Frostbite 15K

Since my feet aren't fixed yet, I was unable to run in the 15K race this morning. This is named the Frostbite 15K for a few reasons. First, it is 15K or 9.3 miles long. Second, it is held on or about the last weekend in January (the 27th this year) and it's damn cold. Great name since everyone knows at least the season when the race is held. This was the 24th running of this race and people come back year after year.

Melanie, Sara, and Lori were using this as their long weekend run in their half-marathon training. They were scheduled for 10 miles, I think, so this was perfect. I, on the other hand, simply couldn't run. I thought about volunteering to help with the race, but came to the conclusion that I could help in a better way -- take pictures!

I looked at the course online, trying to find the perfect spot. I was unsure of what the status of the sun would be, but the forecast was for overcast skies - perfect! I found a great spot on just after the 4-mile outgoing marker, and where I would see the runners returning just after 5 miles. This course was conveniently an out and back course, providing the opportunity to see runners twice.

It was very cold this morning (frostbite - duh), so I dressed in multiple layers but still had to make my fingers work. When all was said and done, I had snapped 864 photos and my fingers were absolutely numb when I was done. I swapped my long lens (70 - 300MM) for the mid-range one (55 - 200MM), set the camera to autofocus and just used the sports setting. I was able to capture what I think were some great pictures! The pain was occasionally shown, but the smiles were rampant! I came home with some great photos of Melanie, Sara, and Lori, and believe that they will be very pleased with the outcome! What was funniest was that people were posing, giving thumbs up, and making silly faces for the camera. I think a few people will be looking for pictures soon!