Our wonderful volunteers contribute to the overwhelming love and support of the Stroller Warriors® community— from our Chapter Coordinators to our Welcome Committee, each volunteer role carries a significant level of importance of fostering the mission to build happy and healthy military families. 
 
Our volunteers hale from various corners of the globe and represent all service branches—even our foreign nation partners! 
 
One of our chapter volunteers from Stroller Warriors Charleston, Emily H., generously gave her time and talent as the Special Event Liaison shortly after arriving from Australia!  Described as “sunshine in human form”, her ode created by the Stroller Warriors Charleston team portrays the warmth and genuine feeling of hospitality she contributed to the Stroller Warriors Charleston family:
 
To have met Emily is to know that she is sunshine in human form. She always has a smile on her face and encouraging words to speak. An Australian citizen, Emily arrived in a new country and immediately jumped right in making friends, getting involved, and serving her community, which truly is a testament to her resiliency and optimism.

Emily generously volunteered with Stroller Warriors as a special event liaison. During her time serving in this role she built a stronger sense of community within our chapter by organizing many fun events, including a kids’ cooking class, park playdate, and an outing to the corn maze. Emily has also led two online healthy eating challenges, cheering us on as we made sugar swaps and included more vegetables into our diets. Emily has a huge heart for serving others. Whether it be assembling blessing bags to send to Guam, helping out at the Airman’s Attic, or baking Christmas cookies for the Airmen in the dorms, Emily has shown time and time again that she has a heart of gold.
​
Emily is a dedicated friend who always shows up for others, whether it be a child’s birthday party or a baby shower. She has a special ability to build others up and make them feel amazing. As a military spouse of many years, Emily has so much wisdom to share and is a great model of staying strong through difficult times and embracing the joys of military life.
 
Emily’s dedication to altruism and sincere drive to radiate sunshine to others has not gone unnoticed.  Recently, Emily received the 628th Force Support Squadron Volunteer of the Year for 2023!  Please give a huge shout out and CONGRATUATIONS  to Emily!  

It is absolutely amazing to me that on 3 February 2024, I crossed the finish line of the Olympic Marathon Trials in 23rd place in 2:33:33. What I thought must have been just a childhood dream of making it to the Olympic Marathon Trials turned out to be a reality 20 years or so later. So many have asked me how I did it. The answer is tough to put to words. What I do know is that one major factor was the affect that becoming a military spouse had on me. When my husband joined the Army in 2018, I quickly realized that I was going to need to grow a thicker skin, a resilience, a ‘go with the flow’ attitude and most importantly a realization that I have a lot to learn. One of the biggest things that helped me keep it together through having kids and this military life, other that God and His Grace, was stroller pushing my way through it all! 

​I remember one day pushing our two littles in the double stroller and helping push the third on his bike up a giant hill on our daily route. Someone walking by made some really nice and funny comments about how crazy I looked. I never thought of it as crazy. It was the best part of my day. I have so many memories of pushing strollers for miles on snow, sand, dirt, gravel and road. There have been countless flat tires, books thrown like projectiles, snacks, park stops, and music playlists. I realize how meaningful those years were. I coach moms now at CupofTeaFITNESS.com and I often tell them how it doesn’t have to look pretty, be perfect or feel great. Sometimes you are just putting in the work and making a difference in your life. My husband recently told me that sometimes you just have to take the next step, not overthinking it or worrying about how it feels or what it means, you just step forward in the right direction. That has helped me so much and I think it relates a lot to the years of pushing strollers. You just keep pushing:)
 
When we were stationed at Ft. Jackson, I would push the double with my third on a bike along the Congaree River. I met a woman who told me about Stroller Warriors and I reached out almost immediately. It was so comforting to find other “Stroller Warriors” out there. I had no idea that such communities even existed. Everyone was so encouraging. We are definitely not alone on this journey. Each time we got stationed, I kept on pushing. We moved 3 times in 3 years and found ourselves in Fort Carson. My husband was recruited to run for the Army World Class Athlete Program. By that time my two littlest were in preschool and my eldest was in elementary. I had about 2 hours free each day. Of course, what else would I want to fill that free time with except running. So I trained for the first time in my life at a serious level. I spent 2 years training with Army WCAP and went from a happy jogging mom to an Elite Runner to fulfilling my childhood dream of racing at the Olympic Marathon Trials. 

What do you do when your Stroller Warriors® chapter goes on break for the holiday season— day 1 of holiday break, no scheduled weekly run jotted on the calendar, and you want the camaraderie while logging some miles.  Look no further than the chapter monthly running discussion board.  This month-long unofficial event organized by the chapter leadership offers a space for members to seek out the camaraderie of the Stroller Warriors community when the chapter presses pause over the weekend, during the holidays, or when there is no official run/event on a day when you just want to run.   
 
The monthlong discussion board extends beyond running and has become a place where members post about an impromptu walk to the park, a possible afternoon meetup at a coffee house, or a group meetup in the base basketball court for an indoor workout. 
 

