I got a text from Olive. She is an assistant coach for Track & Field at our local High School. Since she started coaching, she hasn't really been able to do our weekly hikes.
She invited me to come and watch a huge conference meet in town. It has been since ages since I've been around any Track & Field events. so I watched some of the Field events early after I hit the Farmer's Market in town.
I couldn't find Olive in the mass of people so I took my goodies home and made sure hubby had some fresh strawberry pie. He said he was fine with me going back to town to enjoy the meet.
But the possibility of trying out 'action' shots was too fun to ignore.
These kids were defying gravity in the most amazing ways. I was fascinated.
When I got back, I found Olive's hubby with their son Aiden. Aiden saw me and came running over with a handful of dandelions. They pointed out where Olive was. She came running to the fence and expressed how happy she was I came.
I pointed to my messenger bag and said I came prepared with my camera but I needed to find a good spot to see the action.
And then a funny thing happened. She called over the other coach and introduced me as her friend and neighbor. She followed with "Hey, she can be our official school photographer for the day!"
I was inside the fence and ready for a new challenge. I sure hoped I was up to it.
Why not try something new and out of my comfort zone of Legos and Fungi?
I think the hurdles were the hardest to get shots of. But as more of those races happened, I started to figure out where to stand and how to follow the action. It took me a bit to be able to pick out our home team's uniforms.
As kids came in to check in with Olive, she introduced me to them. An exchange student from Russia and I chatted. Her expression didn't change a bit when I told her the last time I'd been on a track and competed for a school was in 1976. She thought for a moment and then said seriously.
But you don't look like you're of that age.
I enjoyed her company and all of the others.
I learned to appreciate all of the effort that Olive puts into to her charges. She was in constant motion, running back and forth across the infield to encourage her runners.
Below she is encouraging a runner to really push through the finish line. She is that tiny lady with red hair and boundless energy.
Your photos are spectacular and they just might hire you to do all their events! Wow! Lori
ReplyDeleteThanks, I would donate my time for them. Being paid would feel like making something fun into a job.
DeleteI really enjoyed it. Best. Day. Ever! In a long time!
Great Action Shots! I looks like our high School Year Book Track pics. I was only in track one year. ( I was terrible..) But the pictures were always cool to check out.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was really quite fun.
DeleteAwesome, always fun to shoot different subjects!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I know the kids and their parents would appreciate them greatly!!!
ReplyDeleteYou got some really good action shots! I'm sure the kids will be thrilled to see themselves!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteYou got some great action shots. I bet Olive will enjoy your photos. I hope the wild fire smoke is missing your area, we are clear today but yesterday was awful. We are both together up north for a few days. Connie
ReplyDelete