New Equipment

My trusty Blackberry, my constant fellow companion in synchronized running/photography, is no more.  It was given up by me in the name of simplification. 

Since I used both the mp3 and camera features of my Blackberry nearly every day, my dear husband gave me the go ahead to buy an ipod.  I ordered a super fancy one but then canceled after reading the horrible reviews about the camera feature.  It didn't make any sense to pay for a lot of features that didn't suit my purpose.

I instead decided on an mp3 player and an ultra compact camera.  I ordered the camera today.  After much research I chose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LC.  It had great reviews for a compact, and I found a great price... we shall see if it does the job.

In the meantime, I found a fun link from someone else who loves to run and take pictures~ Enjoy!

10 Trail Running Photography Tips

Reconnection

I went running today for the first time in weeks.  It's been since my kids got out of school for their summer vacation, in fact.  A too comfortable bed seems to be the culprit of my jogging stall. 

I went this morning though!  I jogged the full 6 miles of the 'magic dirt road', and it reminded me all of the reasons that I love to run.  It also reminded me of the reasons I don't want to be my primary focus.

I don't want weight loss to be the driving motive.  I can't deny that running has helped me maintain a steady weight over the last year and a half.  But it's been a by-product of doing something I love, not the main benefit.  I have to admit, I have gained a couple of pounds this last month.  The running went away, but my love of all things chocolate didn't.  Even so, as I restart my goal of getting out there regularly again, I refuse to let that be my main concern.  I know me; that reason just isn't good enough to get my sleepy self out of bed earlier than my life dictates.

So why do I love to get out there and do something that a lot of people equate to masochistic self-torture?

As I was out there this morning, I began to reconnect with my body.  Of course, the first parts of it that spoke to me were my legs and my lungs. It was like being with old friends after a long break of no communication; a little awkward and painful.  But it didn't take long to find that old familiar rhythm. 

After a few minutes I could feel my heart speed up, and it felt good.  I remember when I was younger that the feeling my heart pounding with work would almost frighten me.  Anymore I enjoy knowing that my heart is strong enough to endure what I am asking of it.

Almost immediately my mind calms.  I feel the stresses of life lighten as I focus on breathing.  Very much of the time, my thoughts will wander to 'bigger picture places' where I can appreciate my life without the weight of daily grind worries. 

Around twenty minutes into a run, my senses intensify in a positive way.  Every cool breeze blowing against my skin feels deliciously cool and appreciated, the smell of summer (or of any of the other seasons) couldn't be sweeter, and the beauty surrounding me is really seen by me, not just something I pass on the way to a destination.  Wildflowers, the blueness of the sky or even dark clouds on the horizon seem to beg to have their picture taken.  It is a very rare run when I don't have to come to a complete stop and take a picture with my trusty cell phone. 

Life just feels better, sweeter, and just bigger when I get myself out there to run.  That is the big reason I will keep getting up and going down that road.

So, this is a place for myself and other runners who love to capture an appreciated moment.  Now we can share our moments with each other.


A Beautiful Day (Cell phone style)