2010 Lincoln Marathon Wrap-Up

What an adventure! My training for the half-marathon began on Jan. 7th with the Marathon Training Class from the Ann Ringlein at the Lincoln Running Company. The first night of class I was completely clueless and had questions like, "Where do I run? How do I know how far I've gone?" Some were very practical ones like, "Where do I put my keys?" After getting a grip on the basics... I was ready to roll with it. My training plan was 17 weeks long and included 82 runs totaling 351 miles. I did every single one of them, with gusto. The result was an overall pace improvement of more than 3 minutes/mile (compared to some paces I ran early on in my training) and a finishing time for the race that made me happy (despite the included time for a bathroom pit-stop.... mother nature cannot be bossed around!). Goal for next year: no bathroom breaks and a further improved pace that reflects that fact. :) Oh yeah, and I lost about 20 lbs!

Race day itself was a ton of fun and went something like this:

6:30 am: Emir drops me off for a meet up with my Marathon Class.

6:40 am: We head to the line-up area.

6:41 am: I realize that I forgot to give my jacket to Emir and spend a ridiculous amount of time/energy trying to decide what to do with it. I didn't bring my race bag to leave on the bag truck so.... I decide to hide it behind a bush and hope it will still be there after the race.

6:50 am: Hmmm... still trying to decide which pace to line-up with. I registered with a pace that I've since greatly improved upon.... but... not sure what to expect from myself when crossing through the starting line and don't want to get run-over or be in other people's way....

6:57 am: I run into a friend (Jennifer!) and chit-chat while the guns go off and we move our way through to the start (I'm still wondering if I lined up in an appropriate spot).

7:17 am: My turn to cross the start line.... Ready, Set, Go!

Mile 1: Wow! I've actually not been run over yet! Even doing quite a bit of passing... and am totally surprised by that. Someone shouts my name from the sea of spectators.... I flash them a smile and a wave. What fun! I see mom and dad along 16th street... This is also their first marathon experience (even as spectators). Glad I spotted them! They seemed to be enjoying watching so far.

Mile 2: We turn onto South Street. Surprised we got there already.... So far, so good!

Mile 3: Water station! We turn onto Sheridan Blvd., one of my favorite streets in the city.

Mile 4: So fun to see all the families with little kids hanging out and watching what must seem like a parade...

Mile 5: Seriously? 48th street already? I convince myself that I must surely be on my way to some sort of world record time.... Boston qualifying perhaps? (Just kidding!) Another beloved water station. I see my friend Michelle's mom and sister... I think I surprised them when I spotted them first. Ha!

Mile 6: We turn onto Hwy 2 and the bike path headed west.  It's gorgeous out! I cheer on the people around me while pressing ahead.

Mile 7: I see my old friend Kirk along the side of the path, whom I haven't seen since 'running' into him at the gym the morning Emir and I got engaged over 4 years ago! (Lame pun, cut me some slack, will ya? :)

Mile 8: Water! I see Rena on the route... Is she on a bike? She's cheering me on!

Mile 9: We turn onto 20th street... I spot several groups of friends cheering me on & notice some gorgeous homes I don't remember seeing before... may have to drive this with Emir later...

Mile 10: Finally! A porta-potty without a waiting line... eureeka!

Mile 11: A straight shot ahead is the finish line. I hear my name and turn to see Katie cheering me on!

Mile 12: Last water station... Trying my best to pep up the runners around me... "Hang in!" I tell them... "We're almost there!"

Mile 13: Entering the stadium to finish on the Husker's 50 yard line, I spot my parents again... just inside the entrance.  I shout, "Love you!" and barrel full-steam ahead towards the finish!

Emir had told me he wanted to take photos of the race, so I had no clue where or if I would see him along the route.... but knew he'd be at the stadium for my finish. I caught up with him just after I exited and gave him a triumphant hug.

PS: My jacket was still waiting for me behind the bush where I left it. :)

Here are just a small hand-ful of Emir's photos. This is the starting line (obviously).

This was the 33rd annual Lincoln Marathon and the first (I believe) to have the official finish line on the 50-yard-line of Memorial Stadium. How cool is THAT?

Emir caught this shot of Sammy Rotich as he finished the half-marathon in first place. His official finishing time was 1:06.32 with a pace of 5:05. Amazing!

All the different athletes have so many stories... to freeze them in an image can say so much in terms of commitment, perseverance and determination. I enjoyed this image Emir caught of Jason Kerkman approaching the finish line.

