January 30, 2025 • 28 mins
Welcome back to Extraordinary Strides, where we celebrate the ordinary runners who achieve truly extraordinary things! I’m your host, Coach Christine, and today we’re diving into a topic that holds a special place in my heart: the magic of race-day spectating. 💜✨
As Kathrine Switzer once said:
“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.”
It’s true—whether it’s a local 5K, the World Marathon Majors, or the pixie-dusted magic of runDisney, spectators are the unsung heroes who fuel every runner’s journey. 🏁
Joining me today is Lynn Kinney, an extraordinary cheer captain and veteran spectator who brings her high-energy support to local races and runDisney events. Together, we’ll break down the essential tips for making spectating as thrilling as running, including:
✅ Pre-race prep: Planning your route, packing your essentials, and coordinating with your runner
✅ Race-day energy: Where to stand, how to cheer effectively, and how to motivate EVERY runner you see
✅ Navigating crowds without losing the magic
✅ Post-race celebrations and supporting your runner when it matters most
✨ BONUS: Ready to cheer like a pro? 🎉 Download my free Spectator Kit—featuring a race-day checklist and printable motivational sign templates—here: Download Kit
💡 Episode Highlights:
- The Power of Spectating: Why marathons inspire both runners and spectators alike.
- Lynn Kinney’s Spectator Secrets: Creative signs, cheer strategy, and finding the perfect spectating spot.
- Golden Rules of Spectating: Respecting the course, motivating runners, and adding positive energy.
- Don’t Be THAT Spectator: Avoid common mistakes like blocking the course or offering unsolicited advice.
- Make Memories: Tips for snapping photos, cheering strategically, and staying comfortable during long races.
Whether you’re new to race spectating or a veteran with a cowbell collection, this episode will show you how to add sparkle, magic, and extraordinary energy to any event. 🏃♀️✨
🔔 Connect with Me:
- Follow & Subscribe: Don’t miss out on upcoming episodes of Extraordinary Strides!
- Share the Love: Know a friend who’s cheering at an upcoming race? Send them this episode!
- Join the Community: For more tips, motivation, and free downloads, visit ExtraordinaryStrides.com.
🎉 Let’s make every cheer count and fuel every step toward the finish line. Until next time, keep striding and keep shining! 🌟
Have questions or want to chat? Send me a text!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Hello, extraordinary Striders.
Welcome back to another episodeof Extraordinary Strides, a
podcast where we celebrateordinary runners doing truly
extraordinary things.
I'm your host, coach Christine,and today we're going to dive
into one of my favorite parts ofany race day experience.
I'm going to say this trulysets it apart from any specific
kind of training run.
It is the magic of spectatorsand, in the infamous words of
(00:24):
Catherine Switzer, if you'relosing faith in human nature, go
out and watch a marathon.
But I'm here to tell you howtrue this is of any distance,
whether it's a hometown 5K, theiconic World Marathon, majors or
the pixie-dusted excitement ofa run Disney event.
Race spectators bring the energythat fuels every runner's
stride.
And, my friends, I couldn'tspeak of energy if I didn't
(00:44):
bring on in with me the ultimatecheer captain who is going to
join us today, lynn Kenny.
Lynn is a Mod Squad member anda veteran cheerleader for local
races, including Run Disney, soshe's here to share her top tips
for cheering at every type ofrace, from grabbing the perfect
spectating spot to craftingsigns that will bring smiles and
motivation to every runnerpassing by.
So let's grab those cowbells,folks, because we're going to
(01:07):
sprinkle some sparkle on raceday and make spectating as
extraordinary as running.
Let's get this started andwelcome Lynn.
Good morning, oh wait.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Sorry.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
She has her cowbell ready at the ready here to like
cheer us all on.
And I will tell you, lynn trulyis an absolute pro when it
comes to spectating and alwaysfigures out how to bring an
extra smile on all of our facesif we are running the race.
I've also had the privilege ofspectating with her, so we're
going to bring her on in Lynn.
You helped us so much duringthe Run Disney races past
(01:41):
weekend and of course there'sbeen OUC and I could name them
all.
But it's just, you definitelyhave a special flair for
spectating.
Is there something that youfeel it draws you to cheering
and spectating specifically?
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Um, for me it's um, you know, if it's not on my race
goals, it's, it's.
It's just a way to stayinvolved, even if, say, you're
on that dreaded I word andyou're on a.
You know you can't run rightnow, but it's such a great way
to encourage other people andthen it's just, it's a lot of
(02:18):
fun.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
So I feel like it also allows you to have a little
of the extra flair of costumingthat you like to bring to the
party A little bit I have beenaccused of.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Actually, are you running the race?
No, I'm spectating.
But yeah, this one wasn't thebest example of that.
It was a little too chilly forthe super themed cheering
costumes, but I do my best.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Well, I want to talk a little bit about that as well.
So I think one of the firstthings that comes to mind is
that it can be reallyoverwhelming for spectators,
because while us runners havebeen studying the race course
map probably for as long aspossible, I think spectators,
while they support us and wantto cheer us on, really aren't
usually as aware.
(03:03):
Maybe it's our significantothers or parents or kids.
So how would you suggest thatfolks get kind of acclimated to
getting started with spectatingor cheering?
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Well, I think some of it is, like you said, knowing
the course.
Most races actually have aspectator guide, so it tells you
the best places to spectate.
The only downside with that isat a larger race everybody knows
where those places are.
So if you can find some insiderinformation on some places that
(03:36):
aren't quite as packed traveled, that are a little easier to
get into, it's a little easierto see your runner.
So that and I don't know, Imean OUC, we did a good job with
that.
We went around to differentplaces Ren, disney there's only
really specific spots you cancheer and they do tend to get a
little packed.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Before we get into like the actual tips and guides
for folks, I do want to knowright out of the gate the first
thing that comes to mind thatpeople ask about with run
disease do you have to have apark ticket to spectate in magic
kingdom or animal kingdom orEpcot?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
So magic kingdom you do not, because they go through
the park before the park is open, so you can spectate on main
street without a park ticket.
However, the other parks,whether it's animal kingdom,
hollywood, hollywood studios,would be difficult because
they're not in there very long.
But, um, in animal kingdom andin epcot you do have to have a
(04:33):
park ticket okay, good to know.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
so that might lend to why magic kingdom gets so busy,
packed as well.
Okay, so what I'm hearing yousay is that, right out of the
gate, what the likely thespectator needs to do is sit
down and get their planninggoing Correct.
Okay, so what they need tostudy the course map a little
bit, maybe try to find thatspectator guide.
