A Cast of Athletic Characters

Next time you go to a road race or triathlon look around you... and do a little "people watching". If you are a "race junkie" like me you may have noticed some similar characters there like I have at the races. It is fun to be a part of this social network -- sometimes every weekend if you race in the region, you meet and get to know many amazing people. But where ever you go you might recognize some of the same "characters" that show up. :)

The question was asked on dailymile a few days back "What personalities at the races annoys you?" and "What race etiquette or pet peeves annoy you the most".... someone must have been on edge at a race recently to ask these type of questions so close together.  Anyway - I came up with personalities that you may see at races where ever you go. These characters are identified from my days as a triathlete - I hope you find it as  funny as I do. 

MCM 2009 feeling fit!

1. The "Flash" - They think they are so "hot" and walk around like they are better than everyone else with their high priced equipment and clothes. I love to pass these people in the race. Sometimes you find them in the shower area immediately after blow drying their hair to look "hot" for the award ceremony. 

2. The "Yen" - They are "one" with themselves & sit around focusing on the side of the event, find a hill put your hands together and start chanting - you will find them everywhere. :) I can relate to this group the best - so I am not poking fun (seriously) 

3. The "Social Climber" - They try to act like they are building up a group for political office, try to be exclusive & ask where "Shirley, Jackie, and Louise" are today because they missed them last race. They usually clump together at the award ceremony too. I avoid these people like the plague. :)

Our favorite Studmuffin Charlie - kidding! 

4. The "Rookie" - first race or first BIG race, this person is wide eyed and wheeling their "10-speed" to the rack (maybe even a mountain bike) - no speedo, but owns goggles (whew!). Sometimes you just have to reach out and let them borrow your Glide or an extra towel because they really had no idea what to expect. I remember when I fit this description! :)

5. The "Cinderella" - She (or he) is new to the scene, fit & ready to compete, not quite the top of the line "stuff", but not rags either -- This is another version of the newbie, yet a little more on the ball and kicks everyone's butt out there! Upsetting all those "Social Climbers" :) You go girl! Find your Prince Charming! 

6. The "Stud-muffin" - Think little black comb hidden in their pocket to use at just the right moment. Quiet but strikingly gorgeous, just sitting in the background - not a winner, but always ends up with the girl. He doesn't come to win. He comes to conquer. You find him in the chaise lounge at the award ceremony in the back. He isn't hard to miss.

My favorite Chatty Cheerleader Friends at Boston 2011

7. The "Chatty Cheerleader" - Does she ever shut up? How can she get enough oxygen to compete when she talks so much? Do you think she has something to offer on EVERY subject? All negativity aside the Chatty Cheerleader is making friends with everyone and is there to cheer them on all thae way to the end, even when she is walking to her car and the last participants are crossing the line!  This is me. To a tee. :)

Do you recognize these characters - - Is anyone else out there worth mentioning? I can find a little of each of them in me (almost). I am sure you can think of other characters that I may have missed! Enjoy your next race and take a minute to look around and observe those fun people everywhere! 

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - Skiing in Style!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday Skiing in Style


Routine
This is Max. 
It's all a routine for a skiing family. The benefits of your children skiing in the Development Program at Mount Snow really makes skiing fun and a routine that fits the winter life at Mount Snow. He is a freestyle skier and at 13 is comfortable skiing every where! We skied the park at Carinthia, the trees, steeps on the Northface, Yard Sale and even "Ripcord" which is the steepest of them all. Such fun -- such a great routine!

Music
This is Barb. 
When in Vermont we think of the Sound of Music! The hills are alive with the sound of music - indeed! Such a beautiful photo of my dear friend and ski racer mom. Love the view of Stratton Mountain from Bromley!

Technology
This is Olivia. 
She is an amazing athlete & skier. Failed technology was in the stars at the race this past Sunday at Bromley. Many of the boys and girls "stepped" right out of their bindings. . . You can see how when she hit the burm (edge of the track) she steps right out of her binding and crashes to the ground. She was utterly disappointed and so so sad. You can see her father comforting her in the shots below. These kids push themselves so hard, that when a crash like this happens it really affects their psyche.

Show Me Your Style
This is Danny. 
This 9 year old boy is true inspiration. His edge angles, body position and line is always so exact he is a joy to watch & show others as a perfect example. The best part about this boy is just so sweet & nice and caring of all his friends. You can see the love of the sport of skiing in his face every time he competes. I made an album of his ski racing last year and it shows his style -- so perfectly. 

Mismatch
This is Kayla. 
All the colors of the GS suits are actually hard to match if you get various colors! This is such a beautiful colorful display of matching or mismatching of a colorful style! I love how these colorful GS suits POP out in the snow!

Hope you like my selections this week! It has been a fun winter photographing and getting to know these 7,8.9 and 10 year old little athletes! ;) Please leave a comment if you stop by!