Volunteering to see running through different lens

To give something back is always so important. I try to do my bit whenever I can, whether that be with family, friends, neighbours, charity, the community and so on, but sometimes one cannot do it all. I am not one to complain about time though, as I do not believe in wasting it; I rise early to fit a run in and then life takes over.

Volunteering is a beautiful experience, where you can contribute to something, where you can dedicate your time to a wonderful cause, where you can just park it all, to be somewhere, supporting something simple but beautiful. If I had hours of time I’d do more but for now, freely offering as much of my time as possible to loved ones who need it is priority.

Volunteering can take many shapes and forms. Some of us do a lot more of it than we realise, like when in work we go over and beyond but love it and see the impact it makes. The West of Ireland can for some be such a lonely place; when your door is always open for neighbours, family and friends to call, to chat, to be listened to and have a cuppa, it can mean so much to someone who is alone. And vice versa, to visit someone, to share your time and company.

Sport is based around volunteerism, where people dedicate their time, energy, and skills to support clubs, athletes and events. This selfless act not only contributes to the success of sport but also fosters a community spirit, promotes inclusivity and enhances personal development.

Sports have an innate power to bring people together and volunteers play a vital role in this dynamic, serving as coaches, referees, organisers, managers and administrators, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, whether for recreation or competition and from a range of backgrounds. Volunteers can help create an environment where differences, cultures and beliefs are accepted and celebrated, directly impacting individuals’ lives by providing access to activities that promote health, teamwork and social interaction.

I can remember as a child all the different and varied activities and sports that I was privileged to be part of. It was our parents, neighbours and teachers giving up endless time, to bring us, to set up a club, to learn the rules so that we could enter the competitions, to practice night after night the dancing for Scór, the tin whistle for the parade, the last minute laps for cross country and many, many other activities. We remember the football coach, the church choir, the St Patrick’s Day parade, the rounders competition, because no matter what it was, we were there, it was fun, it was for the community, it was with our friends and we had pride. We were driven and inspired by our elders in the community.

And so, Saturday morning comes around and I’m up, out and gone as today I need to be back for the Parkrun. This morning I’m coming from a different angle, the one who’s volunteering. A lot of my year involves competing or training for competitions and I don’t get to regularly partake in the park runs. This morning though, I have an air of excitement, encouraging my friends, watching what it’s like through another lens and contributing to a wonderful, regular, fun and healthy event.

To fit it all in, I’m up and out to do my own parkrun around the block this morning. Not having done this in a while, I am excited to see where I am at. Wrecked from an intense week of driving, issues, matches, training, cooking and just the simple errands of life, there is something even more rewarding about the weekend when one has worked harder. It makes it all the more worthwhile. I begin the warmup down the hill to waken and get moving. There is a stillness about this November morning that is warm but refreshing, that has all the signs of spring but it’s winter; the birds are singing, there’s no water in the lough, the cattle are still out grazing, and I’m scrambling through the overgrowth of greenery.

The mile warm-up beeps which means I’m ready for off. Exactly 5k from the house around, starting on a hill. I push up it and turn the corner for the long stretch to Shrule, the only camaraderie being the cattle dealer heading to the mart, the lady on her bike cycling to the church and the cross dogs near the end of the road who make me run faster. The mind wanders to Clonbur, imagining how I’d feel running through the leaves today. I pass the church so am now halfway, a lovely downhill, a tough uphill and then the lough. No matter how many times one runs on a road known so well, the seasons, the climate and the terrain change; today the road is mucky and slippery, the wildlife is in full flight from the humid weather, the farmers’ are out early to make the most of a beautiful day.

I run fast passing those cross dogs and there’s one hill left to the house, pushing for home, no people, no light, no traffic. The watch beeps,a good time, I’m happy out and head for Clonbur with a pep in my step.

On arrival to the woods, it’s quiet. The yellow vests gather, we plan, plot and organise, and along the way to my marshal spot I meet the regulars. A fast walk, the pebbled path completely immersed in a carpet of brown and yellow leaves, the greenery vibrant from the warm temperatures, the wildlife singing. I reach my destination and how different it feels to have walked to it today.

I hear the first guy running, he’s from Armagh, I roar and guide him along, he’s doing a brilliant time. A minute goes by and next up I see my friendly parkrun competitor. Every week we jog, laugh and compete; he’s going well and of course I tell him I’ll chase him next week. More colours appear, some alone, some together, some talk, some smile, I encourage all, because when you are finding things tough, a friendly smile, word, or wave helps. It makes it all okay.

The walkers pass by, happily chatting and admiring the beautiful scenery. The children natter and chatter and move through their paces. A loop around, the Armagh man arrives back, he’s flying it. He sees my marathon cap and says “well done”. I tell him he has half mile to go and he’s on for a serious time.

That’s the thing about running a 5k. When you have no idea where you are going, you don’t know what’s ahead, the hills, the terrain, the twists and turns, to hear there’s a nice ending, is music to one’s ears. And so they gradually flock back, some in different positions. I up the ante, telling them to work together, push on, catch a breath or say whatever it is someone needs to hear, anything to make one feel good. The last two park runners pass, I meet the tail walker, and we head for home, a route I know so well but today from a different sighting, you notice everything.

Sometimes in Clonbur I have no idea where I am going, I’m working with the lads, too engrossed in the moment, the scenery, the beauty, but today I notice everything. As I meander back through the wooded trail, I am as buzzing as when I ran this morning. There is something wonderful about giving something back, about encouraging people to do something healthy, to make them feel better, to achieve their goals whatever they may be.

For volunteers in sports, there is so much is to be gained. Partaking in physical activities and being part of a team can lead to improved physical health and well-being. The social aspects enhance mental health by providing individuals with a sense of purpose and belonging. In a world increasingly driven by technology and digital interaction, the human connections formed through volunteering and participating can be profoundly enriching, increasing feelings of happiness and fulfilment by giving back to the community. The act of helping others fosters empathy and compassion, contributing to a more positive outlook on life. This psychological benefit is particularly critical in combating mental health challenges, as social involvement through sports can reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Our weekly, free, park runs, ran by volunteers, provide a powerful vehicle for community engagement and personal development. The regular Saturday morning gatherings makes one get up and about; no matter what the excuses, you want to be there, you look forward to seeing the regulars, there is no pressure to run for a time, only your own, just turn up to partake. One always feels better after. The same faces arrive at the same times, the excitement of newbies both from near and far, celebrating people's milestones and the well-deserved cuppa after. It’s through the simplicity of park run that many friendships are formed, many places are explored and many problems are solved, all while moving through the motions of walking, jogging or running, by casually strolling with friends, trotting with the family or pumping the endorphins alone.

Through their unyielding dedication, volunteers help forge connections among diverse groups, promote inclusivity, and contribute to the overall health and vitality of their communities. The skills and experiences gained through volunteer work not only enrich individual lives but also create a solid foundation for future generations to engage in sport. With the ongoing support and recognition of volunteers, the sporting landscape can continue to thrive as a space of opportunity, health, and camaraderie. Ultimately, volunteering in sport exemplifies the true spirit of athleticism – collaboration, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference.

Communities are built around people, around welcomes, kindness, sharing, inclusiveness, togetherness, safety and much more. It takes a lot to get something started but to keep it going, week in week out takes time, effort and commitment. Without people’s energy, enthusiasm, and participation, these events wouldn’t happen. In a world where time constraints rule, there is always a slot to freely offer to do something for someone else.