If it's out, is that a goodtime for them to start
(04:59):
downloading the tracking appalso so they can get there?
And then, what are some if, inyour personal experience, what
would you say are make for agood spot to spectate that I
guess could be used across theboard?
And then, if you want to giveyour specifics to, maybe a run
Disney race.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Well, I think it really depends on your goal for
the race with the spectating.
If it's just general spectatingand encouraging everybody um it
.
You know it's not a specific,but usually we're there to cheer
our runners.
You know people, we know Um,and you're right, you set up the
tracking Um, you don't have totrack every specific runner
(05:40):
because sometimes they do getbogged down.
Like I think at run Disney Iwas tracking about 12 people, uh
, so it gets a little boggeddown that way.
But, like, if you know peopleare running together, you just
need one of the two.
Like, if, if there's groups umof people, then you just get one
in the group.
It helps with you know yourbattery and you're being able to
(06:02):
keep track of where they are.
So that's what I one of thethings I usually do.
So I like that part.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
So I think one of the things that I can think of as
well that you do is that becauseyou do spectate for here the
local races and you have such alarge friend group for a lot of
people, you want to go out thereand cheer them on.
I feel like you make a very bigpublic announcement of where
you're going to be Correct andso that people can look for you
and be on the lookout.
So I think that's reallyimportant is the coordinating
with the runner.
How do you stand out from theother throngs of spectators?
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Well, for me, like this time, I did it a little
different.
I actually posted the signs Iwas going to have and what I'm
wearing.
Just like we do the flat runner, I do the flat spectator, so
people know what I'm going to bewearing.
And again, this one wasn't asgreat because of the coldness
and multiple layers, and it was,you know.
So I did have our extraordinaryleague hat on, so I know, I saw
(07:02):
it in your great signdefinitely stood out.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
So basically doing some prep, then letting folks
know where, exactly where youare speaking.
Coordinate If you're looking atspectating for just one person,
it's likely a little easier tostay in communication with that
one individual, correct.
But still it is kind ofimportant to plan on these pre
agreed spots because it ispossible the tracking app may be
(07:25):
a little bit delayed, it'spossible that your cell phones
aren't going to work as well orthe signals will be a little
crossed.
So having this pre-planned andcoordinated as best as possible.
I want to talk about essentials, because you've already touched
on the fact that it was verychilly.
I'm not kidding you guys.
We even had northerners tell usthat it was chilly.
So it's not just us Floridacold, it was really actually
(07:46):
cold.
So for the wide range ofrunning we have to be prepared
for all these different possibleaspects of wearing things.
What are your essentials forrace spectating that we should
keep in mind in terms of gear,clothing or things to pack along
for you?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
gear, clothing or things to pack along for you.
Well, I usually bring like asling backpack so I can have all
of my things and have my handsfree.
That's very important, but thenyou can still have your things
with you that are essential.
You know, this time, obviously,I had hot hands.
I had gloves, had layers, andthen when I didn't need those
layers, then I had the backpackhad layers and then when I
didn't need those layers, then Ihad the backpack.
(08:28):
Also gave me a place to put mysigns, so the ones I wasn't
using I could keep in mybackpack.
Because I used smaller signsthis year it worked much better.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
And I feel like we also have to take into account
that the spectators are outthere as long as the runner is,
which can be a course ofspecifically for these longer
races, like halves and fulls.
You're out there for four orfive, six plus hours.
How are you staying hydratedand fed during that time?
That's true.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
I actually do it like I'm doing a race.
So, like I had my overnightoats on my way driving over, I
had my banana and my othersnacks.
So you're right, you have tohave snacks.
You have to also look, becauseyou're a spectator and you're
not running.
You do have access, like atDisney, for example, there's
Joffreys, but you have to knowwhen they open.
They are open at the beginningof the race, but they do open
(09:17):
eventually, so you can grab that.
I think at OUC we stopped in ata Starbucks between one place
and another.
We did, yeah, so just knowingwhat's around where you can pick
up some extra hydration orsnacks, but kind of coming
prepared with that as far aswater and the basic snacks, and
(09:38):
then you know.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
So what I'm hearing preparation is literally key,
Like a lot of this to be a goodspectator.
Most of it comes into kind ofjust like the race.
I would say 90% of what we dofor our training is actually
what really will serve us onrace day.
Same with spectating.
It's all this before work.
So let's say you had yourovernight oats, you've driven in
to spectate, what's next foryou?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Well then it depends on if you're spectating alone or
with other people.
Obviously you meet up.
You have a meetup spot, justlike you know, again very
similar to the running.
So you have your meetup spot.
You know, run Disney.
It's frequently in front of themonorail because you're about
to help on that thing and getover to Magic Kingdom.
So so you kind of have a, youhave a meetup spot for getting
(10:28):
over.
If you're meeting up withpeople you don't know very well,
you send pictures of each other.
This is what I'm wearing, thisis what I look like.
So it's a little easier to findnew people if you're meeting
them for the first time to helpspectate.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
And the reason why we say that is because Lynn does
help to.
Kind of she becomes the guidefor significant others or
spouses or family members thataren't maybe as familiar with
Run Disney.
But I will say that if you'retraveling with friends that are
going to be running and theyhave family that are coming out
and supporting, connect them assoon as you possibly can.
There is something about havingthose numbers to support each
other while you're spectating,and also you create a much
(11:03):
bigger energy vibe when there'smore than one person that's out
there.
So I love that you do that,lynn.
We cannot express ourappreciation sufficiently for
that.
But so you arrive early, youmake sure that you're visible,
you get with all of the othercrowd.
I want to talk about somethingthat I heard a little bit past
after Boston, and then we hearda lot about Rent Disney as well,
(11:24):
where spectators potentiallyinterfered with the ability of
some of the other runners to dowhat they needed to do on the
course because they were soexcited to see their runners so
they would run out into thecourse or whatever the case may
be.
And then I heard a lot at RentDisney that there were folks
that were really excited to seetheir runner and maybe holding
(11:45):
their space of where they werecheering a little too
possessively.
So how do you get aroundnavigating those?
I guess common faux pasActually.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
I mean, we go to TTC, which is a very busy, busy spot
.
I did not see that.
What I saw is there were peopleguarding their spot, but they
would say, hey, if your runner'scoming, let us know, and they
would move and let the personwhose runner was coming right
then up to the front of therailing and cheer their runner,
(12:18):
and then they would leave.
And so it's kind of you workyour way up, but everybody was
very nice about oh your runner'scoming here, come right up here
.
So that's what I saw.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Okay.
