Running for Time

Spokane, May 5

There are days when all of us feel like we are running out of time. Time to be a truly good at something important to us. We may want to be a great creative artist, photographer, walker or runner, business man or cook. I've talked to those who regret taking a different path than what made their hearts sing.

Is it ever too late? Is there not always something within our grasp that makes us feel super, fantastic and happy to be alive? Should we ever stop? Are we ever to old?

My answer is NO, and I will tell you why by the end of this post.

We gathered from many regions and countries. Some of us had trained in winter and the heat was welcome but presented a different challenge. I know that I sure needed the first water station at 2.7 miles. That little niggling feeling that I hadn't prepared enough scurried around my brain now and then. But when you are surrounded by motivated folks who are determined to have a great time, you are swept along.

Doomsday Hill

When the final race results came in, I was quite pleased with my numbers. I had done it alone and I had done it faster than I had hoped. Far more encouraging than that was that there were at least six age categories older than me! I still had time to be really, really good at something that I enjoy.

I give applause to all the participants but especially to the three most senior age categories. This past week, I've thought about the 49, 80-84 year olds; the 20, 85-89 year olds; and the 4 over 90s who participated. What kind of dedication do you think these people possess? Do you think that they feel they are too old to try?

I would love to meet Vincent. He was the final over 90 who finished in 3:07:33, coming in hours after the first person. However, he finished, he won.

Album of the Unexpected

Sometimes you have to be really fast.

When you’re holding your camera, you don’t get to hesitate or you could miss it. Some of my greatest pleasures in 2012, were the Unexpected images captured on the road. The smiles, the “wows”, the just plain “that is so crazy great!” moments. We need to be aware, because pleasure is as fast as your shutter speed.

Come along for the ride:

Mexico in March – a flamenco group from Germany playing while we ate dinner

Sign in a glass blowing shop, small town in North Western states – what you can do when you're the boss.

Bloomsday Run, Spokane, WA. – participants discard their “warm-up” clothes for the needy

Fernie, BC – the best bagel breakfast…ever!

Band on the sidewalk, Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA.

Community garden on a side street, Victoria, BC

Chained Up Tree, Elbow Falls, Kananaskis Country, Alberta

Look back on your year, whether you have photos of your journey or not. A calendar and a cup of Bengal Spice tea comes in very handy for this exercise!

What were your Unexpected moments? Look back and remember. Why does it stand out? Were you alone or who was with you?

Should you have done something differently? Should you have stayed for another cup of coffee, or talked to that interesting looking stranger?

Why was this moment special? What was it that touched you so much that you still remember it?

What do you wish you had captured on your camera? Was it the place, the person, the feeling?

How did this event change you? Did you have a moment of clarity about what is truly important to you?

Then, store these memories in the Album of your life. It is an important page of the whole You.

Not just a Race - Bloomsday in Spokane

                                                   Bloomsday Run  Spokane, Washington


It has already been one month since the Bloomsday Run (Spokane, Washington, May 6th), it remains an inspiring event even for a spectator with a camera. First of all, there were a staggering number of
participants, 50,000 give or take! That number alone could spell disaster for the organizers. Much to my delight, I was surprised to see how well it was all run (excuse the pun).

It was impossible not to get caught up in the excitement of the walkers and runners. Their enthusiasm was contagious and the downtown core was a-buzz for days. Endorphins permeated the air. From the extended families walking together, to the young couples pushing a stroller, it was obviously a family event. Not everyone was there for speed.

                                                                          Friends

                                                                          Family


There were definitely stories that celebrated togetherness and the sharing of large and small triumphs. I could see through my lens that this was much more than a race, it was an event that celebrated LIFE.

                                           Runners shed their layers for donation to the needy

Stay - Davenport Hotel (beautiful, historical and steps to good shopping) http://www.thedavenporthotel.com
Retail Therapy - http://www.riverparksquare.com and a bag-full of goodies from LOFT  http://www.loft.com/
Drive - beautiful, long winding roads that were perfect for breathing in and singing aloud
Company - divine!
Stars - excellent, already planning a repeat for May 2013 http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/
Brews Bros. Coffee - on the list for next year

Coffee that comes highly recommended, thanks Corey!

                                                       Davenport Hotel, Spokane