Sunday, August 31, 2008.  As soon as I arrived at the L.A. Coliseum I immediately posted up inside the media zone where celebrities and world-class athletes arrived for the Nike Human Race.

What a weird space to be in.  I never thought of myself as a paparazzi-type but as soon as the celebrities and athletes came strolling through, it was feast or famine in order to snag the best shot and interview.  Surprisingly, however, most of the photogs were pleasant (though I can't really say the same for some PR people – eh, get over yourselves already, I say!).

Anyhoo, my first shot and interview came from gold medalist and LA Sparks center, Lisa Leslie.  I've always heard great things about Lisa Leslie – and she didn't disappoint.  Leslie's personality was warm and welcoming, a refreshing encounter.  Though I like to think I'm tall for the average female, homegirl towered over me as I grabbed a quick interview with the gold-medal-wearing athlete.

 
Also while in the media zone, I snapped some shots of actors and actresses, including Jerry O'Connell, Jason Priestley, Tiffany Amber Thiessen, and The Great Debaters actress Kimberly Elise.  I also got a chance to sit down with Elise and talk about the race.  I found out that Elise is a former track athlete – (hey, I have something in common with the critically acclaimed actress!)

                                  JERRY O'CONNELL

                                            JASON PRIESTLEY

                       TIFFANY AMBER THIESSEN

                                  KIMBERLY ELISE

While participants were running around the city, American Idol judge and host extraordinaire, Randy Jackson, stayed behind and chatted up with some news media.  Jackson helped host the event throughout the night.  Cool dude, and yes, he really is da man.

                                          RANDY JACKSON

Check out all the cool interviews I snagged below!  Great night, indeed.

Kanye West and Common performances coming up!