How to be a Good Spectator

Although there were no Quinte representatives competing this year at Ironman Lake Placid held on July 27th, there were a number of us volunteering and watching. As I stood in awe of the 1800 plus athletes braving the rain and the hills, and the hills in the rain, I was also aware of those standing on the sidelines spectating. What does it take to be a good spectator? One might think that it is easy, shout a few well meaning words and clap until your hands are raw and sore. Having been on both sides, it is not quite as easy as that. What do you say that sounds supportive and helpful without sounding silly and annoying? ?Looking good? usually draws chuckles and sometimes down right laughter from participants whom know that they are far from ?looking good?. Maybe they look focused or relaxed or maybe occasionally fresh, but good, no. ?The finish is just around the corner? is a definite no, no. I have personally wanted to make the professor of that nugget run the distance of ?just around the corner? so they would realize that no matter how far or close the finish truly is, it is NEVER ?just around the corner?. So what should you say? ?Way to go, good race, you?re my hero, you inspire me?, they all work! Whistles, cow bells, horns, anything that makes noise and is sure to annoy anyone standing next to you for any length of time will save your hands but provide the needed inspiration for anyone moving past. Don?t get me wrong; racers do like to hear your words of encouragement and cheers. It is what keeps them going or picks them up at a down moment. Some people will even pick their races based on the crowds that come to watch and cheer. Regardless of the distance, a racer has a goal from win to finish and likes, maybe needs to be appreciated, not just for the moment but also as recognition of hours, days, months of training and preparation.
To be a good spectator there are things to consider other than what to say. Racers are on a time schedule; the race starts whether they are at the starting line or the port-a-john line. Please be considerate and wait until the gun goes before taking that precious spot in line. At any race there has to be a way to get from this side of the racecourse to the other side, and there are usually designated ?cross spots?. Follow the instructions of the volunteer in charge and only cross when told to. Although you may have been waiting and standing and cheering for longer than a family member has been racing, the food provided at the end of the race is for the racers. It is very hard on the racers at the back of the pack to come in to an empty food table. Finally, when the race is over, congratulate anyone you pass that has raced, it not only makes it all seem worthwhile, but it makes their day.