So what I'm hearing say LynnI've also seen you in action is
that it's be vocal with thepeople that are cheering as well
, in terms of expressing thatyou respect their space, you
respect what they're out thereto do, that you want to cheer
whoever they're cheering for aswell.
I've actually seen you do that,where you're like, hey, who are
you cheering for?
So we can cheer for them whenthey come up, and then let them
know how excited you are tocheer for your folks, so again
(12:50):
it becomes part of the community, versus trying to be
territorial about onlyspectating for your course or
your racer.
Now there are some individualsthat really rely on their
spectators to help provide themwith hydration or maybe
on-course fueling that they need, or extra layers, or to take
some of their layers.
How would you suggest tonavigate those aspects of it?
Speaker 2 (13:11):
Well, it's back to the research of knowing your
course, the TTC, or thetransportation and ticket center
sorry, it's about at thehalfway point, basically, of
that of the marathon.
So it is a place a lot ofpeople do like to grab a few
things, and everybody that didneed to do that seemed to be
able to do that.
So again, it was just thatcommunicating If it's crowded,
(13:35):
say hey, I need to get my runnerthis stuff, and they're coming
around the corner, and everybodywas pretty cooperative with
that.
So I didn't see a problem there.
You just have to know.
But it is a good spot for thatbecause of it being the halfway
point.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
So I love to hear that again.
I feel that more often than not, it's just a little bit of
common courtesy andcommunication which goes a long
way.
So, as long as you're beingvery respectful of your fellow
spectators and your coursemembers, it should all work out
very well and it should feelabsolutely magical, both
spectating and for your runners.
(14:10):
So we are hearing how to bethere, how to be mindful.
Now, how do we make some noise?
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Well, there's several ways.
Obviously, you heard my little.
You know the cowbells, thenoisemakers, all of that.
Those can actually be quite anarm workout if you haven't
practiced.
Because you're holding your armup, holding the signs up, you
know you're kind of sometimeshaving to hold them up high to
(14:39):
be able to have people see themaround the crowd and whatnot.
So, but as far as the noisepiece um and I w, I was telling
somebody the other day if youyell in your full voice, you
will not make it for a marathonlevel of spectating, it will.
It tears up your voice.
(14:59):
So one of the things that doeshelp and I don't know I learned
this a few years ago if youscream in a higher register then
it's not as taxing on yourvoice.
It's like your falsetto voice.
For those who are singers,using that part of your voice
isn't as harsh and you canscream a lot longer without
completely losing your voice.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
And then for all of us, like myself, who have no
musical abilities whatsoever andaren't sure what you're
speaking of, would you care todemonstrate and if so, I'm going
to let everybody know that,because she is going to be
cheering you on quite literallythat you may want to reduce the
noise on your AirPods or yourearbuds?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Okay, so full voice yell would be like you've got
this, go, go, go it was likethat, that's what I do Right.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
And that's what I lose my voice every single time,
exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
So falsetto would be like kind of like that.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
I didn't hear it.
You didn't hear me go what?
No, it must register so highthat I honestly can't hear it.
Oh wow, that's funny.
At least not through here.
That's interesting.
Try it one more time.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
It doesn't even come through, See.
That's why it saves your voice.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
That's wild, oh my gosh.
We're going to have to see ifwe can get that on social media
and maybe connect it there.
That's wild, okay, that issuper funny.
A much higher register insteadof the full voice will save you
from having that throat ache,from losing your voice the whole
next day.
Love to hear that it probablyalso travels over the voices of
(16:39):
the other individuals, so it canbe heard a little easier.
What do you say to your runner?
Do you say, keep going.
You're looking strong.
Do you say, oh, my goodnessgracious, it looks like you just
ran half a marathon.
You look exhausted.
What do you say?
Speaker 2 (16:55):
I actually well at Run Disney races.
I like commenting based on thetheme.
So if I see a Captain Americago by, I'll say you can do this
all day long, okay, so that kindof thing.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
So we want to go.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
So I go thematically, you know, or fly, tinkerbell
fly, or whatever oh, I love thatkind of whatever.
And and then if it's a generic,just a regular race.
That's not that way.
I'll do usually the you knowyou're, you know you've got this
, you know you're looking strong.
Um, I think at ouc I had aroadrunner sign yeah, and I had
(17:36):
meet, meet, so when people wouldgo by, they would go Meep, meep
, and so I Meep Meep'd everybody.
So it just sometimes depends onthe sign.
Sometimes it depends on whatthe runners are dressed like.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
So I love that.
Everything you've heard her sayso far is very encouraging.
It's very cheerful andsupportive.
It's also laced with a littlebit of humor, so it puts a smile
on the person's face.
What I would caution you fromsaying is anything that actually
sounds like you are trying totell them how to run their race,
specifically in those lattermiles where maybe they're taking
(18:08):
more strategic walk breaks.
That telling them at that pointthey should run harder or that
they need to get back to runningmay not feel quite as
encouraging, depending on theindividual.
So just be mindful of how youapproach that.
I love how everything you said,lynn, was much more generalized
encouragement, and I'm curioushow do you feel about when
(18:28):
people tell you to run, whenyou're using run-walk strategy?
Speaker 2 (18:36):
That one doesn't annoy me too much.
Um, it's the, you're almostthere.
One is the one that that revs.
It's just like I am not.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
I'm not almost there when is it okay for you to feel
like you're almost there?
Speaker 2 (18:52):
come into play if the people, if I can see the finish
line, okay, then you can sayyou're almost there.
You're almost there, thoughpeople at that last now I don't
mind at the last water stop,like at whatever mile 25, the
last water stop.
You know that's okay.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
But not Okay.
So being very accurate withwhat you're actually
specifically saying.
So maybe letting people knowthis is the last time you're
going to see a PhotoPassphotographer in this section, or
there's a PhotoPassphotographer coming up and again
, for folks that aren't aware,PhotoPass photographers are the
on-course race photo capturingmagic individuals that we always
(19:33):
appreciate.
Or, if it's a general course,if you know that there's a race
photographer ahead, lettingpeople know about that is
appreciated, but not necessarilyletting them think that the
finish line is within theirreach, even though they still
have a 5k, 10k or even a fullother half to go.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Right, right right.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
How about?
One of the things that I thinkyou do that's really incredible,
too, is that you take some ofthe best photos and videos, like
to this day.
I think I can think of severalleague members where the
favorite photo was them seeingyou, the smile they had on their
face and you being able tocapture it.
How do you do that, like?
What advice would you give tofolks that are taking photos
(20:13):
while they're cheering?
Speaker 2 (20:14):
Well, one is that I did not follow this time.
