Project 52 Photography Challenge | 4/52: Pieces of Me

Posted on Jan 30, 2015 in Art?, Project 52 | 11 Comments

Every Sunday morning, we are given our new theme for the Project 52 Photography Challenge. We are 4 weeks in, and so far, for the first 3 weeks, I’ve had to do a bit of thinking about what I would photograph. This week, however, I knew right away. This week’s photography theme is “pieces of me”. Of course, many things came to mind- my husband, my son, my home, my camera & photography. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful loving family, a nice home and a career that I absolutely love.

However, if I had to pick one piece of me, that really truly defines me, it would be my running.

Project 52 Photography Challenge | 4/52: Pieces of Me

running shoes

I found running by accident, in the sixth grade. Our gym teacher had us all run a mile around the track, but when I made that last lap for the mile, I didn’t feel like stopping and I just kept running. My teacher seemed overjoyed and was cheering me on. Quite frankly, I didn’t see what the big deal was. I ended up running a little over 2 miles that day and I remember feeling absolutely amazing afterwards. My teacher tried to get me further involved in formally training and even entered me in some races; however, it wasn’t something I really pursued. I wish I had though. As it turns out, I recently learned that my former teacher is a nationally respected African American female marathon runner, who in 1977 was ranked the 10th fastest female marathoner in the world! Who knew? I certainly didn’t at the time!

It wasn’t until after high school that I decided to start running. I went out one day and I was completely hooked. I didn’t quite realize how much of an impact running has on my life, until I suffered a minor running injury, in January of last year, that months of PT and specialists have not been able to heal. Having been “couched” on and off since June, I’ve come to truly realize just how much I love to run. It’s true what they say, ‘you never truly appreciate something until its gone’.

I’m just back to running this week, after a 6 week rest period and it is great to be back. I hope I never have to stop again.

 

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11 Comments

  1. Angie
    January 30, 2015

    I love your story when it comes to running! I could barely finish my mile in 6th grade, let alone run 2!!!! I can’t wait to see next weeks challenge!

    Reply
  2. lindsay
    January 30, 2015

    Good for you!!! I love your shoes!

    Reply
  3. Corey
    January 30, 2015

    Running is so great for you – physically and mentally! Glad to see you’re back doing something you love!

    Reply
  4. Sarah Borchgrevink
    January 30, 2015

    Lovely 52 week project! I enjoy running, too – keeps me young! ;) It’s great to have something you love!

    Reply
  5. Jiyeon
    January 30, 2015

    Sweet! I love running and the feeling of being alive as well! Keep up the good work! :)

    Reply
  6. gonzalo
    January 30, 2015

    I try to run 3-4 times per week I think its a great exercise :)

    Reply
  7. Laura
    January 30, 2015

    Great story ! I’m the opposite. I will only run if something is chasing me ! haha :)
    I love the post and composition of your photo !

    Reply
  8. Aly
    January 30, 2015

    I love the creativity of this shot! I love to run (: too bad we don’t live near each other, running buddies!

    Reply
  9. Effie L.
    January 30, 2015

    I won’t lie…I hate to run. Like seriously hate to run…but love to read about people who love it…

    Great story and cute photograph!

    Reply
  10. Michael and Carina
    February 2, 2015

    Good for you! Go for the gold!

    Reply
  11. Jennifer Smutek Photography Project 52 Photography Challenge | Week 5: Small
    February 5, 2015

    […] week’s theme is “small”. Unlike last week, I had to think pretty hard about what I wanted to photograph. I thought of taking […]

    Reply

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