Trail Running
Still below tree line, but a nice opening allowing for views of the nearby mountain peaks. Looking forward to adventuring higher into the alpine.
Overall I live a generally active lifestyle, from getting out snowboarding to hiking in the mountains, to even just biking around town. While not all overly physically demanding they keep me in decent shape. One thing I have always struggled with though is doing a regular exercise routine. This is fine in the middle of winter when I’m getting out nearly every day. There are times when I find myself on the computer for days on end, editing photos, and realize I haven’t done anything physical. Normally this happens in the spring when I’m trying to finish up all my imagery from the winter, and in the fall when it starts getting rainy.
This spring was no exception, and probably even amplified due to being restricted in activities as a result of Covid-19. I’ve spent hours on the computer, finishing up work from the winter, and trying to get my archive even more organized.
A scenic trail backed by Mount Currie.
Due to being a bit more sedentary, I knew I needed to try and be more proactive about getting exercise. I couldn’t just let it be an added benefit of getting outside, I needed to prioritize it. I’ve run throughout my life playing sports but the idea of getting out to just run never appealed to me. This probably stems from the fact that I never took the time to do it long enough to actually get past the initial pain and get excited about it. Last fall I started running more regularly, and when spring came around this year I was eager to get out.
I originally started running on the dyke behind my house but slowly started to explore the trails by the local lake. The more I did it the more enthralled I became with running. While I’m still incredibly slow, and usually gasping for breath, I’m still intrigued by getting out.
I’ve been going up and down trails that I knew were there, but I have never checked out. Finding mountain lookout points I never knew existed. This, of course, is how photography comes into play. Being a photographer, I have a difficult time looking at something and not seeing the potential images of an area. The idea of shooting trail running appealed to me, essentially landscape images with an added human element.
Not knowing any runners I decided to use myself as a model first. This allowed me to try out some shot ideas to later implement with an athlete.
Hopefully, I stay motivated to keep running and I’m looking forward to more running adventures higher into the alpine, and the potential shooting opportunities that go along with this.
Are you a runner? Lets coordinate and get out to shoot photos – shoot me an email info@bengirardi.com
Excited for the adventures and the locations I’ll be able to go with trail running. Up above the Pemberton Valley.