As I write this, August is leaving us after some good fun. For the first time, the Chamber of Commerce dragonboat event was held in late August which worked out just fine. A first ever cool and cloudy morning greeted the SRR Waverunners as some new paddlers filled out the team. Boat skipper Steve Clark was happy with the win in the first race, and the faster second race, but was disappointed in the slower last race. Still, it was a great day getting to know the new team members and visiting with the friends on the other boats or as spectators.

     Just this morning, race director Amanda Lewis put together probably our best SRR Prediction Run.  Just 19 runners had finish times but those who did took home some big prizes. Alex Bruce was just four seconds off his prediction as he took home the new pair of shoes as the winner. Alex competes in races while wearing sandals and without socks. After also winning a pair of Feetures socks, I asked Alex if he would now wear shoes and socks to run and race. His answer, “No, I have trained my feet and legs to run in the sandals, and I like the flat feeling. I will gift these shoes to a coworker.” Steve Clark took home $50, Robert Money won free entry into four SRR races and Trevor Wooten won a pair of Topos shoes.

    Now we look forward to September and a very busy month. The fall Beginning Runners Class kicks off on Tuesday, September 8^th. The change to Tuesday from Thursday for this year only comes from the fact that SRR will again be timing several middle school cross country races on Thursdays this fall. Eight weeks of classroom instruction and running puts BRC graduation on October 27^th.

     SRR members will also lead the fall walking class at Rowan Helping Ministries, beginning on Monday, September 14^th and lasting for eight weeks. We need more SRR helpers on this. Just walk and talk! Let me know.

     Two races will also highlight the month, with the Run for the Word 5K and Fun Run taking over Landis on Saturday morning, September 12^th.  SRR Membership Director Lynn Furr is also the race director for this race and proceeds will help pay the salaries and benefits for South Rowan area Bible teachers. The state does not financially support this program. Walkers are especially welcome as are virtual runners. This is a flat course that begins and ends at Trinity Lutheran Church.

     The second race in September is the Sisters in the Fight 5K and Fun Run on September 26^th. This mission for the sisters is to support women by educating them on early detection and offering essential resources for those diagnosed with breast cancer, heart disease, and who are facing domestic violence.  Race location is Overton Elementary School in Salisbury. 

    As cooler temperatures take over, expect a full slate of October and November races.

    I always tell my granddaughter that ‘Imagination’ is my favorite word and hopefully will be hers too! We lost Dolly Parton late in August and that was her name for the free books that she gave to kids, 5 and under, through the library system. Those books were wonderful and we looked for them every month. And what better word to challenge yourself to do big things in your life, just as Dolly did!

     See you on the roads!