One of the perks of finishing at Memorial Stadium is the jumbo tron! It featured a split screen... the left showing the finish line, and the right showing runners as they approach the stadium.

Here's yours truly making a bee line to the finish!

After hugging Emir and catching up with my parents... I was anxious to sit with my feet up and stretch a bit. Emir captured the moment when my dad asked to take a photo with me and my medal. :) It's been years since I've participated in a sport where I brought home one of those. (Not since high school) Ok, that makes me feel old... ha!

(If you're wondering about my choice of music, it was an ecclectic mix featuring everything from Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz and Tom Petty to a wide array of international artists. I ran with one ear bud in and the other decidedly not. I loved hearing the other runners and the people cheering along the route... so for me, this was the perfect combo of music and ambient soundtrack.)

So, I think I'm officially addicted. Trying to decide what my next running goal/event will be. I like the idea of using marathons as an excuse to travel.... and Emir has recently started running with me.... so.... looks like the fun will be continuing... and I am pumped!

The 2010 Lincoln Marathon!

It's here! By the time this post goes live, I'll be in the middle of my first half-marathon! To say that I am excited would be a grotesque understatement... I am seriously PUMPED!  I was never a runner before I started training this January... and now.... I'm cranking out 13.1 miles and loving every second of it. I can't wait!

More after the race! For now, enjoy these photos Emir shot from yesterday morning's run.

PS: If you're looking for Jessica & Brett's wedding photos... they will be up on Monday! :)

Love Shoot: Ashlynn + Matt | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

I love working with clients who really 'get it.' Clients who understand that great imagery isn't about stiff poses and cheesing it up for the camera.... but rather about the entire experience as a whole and the spirit that flows from having a good time. :) These two were really comfortable in front of the camera.... and combined with their fun-lovin' free spirited attitudes,  it made for a great time! Those are some gorgeous eyes you have there Ash!

D-licious!

I love the purposeful, confident glance Matt tossed me in this shot...

Matt was so great at these from-the-gut laugh bursts! Turns out he's quite the photographer/animator/designer himself. You can see what he's all about on his blog. Way to rock it Matt!

So, so, so excited to be your wedding photographer in July guys.... it will be here before you know it!

Tulips + a Lion Cub

Just before leaving town last Friday for Michelle & Matt's love shoot in Denver, I felt compelled to capture some of the joys of our yard in spring. Lilac bushes, an apple tree, our deck and some tulips. One of these years I plan to learn a lot more about gardening.... but for now, even if I don't have a green thumb, I can still appreciate this gorgeousness!

Then.... there's Merki. For some reason, Emka never has a hair out of place... but Merki.... is a completely different story. Her knots got to the point where petting her seemed like it hurt more than it comforted... so I called up the groomer and took her in for her annual buzz cut (never really a pretty sight, it's obvious we don't groom her for aesthetic reasons... lol!). She doesn't seem phased as she looks out the window... such a little stinker!

I hope wherever it is that you find yourself this spring, that you're enjoying it!

Love Shoot: Michelle + Matt

Michelle and I go waaaay back. As in, since the 1st grade kind of back. We teased each other on the playground in elementary school. She humbled me on a regular basis in 5th & 6th grade band where we both played flute.... as well as at our piano recitals (which to this day, I still chuckle when watching on family videos. I surely embarrassed our piano teacher to no end...while Michelle & her sister Tami dazzled everyone in attendance).

In high school we studied photography together in Ms. Wilson's class, spent a good chunk of a summer together in Spain visiting my family, and generally speaking.... had a total ball!

Over the years, I can honestly say that I've seen very little that made her gush the way that Matt does. I remember telling Emir after the first time I saw them together, that I had a feeling about it.... and now.... I can rightfully say, "I told you so!" ;)

So Emir and I caught up with these two over the weekend in Denver where we spent the day just hanging out. I think what follows is truly a reflection of this mature, independent and adorable Colorado couple.

How gorgeous is Michelle's engagement ring? Uniquely antique... and completely her.... I love it!

Michelle and Matt recently repainted their kitchen from red to this bright green. Though I'm always the first to suggest that everything be painted red.... I can't say I don't like this color too!

So cute! I love the look on her face here....

Way to work the camera Matt!

Michelle always has an air of.... coziness about her. Whether it's the warm snugly socks she always wears, the warm drink that's usually in her hand, or her clean and simple taste in fashion/design... she exudes a very peaceful presence. Her house, of course... is no different. I love how her and Matt snuggle here...

