Thankful Thursday

Feb 3, 2011 | 27 comments

As a runner who really enjoys hamming it up for race photographers, I typically cannot wait for the official race photos to be posted. I could be sobbing during a marathon or huffing and puffing during a 5K but as soon as I see the photog I am all smiles.

I know a lot of dudes who race who don’t actually smile for the camera and of course a few of these dudes like to make fun of me for all of the cheesing I do. To them I say, scoff all you want, I know a secret. If you smile even when you are feeling like your legs are going to fall off or your lungs are going to burst, it will make you feel better. If may not help you PR or stop you from walking, but it will give you a little boost of cheer, and during a tough race that photographer who gets you to smile can be a Godsend.

I can only imagine being one of the race photogs. You have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to click away at crazy runners and triathletes who may or may not actually buy the photo you have so carefully set up. And not only that, you snap away until the very last runners come in. While I am certain these photographers enjoy their work, especially when goofballs like me come along, I do think they deserve a little more kudos for the job they do. Sure the photos can sometimes be pricey, but there are those photos that are so special you’d pay any price for them. And if you think about things you would try to save in a housefire, photos are usually at the top of the list.

Thus today, I am thankful for the race photographers who come out and take tons of photos and help us keep some of the best memories of our lives, including the one below….

What are you thankful for today?

27 Comments

  1. Danielle
    Danielle on February 3, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    That picture is hilarious. I usually realize there is a race photog around right when they take the picture. So, of course, my eyes are close and mouth is wide open. I look like I'm on the verge of dying. I need to be on the lookout so I have fun pictures like this!! : )

  2. Katie
    Katie on February 3, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    That is so awesome! I want to run that race just so I can get a pic like that 😀 Yea, I'm with Danielle, my race pictures scare me.

  7. Casey
    Casey on February 3, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    Cool picture! Careful, John Shack will be looking for a date.

  10. racing dawn
    racing dawn on February 3, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Holey moley that pic is amazing!! I hope you got it framed and up in your home!!!

    And yes, thanks to all the race photogs out there… 🙂

  13. fancy nancy
    fancy nancy on February 3, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    What a kick ass picture!!!! I am thankful for the promise of 37 degrees on Sunday!

  14. TNTcoach Ken
    TNTcoach Ken on February 3, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    I'm thankful that you're in Florida! Woman, that's an awesome photo……… Wait until you show that to your grand kids……… HA

  15. GoDoreen
    GoDoreen on February 3, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    I'm thankful that the temps will be in the 40's and out of sub zero for my weekend run…amoung many other things!!!

    I just came across your blog…I really enjoy your posts!
    AND I love the pic!!!!

  16. Joanna
    Joanna on February 3, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    That is a fantastic picture! I try to smile at the cameras when I see them. It's fun! But some of my most entertaining race pictures are the ridiculous faces I'm making when I didn't see the cameras. 🙂

  18. Jason
    Jason on February 3, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    I am thankful that somebody else has the same mindset as me when it comes to the photogs. I smile always b/c you may actually want to buy one b/c of your results or perseverance. If you didn't smile and then wanted to buy the pic how sh*tty would you feel when you saw the pic and you were brooding.

  19. Jen
    Jen on February 4, 2011 at 2:40 am

    AWESOME pic… I'm thankful that my stressful work week is over… and my weekend starts now! Yay!

  21. Carla @ I Run, You Run
    Carla @ I Run, You Run on February 4, 2011 at 4:44 am

    OMG, I totally love that picture! If there's a race photo you should buy, that's it! Way better than one where you're crossing the finish line of any marathon!

  22. Jen B.
    Jen B. on February 4, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    That is a great photo…I love it!

    I really need to work on this because EVERY race photo out there of me is plastered with my serious brow mean face.

  23. Jen
    Jen on February 4, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    That is an awesome photo! I've paid good money for a race photo and good or bad, I'm always glad they're there snapping away! I've tried for the heel click thing but haven't pulled it off yet. I end up looking like a big dork. Maybe someday!

  27. Lauren @ Team Giles
    Lauren @ Team Giles on February 8, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I LOVE THIS!!!! B.o.B. You're so fun 🙂

    p.s. have I told you I love the new blog header? Its fab

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