Since I was working on a deadline when I posted the first round of photos from the USATF Cross Country National Championships I knew I could circle back at a later time and find a few more to post.  After all, I covered almost 7 miles during the day and captured 2,300 images!

I think one word could sum up these competitors.  Intensity.  Look at the faces, and the eyes.  Running at top speed for a long distance on soft and lumpy grass is no joke.  It takes focus and immense physical reserves.

Hopefully some of these images tell that story.

Nuta Olaru takes an early lead and goes on to win the Masters Women 6K

Simon Gutierrez taking charge early in the Masters Men 8K

Elise Cranny finished first in the Junior Women 6K – with a 51 second lead.  A huge gap at this level.

Bailey Roth working for his top ten finish in the Junior Men 8K

Amy Van Alstine breaks away in the Open Women 8K.  I had so many great photos of her, it was hard to pick just one.

Joe Gray breaks from his normal mountain running routine and powers to 4th place on the high altitude flats of a golf course in Boulder, CO

This was just a preview, the remainder of the set can be seen here.

As the Grand Prize winner of the 2014 calendar contest, I was appproached a few months ago to fill a volunteer position in leading a group of photographers around the trails of Roxborough State Park.  I immediately accepted and started making plans for how I could share this beautiful area with my fellow camera-geeks.  The meetup would act as a fund-raiser for the Friends of Roxborough State Park, and all proceeds go to support the educational and interpretive mission of Roxborough State Park.

We settled on three dates for the first half of the year; February 22, April 5, and May 17.  I was plenty nervous about the February date, but we lucked out and had a super morning.

I put a fair amount of time into a concept I thought would be fun to try.  I created a tri-fold brochure with some of my shots on the outside, and a map on the inside.  The map showed small images that I had taken on the trail we would be hiking as a group (Fountain Valley).  I included the exact location for each photo, along with the date/time and camera settings.  This gave us opportunities to discuss certain ones as we went, and also served as a little take-home item for the participants.  They were also treated to a complimentary calendar by the park at the conclusion of our hike.

I’m normally a fairly shy and reserved person, so the task of playing host for 3+ hours with a large group of strangers was a bit daunting.  I had to remind myself that I was there because of the recognition my photographs received.  Own it.  I also reminded myself that the group was there to enjoy the morning, see some cool things, and maybe learn a little bit.  My job was to lead and inform, but also stay out of the way.  That is a delicate balance at times.

Check out this beautiful flower shot from Russ.  I was too busy yapping and didn’t notice it, luckily he was paying attention.  I love how everything in the background is brown and dead, and the flower is springing forth out of the decay.  Plus – it’s February!!!!

Photo Credit: Russell Colletta

What a nice group of folks to spend my Saturday with.  It was great to break out of my shell for a bit and interact with them.

I consider the day a great success, and I hope the participants do as well.  I’m looking forward to doing it again!

Here is a link to get more information or to sign up for the next one:

April 5