One of my favorite things about racing (running) is race photos. Looking at race photos is me and my husband’s form of Facebook, since we don’t have social media. We like to spend a few minutes looking at pictures of ourselves running. I’d say race pictures are better than selfies. They catch runners in action, blood, sweat, funny facial expressions, desperate last kicks, personal records (PR), friendly competition – all caught in the heat of the moment. It’s awesome.

Looking at race photos allows for some self-reflection. You know, in that self-focused social media type of way. “My posture is poor when I run.” “My shorts are too short, but my quads look good.” “My ponytail is too short.” “I look like an old man.” Race photos capture all runners and sometimes at various points on the race course. It’s funny looking at the pictures in retrospect: “I remember feeling like I was going to die at that point.” “I remember seeing those two running together.” “That guy was really fast!”

In addition to looking at race photos, we can compare ourselves to other runners via race results. For example, in the recent Tacky Sweater 5k, the first place female, who I was separated from by just one other female runner, finished nearly 4 minutes before I did. That’s a ton of time in a 5k (3.1 mile race). I don’t think I can keep her pace for 200 meters, let alone 3 miles. I predicted before the race when I saw her that she would win. She looked like a collegiate runner – long blonde ponytail, chiseled abs, long lean legs, crop top run wear. I saw both her and the second place brunette gal during the first mile when they were headed back the opposite way. Their paces didn’t look like fun to me. And they both appeared to forgo the tacky sweaters, which I did not. I wore mine. Maybe that’s what weighed me down.

I also enjoyed watching the video of the first place finisher in the Tacky Sweater 5k. He also didn’t wear a sweater, but a tight t-shirt with Elf (Will Ferrell)’s face on it. That guy moved at a 5:30 pace/mile. He didn’t even look tired when he crossed the finish line. It’s clear in both my photos and video that I was tired – lips were parted as if possibly gasping for air, face flushed. Thankfully that wasn’t a close-up selfie.

One can also learn a lot about others via racing – without even having to go on social media. I’ve come to learn the names, ages, paces, and hometowns of frequent race fliers. All thanks to the posted results, photos, and videos. Fellow race-goers are friendly and encouraging, one of the other things I love about racing. I’m honored to even run the same turf as the super speedy runners. And I’m grateful for their greatness and encouragement, which makes me a better runner (as I aspire to keep up with them). To all the runners who turn out, cheers. Here’s to many more tacky sweaters and intensity photos. ~