Volunteering at the SUPERFROG!

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the SUPERFROG Triathlon this past September 11, and it was an amazing event.

For the non-triathletes out there, SUPERFROG is the oldest triathlon in the world, older even than the Hawaii Ironman. Founded in 1978, SUPERFROG was the answer to the news that John Collins (the founder of the Hawaii Ironman), was planning the definitive athletic endurance event consisting of a marathon, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 2.4 mile swim.

Moki Martin, a Navy SEAL based in Coronado, decided to create the SUPERFROG as a training race for Navy SEALs to prepare for the Ironman. Moki Martin planned the SUPERFROG to be exactly half the distances of the Ironman, thus the name ‘Half-Ironman” was coined.

These days, the SUPERFROG attracts racers from all around the world. And to this day, Navy SEALs run the race along with the civilians.

My job as a volunteer was to take pictures of the event, which was a great job as I had unfettered access to everything going on. The planning and work that goes on to produce this type of event is astounding. Because the race is strictly non-profit, and chiefly serves to raise money for families of deceased Navy SEALs, volunteers play a huge role in making the SUPERFROG a success.

As a Human Resources professional, I couldn’t help but pay attention to the volunteer army needed to run the race. Numbering nearly 300, these volunteers exhibited the enthusiasm, hard work, and hustle any company would be delighted to have for their own work force.

What was responsible for this was the attitude and actions of the official SUPERFROG staff itself. From Moki Martin on down, the event organizers ran the volunteer army with patience and courtesy, giving instructions and aid where needed, always with a smile and encouragement.

They knew that they needed these volunteers if the race was to be successful. And that, I believe, was a powerful reminder to me in how I deal with employees. Too often, I think, management forgets that the success of their business depends on the rank and file. Sure, the employees get paid as opposed to volunteers, but the bottom line is the same: you can’t make it without them. You need them. They are a resource that requires top management skills to utilize effectively. Abuse that resource and the chances of succeeding in any enterprise are severely jeopardized.

But enough of the sermonizing. I’m preaching to the choir, as they say. By the way, if you’d like to see my photography skills on display, take a look here.

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