Above: Our lululemon race volunteers and cheer squad keep the energy high!

Usually on race day, I'd get up early to eat a small breakfast, get dressed, and get stretched for the kilometres ahead. Yesterday, I woke up earlier than usual on race day, but with none of the same concerns that I would normally have as a runner. That's because yesterday I wasn't a spectator or a runner, but I was at a race for the first time as a volunteer.

Coffee in hand, I was excited to be part of the first ever Toronto Women's Half Marathon and 5K race, a highly anticipated event by runners of all levels. The organizers, volunteers and partners setting up generated a buzz like no other – it was like being backstage at your favourite concert!

Bag check was where I was at, securing participants' backpacks and jackets while they were on their run. With an ample supply of caffeine, we were hands down some of the most hyper bag checkers you'd ever meet. Our station wasn't as exciting as the post race chocolate station, but it was a great opportunity for me to support where needed and meet some incredible women.

A good handful of the 1,300 women that ran were first time half marathon runners. Ranging from age 18 to 75, it was inspiring to hear some of their journeys that had led them to this event. Many of the runners were drawn to this specific race solely because it was a supportive and friendly environment to be active with other women. I had never seen so many strangers congratulate and selflessly share running tips with each other.

The most inspiring moment? A young mother of two shaking my hand after I handed her bag back to her. It was her first half marathon since the birth of her second child, and she was grinning ear to ear. "See you next year! Thanks for your time and help!" she said as her kids dragged her away. All I had done was given her bag back, but for her, she was able to run and didn’t have to think about being responsible for anything but herself for two hours.

Seeing how all the little details mean so much to the big picture of a race was a phenomenal experience. The volunteering side was just as rewarding and fun as running the race. The next time you catch the running buzz, try supporting another runner through her journey by helping out at your community’s next race.

Above: Nine lululemon eductors from the Annapolis and Logan Circle stores wearing matching Bon Bon Pink Cool Racerbacks.

A good friend of mine once told me that for every three races you run, you should volunteer at one race. Without volunteers, many of these events would not be possible. Volunteers play a huge role - doing everything from handing out the water and race numbers to ensuring participant safety. In fact, volunteerism is a huge part of the run community. Many runners volunteer their free time for their run clubs, as coaches for run programs, and at various running events.

On a recent very early Sunday morning, nine lululemon educators, all in Bon Bon Pink Cool Racerbacks attended the Zooma Women's Half Marathon in Annapolis, Maryland. Four of the educators ran stellar races, while representing the lululemon athletica team. The other five educators volunteered at the race and were posted at the finish line. Two of the educatars handed out the finisher's medals, which at Zooma are lovely necklaces, while the other three educators poured Gatorade and cut orange slices for the race finishes. By pure luck, the educators had been assigned to volunteer with elite runner and lululemon ambassador Kristen Henehan, winner of the 2007 Marine Corp Marathon and 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials participant. Kristen's spirit of volunteerism and commitment to the sport was truly inspiring.

I was truly touched by how many race participants appreciated our presence and thanked us for volunteering. At the end of the day, both the runners and volunteers came out as winners and with a sense of satisfaction. On a personal note, even though I have volunteered at many events, and volunteer a great amount in the run community as a whole, my experience volunteering with a group of friends and colleagues has inspired me to promote a greater sense of volunteerism at races within my own run club and within my run network as a whole.

Happy Running!