There are so many things I love about the GW Parkway Classic–the race is well-organized, the course is lovely, and Port City sponsors their beer garden. 😉 For the past few years, they’ve also had FREE race photos from Swim Bike Run Photo–what’s not to love about that? Well, I’ve learned that just because a race photo is free doesn’t mean I will want it.
When I first saw my photos for the 2015 GW Parkway Classic, I didn’t like them. I decided that they weren’t even worth downloading and closed the browser window.
But then I realized that they capture what a PR looks like. I shared in my race recaps that I worked hard for my recent PRs, and these pictures reflect that effort.
Instead of wishing that I had more flattering race photos, I need to remember that it’s those tough moments that lead to these big smiles.
[Tweet “What a PR looks like #Runchat “]
Do you usually like your race photos?
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No, I usually don’t like my photos. Great way to think about it, though. So true.
I actually have liked most of my race pictures but not the cost! 🙁
I have the GW Classic on my 201/2017 list-i. Have heard great things about it 😉
Congrats on your PR!
Thanks! I love the GWPC! Feel free to email if you have any questions!
I am so inspired by this. I’m not a runner but this inspires me in others way to keep pushing and get down to the nitty gritty with my goals. Congrats on your PR, my little Coco Puff!
Oh my gosh! You are the epitome of killing it to reach your goals! It’s your badassery that inspires me!
Love this! You worked your butt off and you should be proud of your photos! Congrats again.
Thanks so much, Deb!!
YES.
I swear Im so so so glad there are not photographers around during my tough LIFE MOMENTS.
Id not wanna buy the pictures.
Just hope the Tornado isn’t capturing them on the sly on posting them to her secret page! 😉
Yes!!!! That’s the picture of what hard work looks like. Way to go!!! But I’m with you, my first look at most race pics is cringe worthy. Do I really look like that running?
YAY! Love this! I am all about actually using the energy to run faster, rather than making sure you look good for the camera. However, I have to admit, for london my race photos do not look like they usually do as I was having fun…and I did PR, but towards the end, there are definitely some ugly looking photos haha. But you are right, the happy smiles should be for the end of the race 🙂
Oh, yes, that’s a great way to look at it too. I try to smile for photographers early on, but don’t usually see them until it’s too late!
The 20k we ran 2 weekends ago had free photos. We posed together, yet the dumb photographer editor people separated us in the final edit. We were obviously together! Free can be disappointing.
I like your point here though! Maybe a good mantra “Run ugly”
Oooh, I like that mantra! You and John are so cute! I can’t believe the photographer split you up. Next time you’ll have to hold hands and skip by. 😉
I know what you mean. I don’t typically like how my race photos look (or the price) but this – this IS what a PR looks like and all the hard work, passion and dedication that goes into it. Congrats on your PR!
Congrats on the PR! My race pics usually show me with eyes closed or tongue out. I do love that more races are offering free downloads. The prices of prints have gotten so out of hand.
I think it’s a vicious cycle – the prices are high to cover expenses when only a fraction of runners buy the pictures, but then few buy them because they are so expensive!
Thought it was a great picture! Showed how hard you fought for that PR!
Thanks — I sure did!
I love this race photos of you! They show how hard you’re working for those well-deserved PRs! The only race photos I’ve ever liked are a couple my husband has taken. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten one of the professional pics – just too expensive!
My race photos are usually horrific but I love your perspective on “bad” race photos. You are totally right, PR’s usually aren’t pretty but they are so worth it!!!
Absolutely!!! For a while I had a good track record with my photos, but lately they have gotten much worse and I can’t blame a PR on them 😉
I like your race photos! You’re working hard, and it shows! I like my 5K photos far more than my marathon pics. The marathon pics always caught me in the downward stride where it looked like I was ready to collapse on the ground. I actually look like I’m running hard in my 5K pictures! 🙂
You can tell you are busting a**. Like you said, PRs do not come easy!
I am so excited I found your blog! Great job on the pR and awesome pace! I am a lawyer and a mom and a runner too! Bookmarking your page now!
Nice to meet you too!
Run Ugly – love it!
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So inspiring. Good lesson here to look past the surface at the bigger picture. 😉
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