M . . .

. . . is for MARATHON

So . . . what do you know about Marathons?
Some quick facts :

The race is 26.2 miles long . . . more like 27 miles. Who can stop on a dime at 26.2 miles?

There are PROFESSIONAL Marathon runners. They are called the ELITE. Elite Men can run the race is about 2 hours. Elite Women can run the race in about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Many Marathon runners loose their toenails.

This year, The Chicago Marathon was capped at 45,000 runners.

This past week-end, 10-10-10, was the Chicago Marathon. First let me say, if you ever have a chance to see a Marathon, DO IT! You will be amazed at the dedication of the runners.

This is the second time that 2 of my children have run in the Marathon.

The first time I was able to see the beginning of the race. It starts with the wheelchair racers.

                                                              (Pictures from 2008)

Then come the ELITE

                                                                (Pictures from 2008)

This year, 2010, the first runner to cross the finish line was ELITE Runner, Sammy Wanjiru from Kenya. His time was 2:06:24. He also won in 2009. Liliya Shobukhova of Russia won the women's race with the time of 2:20:25, which is the new Russian Marathon Record.

Runners of Note:
Desiree Davila (USA) finished in fourth place and top American in 2:26:20, a significant personal best.

 Joan Benoit Samuelson (USA), now 53, finished in 2:47:50. And Heinz Frei (SUI), now 52, set a new wheelchair course record, finishing in 1:26:56.

The reason I go to the Marathon . . . of course it is because my children are running. BUT ... it is VERY hard to find the 1 person you are looking for in the race. In fact, we have never seen our son running. I go for ALL the runners. I enjoy seeing them and cheering them on. I know that I could never do this and I APPLAUD all who make this commitment.

                                                              Pictures from 2010
                             
                                                             ABC WEDNESDAY

NEW CAMERA

YIPIE!!! Today I bought a new camera. I LOVE my Canon EOS XT. It has been a wonderful friend for the past 4&1/2 years. I love the pictures it has taken. BUT ... for about a year now ... I have wanted to upgrade. Today was  that day. At the present time, my batteries are being charged. Look for pics soon!

UNIQUE F - flood

This week  UNIQUE EXPOSURE'S is featuring photos that begin with F. This photo was take 3 summers ago. The Rock River  had flooded over it's banks. Not that our area had a lot of rain, but areas from upstream had DAYS of rain. This is a park along side the river. Here you can no loner see the walkways or flowers,

Thematic Photographic 114 - Reflective

Cities are a great place to find all sorts of unique photo opportunities.
Here's a shot of  "The Bean" in Chicago.

~Reflective~

Thematic Photographic 113 - Transportation

I am trying a new Photo Meme this week hosted by Carmi Levy.

Transportation
This past summer we have spent several warm day traveling down river. It's a wonderful way to spend 3-4 hours on those lazy, hot days.

A NOTE TO MY FOLLOWERS...

You know who you are...
When I started this blog it was to be a summary of what was/is going on in my life.
What it has turned out to be is mostly a photo blog. Not that that is a bad thing. Photography is part of who I am. I am a School Photographer. I am one of those people who rises in the wee hours of the morning and drives to your child's school to make a memory of your child's school year. Because I also want you to know who I am, I have created a second blog.

All Things Point To The Past will be a glimpse of what is going on in my life. YES, there will be pictures on occasion, but mostly there will just be posts about what's going on with me and my life. I hope you will take a look at it, maybe make a comment or two, and even become a follower.

Please take a look and let me know you stopped by. :)

Violet