Hello fabulous people!
How is the training/planning going?
The subject of photos came up a couple of times last week, and I remembered I'd said I'd post about it a while ago, but didn't get around to it 🙄
I'd just like to say before starting, please don't take this subject too seriously! You shouldn't really worry about the way you look in photos - as you will see below they don't represent the whole truth by any means. Ideally we shouldn't worry about how we look at any time, but of course many of us do, and there are things we can do to make ourselves feel more confident about ourselves running - which is the most important take-home message 😊😊😊
I've re-used a pic of me at my last parkrun (going back a few months now, unfortunately!). I'm no oil painting, but there are quite a few things that went well in this pic, and some things that could be improved, so it's not bad for illustrating some of my points. Also, although I realise it's a bit early to be talking about race photos, many of you will be able to try out these suggestions at your local parkrun.
Anyway, here are my tips:
★ Wear something nice!
Your clothing is a good place to start on the journey to fabulous! And after all, 'tis the season to go shopping 😜 Choose clothes that fit you well, are a colour that suits you, and that just generally make you feel good. I tend to go for blue a lot, although I think it's really a bit boring! I love oranges and reds, but they tend to make me look a bit pasty 😊 But I can get away with orange socks at least! Avoid the trap of trying to hide in baggy clothes, it really doesn't work, often just makes you look bigger. I have got this part wrong with my oversized, cheapo man's vest 😄 Also think about wearing dark colours on the parts you would like to look slimmer, but add in some splashes of colour where you can, if that's what you enjoy - and a tutu and tiara will work some proper magic 😊😊😊
You can accessorise to good effect too. I like a hat for various reasons, not least because it covers up my rubbish hair and massive forehead! But if you have great hair (and if it's not too windy), let it fly!! A pair of groovy sunglasses, where appropriate, can also really give you a lift.
★ Check your posture!
Slumping is never a good look. Lift your chin and get your shoulders relaxed, back, and down. Straighten your back and pull in your tummy. A trick I find really helps with this is to make sure my hands come up high in front of me, almost to my chin, with my elbows lifting behind. Don't just save this one for the cameras though, it's great for your running to check your posture regularly!
One mistake runners often make at the end of a race is to get papped looking at their watch! Wait until you've passed the cameras before stopping your Garmin - looking down at your wrist will definitely give you all the chins 😄
★ Speed up!
When you spot that camera, pick up the pace! What you will often see in race photos is the miserable effect of GRAVITY. As we land on the ground, everything goes South, we look saggy and heavy - sometimes it may appear as though we're not even running! This is unavoidable; you will always get some photos like this - take comfort in the thought that it is a mere moment in time and not the real you!
But you can help beat gravity in photos by speeding up, and exaggerating your stride. Professional photographers may take multiple photographs as you go by, so by picking up your feet and pace you can help them catch you in mid-air! Who doesn't love a "flying feet" photo??? Plus, as your legs are leaping, your whole body is moving upwards, taking away some of that dreary sagginess.
★ Smile!
This is my number one tip, and another that is not just for the camera. Smiling will lift your mood, lighten your step, and also help defy gravity!!! People love to see a runner smiling, and I have had so many great reactions from people when I smile at them, it makes my day! Don't get me wrong, sometimes a game face (aka grimace) is necessary as you struggle through the difficult parts of a race, but try to smile as much as possible, and ALWAYS smile for the finish-line cameras 😊😊😊
Here's to a bit of glamour, and happy running, everyone!
linda9389 & roseabi xx
December 17th, 2019
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Spring 2020 Half Marathon Group list: docs.google.com/spreadsheet...
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Welcome: healthunlocked.com/marathon...
Training plans: healthunlocked.com/marathon...
Let's get to know each other!: healthunlocked.com/marathon...
Getting the most out of your training: healthunlocked.com/marathon...
Food & drink on the run: healthunlocked.com/marathon...