I need to get some tech gloves,because it was really difficult
with the gloves and my glovesare not tech gloves, so it's
like I missed.
I wasn't as good with thephotos this time as I usually am
, so that's so be mindful ofwhat level of glove that you
need to be able to have thecamera, because, like you said,
(20:36):
the tracking isn't always reallyaccurate and you don't want to
just stand there with your phoneout all the time, so you have
to be able to react quickly andget that quick photo.
Your good photo on this lastrace, though it helped.
I was actually standing rightby a photo pass, so I think you
saw the photo pass person beforeyou saw me, so you were kind of
(20:57):
photo pass ready, so thathelped.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
I don't think I saw anything.
This particular course.
I feel like I was just like soexcited.
It was quite magical.
I loved the marathon course forRun Disney.
I know a lot of people didn'tlove the new course but I did,
so I was pretty happy-go-lucky.
Okay, what about if you're notgoing to move around, if you've
decided I'm going to make thismy little section, my little
home, I'm here to cheer everyonethat comes through from start
(21:22):
to finish.
What kind of encouragementwould you say that people should
give at that point?
Should they hand out treats?
And what would you do as aspectator to stay comfortable in
that one spot?
Speaker 2 (21:34):
Well, I think a couple of things.
One is you need to know if youcan hand out treats, because
that obviously could beproblematic.
The other thing I would say is,again, if you're going to stay
in one spot, kind of like what Italked about before if
somebody's runner is coming up,be like, okay, this is our spot,
(21:58):
but yeah, go ahead, your runneris coming right now and you
just be polite.
I would also say I know, likethe girls on the run group, they
have a spot that's not very,not very populated, it's not a
popular spot, so they can kindof have it to themselves.
(22:19):
It's not super crowded rightthere.
So if you want to just stay put, pick I would pick a place
that's a little less crowdedbecause you're not having to get
in and out.
You can have I've seen peoplewith coolers.
You know that sign of thingbecause they're not moving
around.
So they don't have to have itall in a backpack.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
So this goes back to doing that prep in terms of
logistically finding out whatthe race rules may be.
There are quite a few.
Again, Run Disney would lookvery different than if you were
spectating a hometown race.
I know hometown races.
You might be able to get awaywith setting up some treats or
giving away some candy Probablynot as appreciated on Run Disney
(23:00):
property.
So, being very mindful of whatthe actual course rules may be,
there also may be things thatyou may think would be
absolutely okay for you to bringa cheer.
That would be against rules.
So checking those out and thenbeing very respectful of
security does need to enforce it, of course.
Okay, we've made it throughthis course.
I feel like you've given all ofthe down low as to what people
(23:22):
should have.
They need to stay hydrated.
They, of course, should stayhigh energy.
But now how do we find ourrunner after they're finished
with the race and what are someideas of how to kind of
celebrate their big finish?
Speaker 2 (23:39):
well, and that one is very different depending on the
race.
At run disney, I do notprioritize being at the finish
line because your runner isprobably not going to see you at
the finish.
There's just so many peoplethere, which is fine if that's,
you know, that's fine whateverpeople want to do, and some
(24:01):
people will just sit up in thestands and be relaxed and wait
and cheer their person, andthat's great.
That is one way to stay put aswell and you can just cheer
everybody as they come across.
Um but um, when you know again,part of the logistics is
looking at the finish area.
You know what is that?
Let's pick um and like at runDisney, you don't want to say,
(24:25):
oh, let's meet in the reunionarea.
The reunion area is very large.
I would think that's true oflike majors and, yeah, any
larger race.
The finish area is huge.
So you have to be specific ofwe're going to be by this food
truck that's this color in thereunion area, so that way
everybody knows where to meet upwhich is what we do.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
We have our specific location that we tend to be very
near, and hopefully RenteCdoesn't move it around on us.
But yes, absolutely Having anidea of where you're going to
meet up afterward I think ispivotal.
Again, you cannot rely just oncell phone.
Your cell phone signal may notbe working, it may not be as
strong, maybe your cell phone'sbeen drained.
So maybe even having a placeand a time, and if by that time
(25:12):
is not met, you have a secondaryplan, because I'm thinking of
one of the majors I had to gointo plan B for meeting up with
my crew.
So again, this is where it'svery tailored If you're
spectating for one person, youmay want to bring them things
that are their creature comfortsfor after the race.
If you're spectating formultiple people, just being
there to cheer them on andsupport them and congratulate
(25:33):
them is sufficient.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
Right, and if you happen to have somebody who's
just finished a perfect season,then you help hold their arms up
so they can get their pictures.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
That was an awesome experience Still like it blazed
in my mind.
Okay.
So golden rules for spectatorsrespect all runners.
So if you're out there andyou're cheering for one specific
runner until your runnerarrives, go ahead and spread the
cheer and encouragement foreveryone around.
I would say that Lynn is reallygreat about this and she knows
to express to others that she'shelping with, would stay
(26:04):
flexible.
She has a good plan, but shestill knows that she may have to
go into a little bit of a plana and a half like a point two,
just in case and then have fun,which I think is what makes you
stand out as one of the bestcheer spectators is that you
really look like you're actuallyenjoying yourself out there
while you're cheering andspectating, from your signs to
(26:25):
the energy you bring.
So I cannot thank you enough.
Anything else that you wouldsuggest for folks that maybe are
dipping their toe intospectating?
Speaker 2 (26:34):
Well, one thing as you know, I'm a goal setter type
of person, right?
So even when I'm spectating, Ihave a goal.
So usually it's the same goal,so that makes it easier.
But my goal is always to haverandom strangers like my sign
enough to want to take a selfieor a picture of it.
So this race I think I hadthree or four.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
So was it a PR or have you a PR?
I don't have a PR.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
It's just like as long as people.
So I'm always excited and youknow a lot of people liked my
sign, my Yeti sign.
And then there were the meetmeet people at OUC.
Speaker 1 (27:09):
Yes, I remember yeah.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
That's the spectating thing.
That brings me joy is I havecome up with something clever
and different that they don'tsee.
You know, because you see thesame running signs all the time
and it's and it's like OK, I'mdoing something different.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
So that's fun.
Ok now I know, I knew you werecompetitive, but I didn't even
realize that that was.
I feel like you're on a wholeother level, lynn I love it.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
I'm there for it.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
With that said, friends, we want to again
express our thank you to Lynn.
If you guys have more questions, jump into the community.
Lynn's there to help hand outany advice that she may have.
Specifically, she is a pro withRen Disney.
