It’s true what they say: spectating may be even more fun than running the race itself!
Well, that also depends on what lovely ladies (and one gentleman) you are cheering with and that the gal you’re cheering for is all around awesome. This is the spectator report for Aron’s American River 50 miler race.
First and foremost, thank you to Aron for picking a race that was only an hour away from home, had a ton of aid stations that we could see you at and for being the easiest racer ever to take care of. Team Aron (Kristin, Jojo, Sima, Chris and myself) would arrive at each of the aid stations anxiously awaiting your arrival and annoying bystanders with our incessant screams.
If you don’t get my sign, we can’t be friends.
The great thing about this race was that each time we saw Aron, she would stop, we’d ask her what she needed, we’d dip into her box-o-tricks, chat for a bit and then she’d be on her merry way. As a crew, we actually felt useful instead of just watching someone speed past us.
I’m not going to talk about Aron’s race in detail (you can check out her blog for that), but what I will tell you is that I don’t get this girl. How on earth is it possible that she ran 50 miles and at each aid station she had a ridiculous smile on her face and barely a bead of sweat?! I’m not exaggerating but she literally looked like she was out on a casual jaunt. 50 miles? No big deal. She is seriously incredible and because she is so awesome, I’m posting this awesome expression:
Favorite face ever.
As official crew photographer, it was my job to capture more photos than necessary and I love this one of Jojo pacing Aron on a 13 mile stretch. They look like running BFFs with their matching backpacks.
There is no job too small for Team Aron!
While Jojo and Chris were pacing, it was important that the rest of the crew was in tip-top shape for our crewing duties. To stay in such optimal shape, it was important that we had a fueling strategy too. The good news is that our fueling plan worked and it didn’t involve any ClifBlock or Gu, just blue moon and fishies.
More good news: this crew is for hire! Payment options include beer, champagne and pizza.
TEAM ARON!
To say watching Aron come down the final stretch was exciting would be an understatement. We were all so incredibly happy for her — it was actually pretty emotional. We all knew how hard she worked for this and to see it actually happen was confirmation that anything really is possible.
Congrats, Aron! Now let’s go get In-N-Out!
Look closely, you can actually see the cork flying….
Congratulations to Aron and everyone who ran AR50! Happy Running!
Fantastic report! You guys were an amazing crew. I loved all the update tweets & pics along the way – made me feel like I was there myself. Gooooo Team Aron!
That is ridiculously impressive. How awesome! Now, onto a couple of questions of my own:
1. What did you name your bike?
2. Where did you get those fabulous cat-eye sunglasses?
3. How could you NOT get “May the odds be ever in your favor”?
Happy Monday!
You guys were seriously amazing and were SUCH a big part of why this day was the BEST DAY EVER. Knowing I was going to see you every few miles was the best motivation. I don’t have enough thank yous <3
“Like!”
Glad to hear you guys are for hire. I’ll send you my 2012 and 2013 race schedules ASAP.
I love this post! I’m with you- spectating can be more fun than running the race itself!
And– I love your sign! haha Oh, Hunger Games! Perfect.
You guys are awesome as a race crew. I might have to hire you guys!
Very cool! I’ve only been a race spectator once and it really is fun.
Looks like you guys were a great crew! I for sure would have been teary at the finish!
I’m thinking I’ll give up running and just start crewing on weekends, I’m sure plenty of people need our help. You in? 🙂
Don’t you know we all just take turns!? 🙂 I have my work cut out for me the next 2 weeks to fill some big shoes!
Can I hire you to cheer for all my races? Thanks.