Note from the Top: Group mentality

[jamin brazil]

Group mentality

Hello everyone. Summer has definitely arrived now hasn't it? Time
for our runner sock and watch tan lines to arise and be shown as
badges of honor. Coach's wardrobe will reflect the lack of socks on
hands and the thoroughly sweat-soaked shirt greeting us on Saturday
mornings. Yes, it can be hot, but hey, it's Fresno. Everyone who
trains here will have a leg-up on anyone who trains in less
challenging heat, just so you know. So look at it as another training
tool to push us to progress and develop as runners.

At the end of May, our Run For Estel, was a SMASHING success. Our
last-minute race director Andrea came through as only she could
(applause here). I am at a loss for the words to describe how our
club came together for a member in need. Estel herself came up to me
on race day and pointed at our logo saying how it gave her strength.
Looking at the turnout of people who did the run for Estel I can
understand how she feels. However, I must note that it is Estel's
smile that gives me strength and should for all of us. Estel's
attitude, smile, beauty, and demeanor show nothing of the battle that
she in undergoing and are only a slight reflection of an inner
strength which cannot be paralleled. While (finally) she is easing
off her training to focus on her health, (and that is the right thing
to do Estel!) her spirit still burns and have no doubts that she will
be out again with us in the future.

To continue on detailing success, our ANNUAL (!!!) picnic went off
quite well. Seemed to me that good times were had by all ages. I
must humbly accept defeat to Becky in the Oreo eating challenge (by 3
lousy cookies) BUT make note of how she got spanked (SPANKED!!!!!) in
the stroller races (by yours truly, thank you very much. Team SRC
baby!). I must also pass along the crash-and-burn award to Farshad
and Rosa for what might be the ultimate highlight reel of crashing
while stroller racing. Farshad later redeemed himself by holding his
own in the spew challenge. Again, props to Andrea (wow, she's all
over the place!) for the organization of this spectacular event. I
also give thanks to everyone who cooked, cleaned, and organized events
for us. Hopefully, future years will prove to be as productive.

Finally, there is still room on the bus (and hopefully the race) for
the Angel's Island trail run. Go to envirosports.com to sign up and
then email this page to get added to the list. Just another thing
that the Sierra Challenge Express has going on. It's good to be a
member of and outstanding group! Till next time....

Scott
President.....and picnic champ!