If you have some folks thathave some questions about
spectating, knowing again thatRen Disney is doing a fabulous
job of kind of keeping usguessing a little bit, for
weekend to weekend there aresome changes, so that's why
(27:58):
staying flexible is so very key,but she's here to hand out any
of her advice.
If today's episode has inspiredyou to be the ultimate race
stage cheerleader, I do have adownloadable, printable race day
checklist and graphics that youcan create your own
motivational signs.
Again, I cannot tell you thatthey're going to have as cool of
slogans or sayings as Lynn'ssigns would have, but at least
(28:20):
it'll give you some of thematerials that you can use to
create your own sign, becauseevery runner deserves the extra
sparkle of encouragement.
So to grab yours, just sign upwith the link in episode notes.
You'll be all set to cheer likea pro.
So I want to thank you, Lynn,and thank you all for tuning in
to Extraordinary Strides.
Don't forget to subscribe andshare the episode with your
favorite race buddies.
Hello, extraordinary Striders.
Welcome back to another episodeof Extraordinary Strides, a
podcast where we celebrateordinary runners doing truly
extraordinary things.
I'm your host, coach Christine,and today we're going to dive
into one of my favorite parts ofany race day experience.
I'm going to say this trulysets it apart from any specific
kind of training run.
It is the magic of spectatorsand, in the infamous words of
(00:24):
Catherine Switzer, if you'relosing faith in human nature, go
out and watch a marathon.
But I'm here to tell you howtrue this is of any distance,
whether it's a hometown 5K, theiconic World Marathon, majors or
the pixie-dusted excitement ofa run Disney event.
Race spectators bring the energythat fuels every runner's
stride.
And, my friends, I couldn'tspeak of energy if I didn't
(00:44):
bring on in with me the ultimatecheer captain who is going to
join us today, lynn Kenny.
Lynn is a Mod Squad member anda veteran cheerleader for local
races, including Run Disney, soshe's here to share her top tips
for cheering at every type ofrace, from grabbing the perfect
spectating spot to craftingsigns that will bring smiles and
motivation to every runnerpassing by.
So let's grab those cowbells,folks, because we're going to
(01:07):
sprinkle some sparkle on raceday and make spectating as
extraordinary as running.
Let's get this started andwelcome Lynn.
Good morning, oh wait.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Sorry.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
She has her cowbell ready at the ready here to like
cheer us all on.
And I will tell you, lynn trulyis an absolute pro when it
comes to spectating and alwaysfigures out how to bring an
extra smile on all of our facesif we are running the race.
I've also had the privilege ofspectating with her, so we're
going to bring her on in Lynn.
You helped us so much duringthe Run Disney races past
(01:41):
weekend and of course there'sbeen OUC and I could name them
all.
But it's just, you definitelyhave a special flair for
spectating.
Is there something that youfeel it draws you to cheering
and spectating specifically?
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Um, for me it's um, you know, if it's not on my race
goals, it's, it's.
It's just a way to stayinvolved, even if, say, you're
on that dreaded I word andyou're on a.
You know you can't run rightnow, but it's such a great way
to encourage other people andthen it's just, it's a lot of
(02:18):
fun.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
So I feel like it also allows you to have a little
of the extra flair of costumingthat you like to bring to the
party A little bit I have beenaccused of.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
Actually, are you running the race?
No, I'm spectating.
But yeah, this one wasn't thebest example of that.
It was a little too chilly forthe super themed cheering
costumes, but I do my best.
Speaker 1 (02:42):
Well, I want to talk a little bit about that as well.
So I think one of the firstthings that comes to mind is
that it can be reallyoverwhelming for spectators,
because while us runners havebeen studying the race course
map probably for as long aspossible, I think spectators,
while they support us and wantto cheer us on, really aren't
usually as aware.
(03:03):
Maybe it's our significantothers or parents or kids.
So how would you suggest thatfolks get kind of acclimated to
getting started with spectatingor cheering?
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Well, I think some of it is, like you said, knowing
the course.
Most races actually have aspectator guide, so it tells you
the best places to spectate.
The only downside with that isat a larger race everybody knows
where those places are.
So if you can find some insiderinformation on some places that
(03:36):
aren't quite as packed traveled, that are a little easier to
get into, it's a little easierto see your runner.
So that and I don't know, Imean OUC, we did a good job with
that.
We went around to differentplaces Ren, disney there's only
really specific spots you cancheer and they do tend to get a
little packed.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Before we get into like the actual tips and guides
for folks, I do want to knowright out of the gate the first
thing that comes to mind thatpeople ask about with run
disease do you have to have apark ticket to spectate in magic
kingdom or animal kingdom orEpcot?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
So magic kingdom you do not, because they go through
the park before the park is open, so you can spectate on main
street without a park ticket.
However, the other parks,whether it's animal kingdom,
hollywood, hollywood studios,would be difficult because
they're not in there very long.
But, um, in animal kingdom andin epcot you do have to have a
(04:33):
park ticket okay, good to know.
Speaker 1 (04:36):
so that might lend to why magic kingdom gets so busy,
packed as well.
Okay, so what I'm hearing yousay is that, right out of the
gate, what the likely thespectator needs to do is sit
down and get their planninggoing Correct.
Okay, so what they need tostudy the course map a little
bit, maybe try to find thatspectator guide.
If it's out, is that a goodtime for them to start
(04:59):
downloading the tracking appalso so they can get there?
And then, what are some if, inyour personal experience, what
would you say are make for agood spot to spectate that I
guess could be used across theboard?
And then, if you want to giveyour specifics to, maybe a run
Disney race.
Speaker 2 (05:18):
Well, I think it really depends on your goal for
the race with the spectating.
If it's just general spectatingand encouraging everybody um it
.
You know it's not a specific,but usually we're there to cheer
our runners.
You know people, we know Um,and you're right, you set up the
tracking Um, you don't have totrack every specific runner
(05:40):
because sometimes they do getbogged down.
Like I think at run Disney Iwas tracking about 12 people, uh
, so it gets a little boggeddown that way.
But, like, if you know peopleare running together, you just
need one of the two.
Like, if, if there's groups umof people, then you just get one
in the group.
It helps with you know yourbattery and you're being able to
(06:02):
keep track of where they are.
So that's what I one of thethings I usually do.
So I like that part.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
So I think one of the things that I can think of as
well that you do is that becauseyou do spectate for here the
local races and you have such alarge friend group for a lot of
people, you want to go out thereand cheer them on.
I feel like you make a very bigpublic announcement of where
you're going to be Correct andso that people can look for you
and be on the lookout.
