Monroe Aquatics & Fitness Center Dash ‘n’ Splash 5K and Birthday Bash! [Monroe, NC event photographer]

I was fortunate enough to be asked to photograph the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center Dash ‘n’ Splash 5K and Birthday Bash in Monroe, NC a few weeks ago.  It was also a special time because it was Tyler & Carter’s first ever 5K.

I’ll have to say, at first when they asked me to be the photographer for the race, I wanted so badly to say ‘no’.  I knew it would be a lot (and I mean A LOT) of work and I was overwhelmed a little when they told me they already had almost 300 runners/walkers registered!  All I could think about was having to get up early in the morning, stand at the finish line for an hour to hour and a half, squatting up and down the whole time, taking 300 runners photos….as I dodged them as they were running towards me so that I wouldn’t get squashed  Also, the thought of editing, posting them online, gathering orders, ordering the photos, packaging the photos, and delivering them.  Whew!!!  It is making me exhausted just thinking about it

Well, my wonderful and always positive, ‘cup is always half full not half empty’ husband managed to talk me into doing it.  And you know what…..I am SO GLAD I did.  I went for it.  I did it.  And I had the BEST TIME!  It was so neat getting to see each person’s face as they finally finished their 3.1 miles.  Some, it was their first race.  Some came through in tears and jumps of joy.  Some had many races under their belts, but the look on all of their faces were priceless……and I got to capture that moment forever for them.  And that is the reason why I am so glad that my husband got me to overcome my fear and do it.

Thank you Darrick for believing in me! 

Here are a few photos from the race.  I will not post any of individuals (since I always like to get permission first before I post people on my website).  But, I will post these of the start line and my two sweet boys….as they finished their first 5K

Congratulations Tyler & Carter!  We are so proud of you!!!