By David Freeze
China Grove runner has bright future!
James Anderson got into running around 2019 when he saw banners for a 5K race in Kannapolis. He signed up for it and has loved chasing new running goals ever since. Anderson said, “Later, going into my freshman year of high school, my buddy Clinton invited me to run on the cross-country team, which ended up being an awesome experience! Running is special to me because of the journey it takes you on. Every run is different and comes with its own challenges. You never really know what you’re going to face whenever you head out for a run, and that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.”
All runners have special memories. Anderson recounted those at the top of his list, “Some of my favorite running memories are the friendships I have made through the sport. Racing with my friends from Carson High School at the state championship, where we placed third, is one memory that stands out in particular. And for the past few years, my family has gone down to Ocean Isle Beach on the weekend of the Ocean Isle Half Marathon. It has been really fun getting to race at the beach, and recently, the half marathon has become my favorite distance to race. My biggest goal is to qualify for and run the Boston Marathon. There is still a lot of work to do before I get there, but it is the dream.”
Anderson’s parents are Kevin and Melanie Anderson, and both are very involved at their church, First Reformed in Landis, and are a huge encouragement to James in both his running and his faith. He also has a sister, Kathie, and her husband, Landon. They are huge pickleball players and are the main reason James got into his new hobby.
Always busy, Anderson works at the South Rowan YMCA, where he cuts grass, runs a weed-eater, and helps with whatever else needs doing in maintenance. He is also currently a junior at UNCG, where he is majoring in sports management.
Hobbies include watching Seahawks football as a lifelong fan, not just a bandwagon add-on. Anderson also enjoys playing pickleball and beach volleyball. He said, “Recently, I have been wanting to get into hiking more after taking a trip to the mountains with some friends over the summer. I also really enjoy listening to faith-based podcasts.”
He continued, “I am the youth ministry intern at FRC, where I work alongside Shane Roberts to encourage and support the youth at the church. It has been such a privilege to work with Shane, and he has taught me so much about youth ministry. I am also on the production team, where I run the sound system for Sunday services. I also play guitar and sings with the worship band on Sundays and for our Students United Nights with James Clifford.”
Anderson was originally planning on doing something in the sports management world, but being involved at First Reformed and working in youth ministry has led him down a different path than originally planned. He said, “I am now planning on becoming a youth pastor. I have enjoyed working with students and serving at First Reformed, and I believe God has been using those experiences to show me that youth ministry is where I want to serve in the future.”
Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,
Running and racing locally goes into high gear next week with the first of six October races. On Saturday, October 3rd, the Faith in Motion Liberty 5K and Fun Run will be headquartered at the church’s ballfield. All proceeds will benefit the Liberty Community Church Youth Fund. The church is located at 3940 Liberty Road, Gold Hill. For more information, call Teresa Shaw at 980-305-3108.
Look for this and a full slate of upcoming events at www/salisburyrowanrunners.org