So I think that's reallyimportant is the coordinating
with the runner.
How do you stand out from theother throngs of spectators?
Speaker 2 (06:37):
Well, for me, like this time, I did it a little
different.
I actually posted the signs Iwas going to have and what I'm
wearing.
Just like we do the flat runner, I do the flat spectator, so
people know what I'm going to bewearing.
And again, this one wasn't asgreat because of the coldness
and multiple layers, and it was,you know.
So I did have our extraordinaryleague hat on, so I know, I saw
(07:02):
it in your great signdefinitely stood out.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
So basically doing some prep, then letting folks
know where, exactly where youare speaking.
Coordinate If you're looking atspectating for just one person,
it's likely a little easier tostay in communication with that
one individual, correct.
But still it is kind ofimportant to plan on these pre
agreed spots because it ispossible the tracking app may be
(07:25):
a little bit delayed, it'spossible that your cell phones
aren't going to work as well orthe signals will be a little
crossed.
So having this pre-planned andcoordinated as best as possible.
I want to talk about essentials, because you've already touched
on the fact that it was verychilly.
I'm not kidding you guys.
We even had northerners tell usthat it was chilly.
So it's not just us Floridacold, it was really actually
(07:46):
cold.
So for the wide range ofrunning we have to be prepared
for all these different possibleaspects of wearing things.
What are your essentials forrace spectating that we should
keep in mind in terms of gear,clothing or things to pack along
for you?
Speaker 2 (08:08):
gear, clothing or things to pack along for you.
Well, I usually bring like asling backpack so I can have all
of my things and have my handsfree.
That's very important, but thenyou can still have your things
with you that are essential.
You know, this time, obviously,I had hot hands.
I had gloves, had layers, andthen when I didn't need those
layers, then I had the backpackhad layers and then when I
didn't need those layers, then Ihad the backpack.
(08:28):
Also gave me a place to put mysigns, so the ones I wasn't
using I could keep in mybackpack.
Because I used smaller signsthis year it worked much better.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
And I feel like we also have to take into account
that the spectators are outthere as long as the runner is,
which can be a course ofspecifically for these longer
races, like halves and fulls.
You're out there for four orfive, six plus hours.
How are you staying hydratedand fed during that time?
That's true.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
I actually do it like I'm doing a race.
So, like I had my overnightoats on my way driving over, I
had my banana and my othersnacks.
So you're right, you have tohave snacks.
You have to also look, becauseyou're a spectator and you're
not running.
You do have access, like atDisney, for example, there's
Joffreys, but you have to knowwhen they open.
They are open at the beginningof the race, but they do open
(09:17):
eventually, so you can grab that.
I think at OUC we stopped in ata Starbucks between one place
and another.
We did, yeah, so just knowingwhat's around where you can pick
up some extra hydration orsnacks, but kind of coming
prepared with that as far aswater and the basic snacks, and
(09:38):
then you know.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
So what I'm hearing preparation is literally key,
Like a lot of this to be a goodspectator.
Most of it comes into kind ofjust like the race.
I would say 90% of what we dofor our training is actually
what really will serve us onrace day.
Same with spectating.
It's all this before work.
So let's say you had yourovernight oats, you've driven in
to spectate, what's next foryou?
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Well then it depends on if you're spectating alone or
with other people.
Obviously you meet up.
You have a meetup spot, justlike you know, again very
similar to the running.
So you have your meetup spot.
You know, run Disney.
It's frequently in front of themonorail because you're about
to help on that thing and getover to Magic Kingdom.
So so you kind of have a, youhave a meetup spot for getting
(10:28):
over.
If you're meeting up withpeople you don't know very well,
you send pictures of each other.
This is what I'm wearing, thisis what I look like.
So it's a little easier to findnew people if you're meeting
them for the first time to helpspectate.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
And the reason why we say that is because Lynn does
help to.
Kind of she becomes the guidefor significant others or
spouses or family members thataren't maybe as familiar with
Run Disney.
But I will say that if you'retraveling with friends that are
going to be running and theyhave family that are coming out
and supporting, connect them assoon as you possibly can.
There is something about havingthose numbers to support each
other while you're spectating,and also you create a much
(11:03):
bigger energy vibe when there'smore than one person that's out
there.
So I love that you do that,lynn.
We cannot express ourappreciation sufficiently for
that.
But so you arrive early, youmake sure that you're visible,
you get with all of the othercrowd.
I want to talk about somethingthat I heard a little bit past
after Boston, and then we hearda lot about Rent Disney as well,
(11:24):
where spectators potentiallyinterfered with the ability of
some of the other runners to dowhat they needed to do on the
course because they were soexcited to see their runners so
they would run out into thecourse or whatever the case may
be.
And then I heard a lot at RentDisney that there were folks
that were really excited to seetheir runner and maybe holding
(11:45):
their space of where they werecheering a little too
possessively.
So how do you get aroundnavigating those?
I guess common faux pasActually.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
I mean, we go to TTC, which is a very busy, busy spot
.
I did not see that.
What I saw is there were peopleguarding their spot, but they
would say, hey, if your runner'scoming, let us know, and they
would move and let the personwhose runner was coming right
then up to the front of therailing and cheer their runner,
(12:18):
and then they would leave.
And so it's kind of you workyour way up, but everybody was
very nice about oh your runner'scoming here, come right up here
.
So that's what I saw.
Speaker 1 (12:27):
Okay.
So what I'm hearing say LynnI've also seen you in action is
that it's be vocal with thepeople that are cheering as well
, in terms of expressing thatyou respect their space, you
respect what they're out thereto do, that you want to cheer
whoever they're cheering for aswell.
I've actually seen you do that,where you're like, hey, who are
you cheering for?
So we can cheer for them whenthey come up, and then let them
know how excited you are tocheer for your folks, so again
(12:50):
it becomes part of the community, versus trying to be
territorial about onlyspectating for your course or
your racer.
Now there are some individualsthat really rely on their
spectators to help provide themwith hydration or maybe
on-course fueling that they need, or extra layers, or to take
some of their layers.
How would you suggest tonavigate those aspects of it?
Speaker 2 (13:11):
Well, it's back to the research of knowing your
course, the TTC, or thetransportation and ticket center
sorry, it's about at thehalfway point, basically, of
that of the marathon.
So it is a place a lot ofpeople do like to grab a few
things, and everybody that didneed to do that seemed to be
able to do that.
So again, it was just thatcommunicating If it's crowded,
(13:35):
say hey, I need to get my runnerthis stuff, and they're coming
around the corner, and everybodywas pretty cooperative with
that.
So I didn't see a problem there.