Michelle & Matt are the proud parents of 'Mary' and 'Lucy.' The 'kids' are as much fun to visit as Michelle and Matt are! :)

I *love* this shot of Mary as she gives Lucy the evil death glare from across the room.... lol!

Michelle & Matt have an appreciation for culture, travel and the importance of global community. It manifests in their home with great artwork and a thought provoking library.

This is them on the porch of their darling first house. The amount of work, renovation and landscaping they've done is inspiring... What a team!

After lunch at Watercourse, we headed to Idaho Springs for some afternoon fun. (I'm equally in love with the ring seen on her hand here!!! May have to have something like it made.... 5 year anniversary perhaps?)

L.O.V.E this!

Of course, we couldn't leave without a visit to Red Rocks...

Then we headed to the park near their house...

Another L.O.V.E!

Michelle and Matt are super outdoorsy... so I thought it would be fun to make use of one of their tents. How cute is this!?

That's a wrap gang! :) We snapped this pic on Sunday morning as we were headed back to the airport.... I'm excited to see Michelle again this weekend for the Lincoln Marathon.... and even more pumped for their big day coming up in October! Love you!

A Journey of the Non-Traveling Kind

So I've been on a journey lately. Not the kind that involves an airplane, TSA lines, or over stuffed suitcases... but rather, a journey of ideas and education, which can be, in its own way,  just as exciting as a travel adventure! Since starting my half-marathon training, I've had a growing interest in improving my overall health. Exploring more about what that means, I eventually discovered Michael Pollan's book, "In Defense of Food." I just finished reading it and am surprised by how much I actually enjoyed it. I mean, I love to read.... but for some reason, his book was extremely compelling. It just seems to... make sense. His main point being that we need to quit eating processed 'food like substances' and instead, eat more real, actual food (old skool style, before it all began appearing in boxes....).

At first, this seemed like an overwhelming challenge. It means having to.... you know, cook. (Not just take things out of a box and toss them in the microwave.) This freaked me out for two reasons: 1) I don't know anything about cooking 2) my schedule is crazy, how am I supposed to make time to do something I'm so terrible at?

Well.... I got over it.

I realized that if I can't make time for my health now (and forever), I'd be in big trouble later. Who was I kidding!?

So, I've been cooking up a storm and so far... I haven't blown the place up! :) We've been enjoying whole-grain breads including pumpernickel and dark rye (and as soon as my new cook-book gets here, we'll be baking our own whole-grain artisan breads! Yummo!)

I've familiarized myself with Open Harvest where I can buy unrefined grains like quinoa and locally produced treasures like honey (in refillable containers!).

Buckwheat pancakes with pure, 100% real maple syrup have begun making a regular appearance on our kitchen table on the weekends. We kicked all artificial sweeteners and refined sugars to the curb (when was the last time you tasted real maple syrup? Incredible!).

I finished the last few chapters of "In Defense of Food" under the shade of our apple tree on a recent sunny day. :)

While soaking up the sun (and the book) I spotted this little guy. Isn't he cute? I bet the view is pretty great from up there!

One of the things that I've realized is.... the only way to really know what you're eating is to educate yourself. So, if you want to learn more about eating better and how it can affect your health, I can't say enough about the book. For the whole family, I also recommend checking out Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, an incredible series with the goal of improving the way we eat. The season finale just wrapped with a total of 6 episodes. Each one broken down into four 10-minute clips available on YouTube.

Learn. Eat. Enjoy & be healthy!

Love Shoot: Amy + Kyle | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

Amy and Kyle, sitting in a tree... k-i-s-s-i-n-g..... :) Are these two cute or what!? They first met here in town at Barrymore's... so naturally, we put in on out shot list. So fun! Kyle is from Valentine, Nebraska.... and wanted some shots in a location that reminds him of home. :) I *love* these! (Amy's J Crew bag is soooo her!)

This may be my favorite fave! Cute, cute, cute! Thanks for inviting me to work with you as your wedding photographer... I'm looking forward to November!

Down the Aisle: Sara & Alan | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

What a wonderful day for a wedding! Guests continually remarked with happy surprise that the weather for Sara & Alan's big day was so cooperative. But it's not just the weather that was perfect.... their entire day had the same magic touch as they waltzed through the ceremony, the trolley ride, a park and not one, but two bars... and ultimately, into each other's arms for their first dance. :) This is their story... in a few of my quick pick favorite images. :) Church: Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Flowers: Burton Tyrrell's Reception: Lincoln Station Catering: Premiere Catering Transportation: Ollie the Trolley

This little shutter snapper is none other than Al's nephew Louie. I spotted him hunting me with his camera for what seemed like a good 15 minutes during the ceremony. Needless to say, it was quite entertaining... I'm anxious to see what he ended up with!

