and cheers of support. Being out there supporting other athletes is important. It matters. And we all need to do it to give back to those who spectate for us.

• Respect the last athletes to finish. As the minutes and hours ticked off, we started to see fewer and fewer athletes on the course. People who had already finished were walking back to their cars, and we were ready to start packing up our aid station. But there was still one more runner on the course. When we finally saw her, we mounted a huge cheering effort and encouraged her to the finish. Two volunteers ran the rest of the way (last mile) with her. After we packed up our station, we walked to the finish line and got to see her cross. She was bursting with pride. Sure, she may have been 30 minutes behind the next slowest athlete, but she was a TRIATHLETE! She finished her first triathlon. I had tears in my eyes as I watched her cross that finish line with her arms raised in the air. That is why we do this. That is what matters. Everyone is out there trying to find the best version of themselves. What is better than that? I encourage you to stay and cheer on slower athletes after you finish a race. They deserve to have the same experience and same spectator experience that you had earlier on in the race.

• You can meet new friends. Last but not least, I loved meeting new friends through volunteering on Sunday. Our volunteer crew had a blast, and we were exchanging Twitter handles and Instagram names nearly the minute we started working together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and maybe even new training partners.

You can check out these other recaps from my fellow volunteers who were with me on Sunday at the Acworth Women’s Sprint Triathlon:
There’s a First Time for Everything from the Building Block Blog
Tips to Be a Great Race Volunteer from Faux Runner

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Have you volunteered at a race? What was your experience like? What was your favorite part? If not, what do you appreciate most from race day volunteers?