You just have to know.
But it is a good spot for thatbecause of it being the halfway
point.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
So I love to hear that again.
I feel that more often than not, it's just a little bit of
common courtesy andcommunication which goes a long
way.
So, as long as you're beingvery respectful of your fellow
spectators and your coursemembers, it should all work out
very well and it should feelabsolutely magical, both
spectating and for your runners.
(14:10):
So we are hearing how to bethere, how to be mindful.
Now, how do we make some noise?
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Well, there's several ways.
Obviously, you heard my little.
You know the cowbells, thenoisemakers, all of that.
Those can actually be quite anarm workout if you haven't
practiced.
Because you're holding your armup, holding the signs up, you
know you're kind of sometimeshaving to hold them up high to
(14:39):
be able to have people see themaround the crowd and whatnot.
So, but as far as the noisepiece um and I w, I was telling
somebody the other day if youyell in your full voice, you
will not make it for a marathonlevel of spectating, it will.
It tears up your voice.
(14:59):
So one of the things that doeshelp and I don't know I learned
this a few years ago if youscream in a higher register then
it's not as taxing on yourvoice.
It's like your falsetto voice.
For those who are singers,using that part of your voice
isn't as harsh and you canscream a lot longer without
completely losing your voice.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
And then for all of us, like myself, who have no
musical abilities whatsoever andaren't sure what you're
speaking of, would you care todemonstrate and if so, I'm going
to let everybody know that,because she is going to be
cheering you on quite literallythat you may want to reduce the
noise on your AirPods or yourearbuds?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Okay, so full voice yell would be like you've got
this, go, go, go it was likethat, that's what I do Right.
Speaker 1 (15:48):
And that's what I lose my voice every single time,
exactly.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
So falsetto would be like kind of like that.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
I didn't hear it.
You didn't hear me go what?
No, it must register so highthat I honestly can't hear it.
Oh wow, that's funny.
At least not through here.
That's interesting.
Try it one more time.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
It doesn't even come through, See.
That's why it saves your voice.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
That's wild, oh my gosh.
We're going to have to see ifwe can get that on social media
and maybe connect it there.
That's wild, okay, that issuper funny.
A much higher register insteadof the full voice will save you
from having that throat ache,from losing your voice the whole
next day.
Love to hear that it probablyalso travels over the voices of
(16:39):
the other individuals, so it canbe heard a little easier.
What do you say to your runner?
Do you say, keep going.
You're looking strong.
Do you say, oh, my goodnessgracious, it looks like you just
ran half a marathon.
You look exhausted.
What do you say?
Speaker 2 (16:55):
I actually well at Run Disney races.
I like commenting based on thetheme.
So if I see a Captain Americago by, I'll say you can do this
all day long, okay, so that kindof thing.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
So we want to go.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
So I go thematically, you know, or fly, tinkerbell
fly, or whatever oh, I love thatkind of whatever.
And and then if it's a generic,just a regular race.
That's not that way.
I'll do usually the you knowyou're, you know you've got this
, you know you're looking strong.
Um, I think at ouc I had aroadrunner sign yeah, and I had
(17:36):
meet, meet, so when people wouldgo by, they would go Meep, meep
, and so I Meep Meep'd everybody.
So it just sometimes depends onthe sign.
Sometimes it depends on whatthe runners are dressed like.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
So I love that.
Everything you've heard her sayso far is very encouraging.
It's very cheerful andsupportive.
It's also laced with a littlebit of humor, so it puts a smile
on the person's face.
What I would caution you fromsaying is anything that actually
sounds like you are trying totell them how to run their race,
specifically in those lattermiles where maybe they're taking
(18:08):
more strategic walk breaks.
That telling them at that pointthey should run harder or that
they need to get back to runningmay not feel quite as
encouraging, depending on theindividual.
So just be mindful of how youapproach that.
I love how everything you said,lynn, was much more generalized
encouragement, and I'm curioushow do you feel about when
(18:28):
people tell you to run, whenyou're using run-walk strategy?
Speaker 2 (18:36):
That one doesn't annoy me too much.
Um, it's the, you're almostthere.
One is the one that that revs.
It's just like I am not.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
I'm not almost there when is it okay for you to feel
like you're almost there?
Speaker 2 (18:52):
come into play if the people, if I can see the finish
line, okay, then you can sayyou're almost there.
You're almost there, thoughpeople at that last now I don't
mind at the last water stop,like at whatever mile 25, the
last water stop.
You know that's okay.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
But not Okay.
So being very accurate withwhat you're actually
specifically saying.
So maybe letting people knowthis is the last time you're
going to see a PhotoPassphotographer in this section, or
there's a PhotoPassphotographer coming up and again
, for folks that aren't aware,PhotoPass photographers are the
on-course race photo capturingmagic individuals that we always
(19:33):
appreciate.
Or, if it's a general course,if you know that there's a race
photographer ahead, lettingpeople know about that is
appreciated, but not necessarilyletting them think that the
finish line is within theirreach, even though they still
have a 5k, 10k or even a fullother half to go.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Right, right right.
Speaker 1 (19:50):
How about?
One of the things that I thinkyou do that's really incredible,
too, is that you take some ofthe best photos and videos, like
to this day.
I think I can think of severalleague members where the
favorite photo was them seeingyou, the smile they had on their
face and you being able tocapture it.
How do you do that, like?
What advice would you give tofolks that are taking photos
(20:13):
while they're cheering?
Speaker 2 (20:14):
Well, one is that I did not follow this time.
I need to get some tech gloves,because it was really difficult
with the gloves and my glovesare not tech gloves, so it's
like I missed.
I wasn't as good with thephotos this time as I usually am
, so that's so be mindful ofwhat level of glove that you
need to be able to have thecamera, because, like you said,
(20:36):
the tracking isn't always reallyaccurate and you don't want to
just stand there with your phoneout all the time, so you have
to be able to react quickly andget that quick photo.
Your good photo on this lastrace, though it helped.
I was actually standing rightby a photo pass, so I think you
saw the photo pass person beforeyou saw me, so you were kind of
(20:57):
photo pass ready, so thathelped.
Speaker 1 (20:59):
I don't think I saw anything.
This particular course.
I feel like I was just like soexcited.
It was quite magical.
I loved the marathon course forRun Disney.
I know a lot of people didn'tlove the new course but I did,
so I was pretty happy-go-lucky.
Okay, what about if you're notgoing to move around, if you've
decided I'm going to make thismy little section, my little
home, I'm here to cheer everyonethat comes through from start
(21:22):
to finish.