Afterwards, the cousins couldn't wait to get on the trolley!

I'm luvin' Liam's freckles!

As their wedding photographer, I suppose it's slightly possible that I am biased.... but this is just plain gorgeous!

The girls look so great in their dresses!

Of course, the men made the suits look good too!

Sara surprised me when she added the flower to her hair after the ceremony.... fab!

Before making their grand entrance.... the crew decided to make one more pit stop.... where I happily snagged this gem: = LOVE!

If there's one thing I love almost as much as cool bridal hair pieces/veils.... it's suspenders... ladies, are you with me!?

And this, ladies and gentlemen... was their first dance.... a waltz.

And they lived happily ever after. :) Congrats you two... and safe travels!

Little Bro is Gettin' Hitched | Nebraska Wedding Photographer

I can't believe my baby brother is so.... grown up. He was the kid who never wore normal clothes.... it was super hero costumes only. He had the most incredible golden curls that flopped around his face in the summers and though he may not care to admit it now.... he was my little buddy. With dad at work and mom knee deep in her P.h.D. program, I was the oldest of all four of the kids, and was happy to embrace the role of big sis... taking it very seriously. :) He was my little brother, after all! He and Jamie have been together forever, and this summer... they are officially tying the knot. Both students, if they're not in class (or running to/from), they can usual be found studying. Jamie just switched to early childhood education, and Nick is pre-med. Over the years, I've repeatedly teased Nick that he is sooooo much like me (much to his everlasting frustration....) but, as he's getting older.... I like to think (and hope!) that I am also much like him in the sense that he is incredibly self-disciplined, focused... and capable of anything he puts his mind to. :)

His razor sharp focus at the moment is set on working his butt off to prepare for his upcoming MCAT exam. When I say 'butt off,' I mean.... the kid studies like nobody's business. His practice exams have scored him as high as 41 (he's already in the top 1%, and hasn't even taken the real test yet!). On top of rockin' grades, a killer study regimen, and of course, his ongoing dedication to his workouts (he has been obsessed with the study of physical fitness since he was about 12).... he is also a proud papa of little Cole... who will make an appearance as the 'best man' in the wedding this July.

And all of that makes me one proud big sister. :)

He and Jamie are quite the team. The support I see from Jamie towards them as a family and especially towards Nick is inspirational. They are simply adorable to watch... as the pictures show. :)

Of course Cole was with us for our shoot..... How could we not bring him??? Look at that face!!!!

I love this shot. Jamie has morphed into the role of 'mom' with such grace.... she just looks so classically elegant here... even while Col-e jumps on her. :)

I love the old Coke bottle here... (no, he's not really drinking it!)

Yay for the end of July! :)

Getting Silly at Chicago's Second City

With the 2010 season on my heels, I thought I'd take a quick break from wedding photography for a few short days to pop over to the windy city for something entirely different - a 3-day intensive improv/writing workshop at Chicago's famed Second City. Having never studied improv before, I wasn't sure what to expect... but I was determined to have a good time and explore something that was entirely new to me. The weather in the city was amazing...

I completely hit a home-run with my hotel choice (this is me in the elevator....)

Two days in this swank spot for $100 (including tax!)? Yes please! Plus, it was located right near the intersection of Grand and Michigan Ave., in the heart of the famed Magnificent Mile (not that I did any shopping.... but... it did make for great window browsing while running to the lake front to put in my requisite mileage every morning!).

I lived in Chicago off/on for roughly 4 years after college, and one of my favorite things about the city is the incredible public transportation. The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) makes it super easy to get around and even makes use of impressive technology that lets you input your starting/ending locations, then it tells you not only the route/transit connections you need in order to get where you want, but it even tracks the buses/trains telling you when the next one is arriving, and how long it will take you to get to your destination. I was blown away!

Much of Chicago's 'subway' is actually elevated above ground (hence the name the 'el train'). It makes for lots of fun when coming from the airport with a suitcase. :) Good thing I travel so light!

