As the close of 2007 nears, part of my responsibility of being the team leader of the Chicago Triathlon Luna Chix includes both reviewing our performance in 2007 and look forward to how we can improve on 2008. Team Luna Chix is a VOLUNTEER opportunity for women to encourage and help other women get out and get active while raising money for the Breast Cancer Fund. Though I thought I was fortunate to have a solid, active team in 2007, as the months passed, I realized the women on the team weren't quite as dedicated as I had hoped.
As with any volunteer program, 2 things ring true: 1)you can't force a volunteer to contribute and 2)you only get out of the program what you put in. For a few of us, the rewards are priceless. For others, I seem to think they felt the responsibility was a burden. I thought bringing in more women would help lessen the workload. It did not. I read in some business book that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. How true!
I have been soliciting applicants for the 2008 team and I am excited by the number of people interested and by the enthusiasm they will bring to the team. Women who want to join the team for the right reasons! Women who want to help and want to make a difference! Is being a part of the team easy? Sometimes, no. However, I truly love helping newbies get acquainted to the sport, no matter what their level. It's so exciting to watch someone go through their first triathlon. I remember all the questions and worries I had as I prepared for my first triathlon and I had wished I had such a supportive group to work through those with me.
As I look back on the 2007 Luna Chix, I think we had a good team. It had all the makings and potential for a group to make a huge impact. Our first meeting was excellent and the energy in that room was phenomenal. Somewhere along the line, though, that energy fizzled and as the year moved on, many women did not fulfill even the minimal requirements of being a team member.
In 2008, I plan to have a better, stronger, more dedicated Luna Chix team. Again, as volunteers, no one can be forced to participate. However, by making sure the right people are in place, I think the Luna Chix team can make a big difference in the lives of many women. I'm looking forward to what the new year will bring!
About Me
- MJ
- After 10 Ironman races including Kona - the World Championships, triathlon has turned into my lifestyle. I've enjoyed the sport so much, I've now started coaching. A "one size fits all" plan is not for everyone. To find out about what customized coaching can do for you, click on the Tri Smart Coaching logo below for more information!
IM Louiville
Bikes racked at Ironman Louisville 2010
9 comments:
Good luck! Hope everyone at Runners Grove can help keep your team on track. You know who to contact if you need anything.
Best of luck with your 2008 team and thank you for your contributions to the Breast Cancer Fund!
Try not to rule with an iron fist maybe the 2008 team will be back in 2009
Hmmm
Last time you talked about newbies
you were swimming over them because they looked like the
"weaker of the two"
Yes, I knew this post may ruffle some feathers, but I just tell it like it is. At least I'm attaching my name to my thoughts.
My 2 comments to "Anonymous":
1-Iron Fist? HILARIOUS!
2-How would I know if I'm swimming over a Newbie or not?
the middle of the swim at the Accenture Chicago Triathlon! There were people everywhere and I must've sighted every other stroke to avoid getting kicked in the face or swimming over people (well, OK, I only swam over 2 people, but it wasn't on purpose...I mean, sometimes when you're caught in the middle of 2 people and one starts swimming crooked, the only way to keep momentum is to swim over the weaker of the 2 swimmers!)
Yes - I did that. Never said it was a newbie. I don't know very many people who sign up for the Olympic distance at Accenture as their first race.
This is just how the swim at a triathlon works. Anyone who's done a triathlon knows this. Doesn't have anything to do with being a newbie or not.
Hey anonymous - lighten up - do you know how hard it is to get people to volunteer and then get them to follow thru - no matter how honest someones intensions are when they initially volunteer life can get in the way - I think that's what MJ is saying hear.
As for MJ's competative spirit - I think that speaks for itself - you're missing the point - she wants to help people enjoy the sport and probably steer them away from the more competative races - so they aren't swum over. Or is it swam over?
Thank you MJ for all you do for the community and the sport.
Anonymous sounds a little jealous.
-A much cooler anonymous!
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