What kind of encouragementwould you say that people should
give at that point?
Should they hand out treats?
And what would you do as aspectator to stay comfortable in
that one spot?
Speaker 2 (21:34):
Well, I think a couple of things.
One is you need to know if youcan hand out treats, because
that obviously could beproblematic.
The other thing I would say is,again, if you're going to stay
in one spot, kind of like what Italked about before if
somebody's runner is coming up,be like, okay, this is our spot,
(21:58):
but yeah, go ahead, your runneris coming right now and you
just be polite.
I would also say I know, likethe girls on the run group, they
have a spot that's not very,not very populated, it's not a
popular spot, so they can kindof have it to themselves.
(22:19):
It's not super crowded rightthere.
So if you want to just stay put, pick I would pick a place
that's a little less crowdedbecause you're not having to get
in and out.
You can have I've seen peoplewith coolers.
You know that sign of thingbecause they're not moving
around.
So they don't have to have itall in a backpack.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
So this goes back to doing that prep in terms of
logistically finding out whatthe race rules may be.
There are quite a few.
Again, Run Disney would lookvery different than if you were
spectating a hometown race.
I know hometown races.
You might be able to get awaywith setting up some treats or
giving away some candy Probablynot as appreciated on Run Disney
(23:00):
property.
So, being very mindful of whatthe actual course rules may be,
there also may be things thatyou may think would be
absolutely okay for you to bringa cheer.
That would be against rules.
So checking those out and thenbeing very respectful of
security does need to enforce it, of course.
Okay, we've made it throughthis course.
I feel like you've given all ofthe down low as to what people
(23:22):
should have.
They need to stay hydrated.
They, of course, should stayhigh energy.
But now how do we find ourrunner after they're finished
with the race and what are someideas of how to kind of
celebrate their big finish?
Speaker 2 (23:39):
well, and that one is very different depending on the
race.
At run disney, I do notprioritize being at the finish
line because your runner isprobably not going to see you at
the finish.
There's just so many peoplethere, which is fine if that's,
you know, that's fine whateverpeople want to do, and some
(24:01):
people will just sit up in thestands and be relaxed and wait
and cheer their person, andthat's great.
That is one way to stay put aswell and you can just cheer
everybody as they come across.
Um but um, when you know again,part of the logistics is
looking at the finish area.
You know what is that?
Let's pick um and like at runDisney, you don't want to say,
(24:25):
oh, let's meet in the reunionarea.
The reunion area is very large.
I would think that's true oflike majors and, yeah, any
larger race.
The finish area is huge.
So you have to be specific ofwe're going to be by this food
truck that's this color in thereunion area, so that way
everybody knows where to meet upwhich is what we do.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
We have our specific location that we tend to be very
near, and hopefully RenteCdoesn't move it around on us.
But yes, absolutely Having anidea of where you're going to
meet up afterward I think ispivotal.
Again, you cannot rely just oncell phone.
Your cell phone signal may notbe working, it may not be as
strong, maybe your cell phone'sbeen drained.
So maybe even having a placeand a time, and if by that time
(25:12):
is not met, you have a secondaryplan, because I'm thinking of
one of the majors I had to gointo plan B for meeting up with
my crew.
So again, this is where it'svery tailored If you're
spectating for one person, youmay want to bring them things
that are their creature comfortsfor after the race.
If you're spectating formultiple people, just being
there to cheer them on andsupport them and congratulate
(25:33):
them is sufficient.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
Right, and if you happen to have somebody who's
just finished a perfect season,then you help hold their arms up
so they can get their pictures.
Speaker 1 (25:42):
That was an awesome experience Still like it blazed
in my mind.
Okay.
So golden rules for spectatorsrespect all runners.
So if you're out there andyou're cheering for one specific
runner until your runnerarrives, go ahead and spread the
cheer and encouragement foreveryone around.
I would say that Lynn is reallygreat about this and she knows
to express to others that she'shelping with, would stay
(26:04):
flexible.
She has a good plan, but shestill knows that she may have to
go into a little bit of a plana and a half like a point two,
just in case and then have fun,which I think is what makes you
stand out as one of the bestcheer spectators is that you
really look like you're actuallyenjoying yourself out there
while you're cheering andspectating, from your signs to
(26:25):
the energy you bring.
So I cannot thank you enough.
Anything else that you wouldsuggest for folks that maybe are
dipping their toe intospectating?
Speaker 2 (26:34):
Well, one thing as you know, I'm a goal setter type
of person, right?
So even when I'm spectating, Ihave a goal.
So usually it's the same goal,so that makes it easier.
But my goal is always to haverandom strangers like my sign
enough to want to take a selfieor a picture of it.
So this race I think I hadthree or four.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
So was it a PR or have you a PR?
I don't have a PR.
Speaker 2 (26:59):
It's just like as long as people.
So I'm always excited and youknow a lot of people liked my
sign, my Yeti sign.
And then there were the meetmeet people at OUC.
Speaker 1 (27:09):
Yes, I remember yeah.
Speaker 2 (27:12):
That's the spectating thing.
That brings me joy is I havecome up with something clever
and different that they don'tsee.
You know, because you see thesame running signs all the time
and it's and it's like OK, I'mdoing something different.
Speaker 1 (27:26):
So that's fun.
Ok now I know, I knew you werecompetitive, but I didn't even
realize that that was.
I feel like you're on a wholeother level, lynn I love it.
Speaker 2 (27:34):
I'm there for it.
Speaker 1 (27:37):
With that said, friends, we want to again
express our thank you to Lynn.
If you guys have more questions, jump into the community.
Lynn's there to help hand outany advice that she may have.
Specifically, she is a pro withRen Disney.
If you have some folks thathave some questions about
spectating, knowing again thatRen Disney is doing a fabulous
job of kind of keeping usguessing a little bit, for
weekend to weekend there aresome changes, so that's why
(27:58):
staying flexible is so very key,but she's here to hand out any
of her advice.
If today's episode has inspiredyou to be the ultimate race
stage cheerleader, I do have adownloadable, printable race day
checklist and graphics that youcan create your own
motivational signs.
Again, I cannot tell you thatthey're going to have as cool of
slogans or sayings as Lynn'ssigns would have, but at least
(28:20):
it'll give you some of thematerials that you can use to
create your own sign, becauseevery runner deserves the extra
sparkle of encouragement.
So to grab yours, just sign upwith the link in episode notes.
You'll be all set to cheer likea pro.
So I want to thank you, Lynn,and thank you all for tuning in
to Extraordinary Strides.
Don't forget to subscribe andshare the episode with your
favorite race buddies.
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