I took advantage of this travel opportunity to test out my new purse/camera bag made by my friend Maile (Relish Portrait Studio). The bags are called 'Epiphanie' bags... and it meant that I didn't have to carry a purse AND a separate camera bag. (Plus, I *love* the color!) I took out the adjustable partition inserts so that there were 3 compartments: one for my camera, one for the 2nd lens I bought, and one for all my 'purse' type stuff.

People watching on the trains...

This young lady, Anika had *the* coolest hair and sunglasses... I mean.... look at her! I felt absolutely compelled to ask if I could shoot a couple shots of her, so with my best "I'm-Not-A-Creep-I-Promise" self-introduction.... she obliged. Turns out she's in a band. As soon as I finish this blog post I'm sending these images to her. :) Thanks Anika!

I think this one is my FAVE!

Second City is in Piper's Alley in Old Town at North & Wells. I love the energy up there.... so much buzz! (Maybe it's from all the Starbucks in the neighborhood.... there's one right inside Second City that is open 24-hours!)

In case you're not familiar with Second City, it's the fertile breeding ground for amazing comedic talents like Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, Chris Farley, Dan Aykroid, Gilda Radner, etc.... Over the years, many of the stars from Saturday Night Live got their training at the Second City conservatory. Pretty incredible!

This was our home for three days. A simple classroom consisting of wide open space, an L-shaped bench and peppered with a few chairs. Truly a space of limitless potential... it became many different things over the course of the class.

The main messages that I took away from this exploratory 3-day session were in-line with Second City's 'collaborative' philosophy. Our teacher, Nick, taught us that in improv... there are no bad choices. Only choices, and better choices. Every choice that we make is a gift that we give to the other players in the scene with us. It is our duty, as scene collaborators, to accept and honor the choices each other makes. This is done by continually saying 'Yes and...." to each other. Not literally of course, but figuratively. It's kind of like a game of tennis where players serve the ball back and forth to each other all across the court (I'm just guessing... I've never really actually played tennis... but then again, until this week... I had never really studied anything about improv before either!). When another player in the scene makes a choice and tosses the ball back to you.... it's your job to accept their serve (whichever direction it may have gone in), run to it, embrace it.... and send the ball back to keep the game going.

One of my favorite things that I heard Nick say, was that in terms of the creative process, the word 'no' is an act of violent opposition. Kind of like when someone serves you a ball in a game of tennis... and instead of going for it... you just stand there and let it hit the ground. Not much fun, not much of a game.

The players in a scene are all responsible for helping each other out and making choices that support the choices everyone else is making. Nick said, "It's your job to make the other players look good." Sounds like good advice for life in general... don't you think? :)

Our days consisted of a series of 'exercises' where we would explore movement, shape and the transformation of all those things. We were often given a location, and in pairs or groups of three we were asked to bring the scene to life. There were usually some interesting rules/restrictions such as only being able to speak in 1 word sentences, or sometimes not being able to speak at all. One of my favorite exercises was done in pairs with one person pretending to be a poet, reading a poem (whose title was randomly generated by someone else in the class) in a make believe language while the other person served as the interpreter doing their best to give shape and reason to the jibberish and body language the 'poet' was supplying. I was continually blown away by the incredible material that would seem to come from nowhere in only a matter of minutes!

Having just come off of my experience writing the (hopefully) comedic "Uncle Bob" piece, I was really excited for the writing section of the workshop. We learned to explore dialogue, emotion, needs/wants and obstacles to make scenes that carry their own weight.

Of course, when it comes to improv.... there is no writing. You make it up as you go, completely on the spot. It was fascinating to realize that like any art form.... there is a structure that makes it possible. There are principles to learn and techniques to study. (This was very encouraging, as I always just thought that improv professionals simply woke up knowing it all... go figure!) Much of it centers around learning to let go of control and go with the flow. This was probably the hardest part for me as not only am I a total control freak maniac, but I have a very hard time just being 'silly' and doing things that at first glance appear to lack significant purpose. Of course, sometimes, having no purpose... *is* the whole purpose. :)

The other people in the class came from all across the country and even from as far away as Canada. With diverse backgrounds and spanning various age groups, it was an eclectic mix, held together with a thread of common interest in this art form/life skill.

What a great experience. Thank you to all the players for continuing to pass me the ball with a big "Yes and...." :)

As an added bonus, I managed to squeeze in an opportunity to connect with photographer friends Kenny Kim, Kenny Nakai, and Matt & Stevie Savage for an outdoor dinner on a gorgeous Chicago evening. So glad we could make it happen guys!