When I first learned about the running discussion board, I originally thought members used the board to organize long training runs for marathons on the horizon, so I shied away from joining.  I developed fear of missing out (FOMO) after listening to my Stroller Warrior friends talk about weekend events and they encouraged me to come along.  I quickly realized that whether attending with intentions to run long distance, or not to run at all, everybody could join.  Stroller Warrior friends showed up at a nearby playground for a playdate, runners organized a long run with a turnaround point for any distance, and afterwards many joined for a post-run trip to the weekend farmers market to peruse through the local faire.  I loved when members posted about a last-minute coffee meetup at Wegmans that led to hours of great conversation as mini warriors played at the train table that was tucked away in the corner.  Sometimes morning coffee led to grabbing an early lunch at the hot bar.
 
When you see the monthly long run discussion board event invite pop up on your chapter page, reply “yes” and join in on the fun!  

​The variety of holiday gift ideas seems endless with all the “bells and whistles” associated with running gear.  After years of running, some runners collect a stockpile of useful running trinkets.  What can you gift a running spouse when you’ve run out of running gear ideas?  How about the gift of a race! 
 
A few years back, I was coming up short on meaningful birthday and Christmas gift ideas for my spouse.  He’s a lucky one with a birthday during the holiday season!  I arrived home one afternoon after a Stroller Warriors workout and excitedly mentioned a local trail half-marathon that several Stroller Warriors friends registered to run.  My spouse did a quick search of the race and commented on the positive and fun online reviews, and he was especially excited for the post-race pancake breakfast.  My brain sparked— what a birthday/early Christmas present idea!  That evening, I went online and registered him for the race, wrapped up the registration, and gifted him the experience of a holiday trail half-marathon! 
 
On race morning, our entire family woke up to get “race ready” and drove out to the park to find a spot on the trail to spectate— the kids made a motivating sign and loaded a bag full of jingle bells to sing holiday tunes to the runners!  Although we didn’t last long on a trail, the kids found a park and played while we watched runners move along the trail and off in the distance.  The gift of a race became a joyful morning activity for the whole family.  We even walked away with a cozy fleece race blanket that was provided with the race swag!
 
If you have your eye on several races in the upcoming year and not sure which to choose from, put those races on your holiday wish-list for the gift of a race experience!  

Be it the change in the season, finally settling into a new duty station, or preparing for time off over the Thanksgiving holiday to spend quality time with friends and family— this time of year brings about a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for many.  This year, as in years past, our Stroller Warriors® members expressed an immense amount of appreciation for the Stroller Warriors community.   Kicking off this list of Stroller Warriors gratitude — the shared miles SW members, friends offering a listening ear, gracious company when in times of needed encouragement, or a shared meal over team trivia—for these, I give thanks.  The Stroller Warriors Global Team asked our Chapter Coordinators to provide their thoughts about what they are thankful for when it comes to Stroller Warriors, and their responses confirmed nothing but love:

​

“I am thankful for moms who do life together and love encouraging one another”- Lindsay S.
 
“I’m beyond thankful for the friendships that Stroller Warriors has brought into my life, I’ve met some of the most inspiring and supportive women with SW!”- Ashley F. 

​“I’m thankful to have a weekly activity that my kids and I all equally enjoy and get to do together! Our Stroller Warriors friends are positive, hardworking, generous, and fun- exactly the kind of people I want to surround myself with!”- Mandy H.
 
“I'm thankful for my fellow Pensacola coordinators Kacie and Emma!  They're dedication to our chapter and their fun-loving spirit makes it a lot of fun to work together!”- Florence Z.
 
“I am thankful for the amazing friendships and support SW provides from all of our amazing Warriors. It’s great to meet weekly and build friendships with these women!”- Hannah A.
 
” I am thankful for hilariously FUN times with like minded mommas”- Kelly M.

” Thankful for friends who encourage and support each other whether in running or in life.”- Kelly T
 
“I am thankful for two friends sparking my love of running”- Jaimee E.
 
“I’m thankful to the one and only Kelly M.  for introducing me to Stroller Warriors, and to my wonderful Co-Coordinator, Genna C., who I’ve been lucky enough to get stationed with twice. Plus all of the other amazing friends I’ve made along the way.” – Sarah W.
 
“I am thankful for the ability to have a network where you either know someone or someone you know has a connection for you at your next duty station. You never feel "alone"  knowing someone will be there on the other side, even if you've never met and your only commonality is Stroller Warriors. I am also thankful for the mental health this community provides me with. Being able to get out, see other people in this military community, and do something for myself really benefits my mindset.”- Ashley J. 

“I am thankful for the friendships, support & community that SW brings. ‘Find Your Tribe. Love them hard.’”- Genna C.
 
“So thankful for friends who inspire me to dream big and live life to the fullest. The support and community of SW isn’t just for individuals to foster goals to finish race distances, but rather for people to become runners.”- Brit G.
 
“Runner friends who travel to run in new places with new people and future friends!”- Jessica C.
 
”I'm thankful for time away from the kids to just hang out with friends, laughing, enjoying good food and company. For a great group of women who just want support each other on our journey.”- Cassie L.
 

We hope that our Stroller Warriors members enjoy this season of thanksgiving and lean on the Stroller Warriors community for love and support! If you haven’t already, please come and join us! 

Happy Running :)

Every year, Stroller Warriors® Running Club organizes 4 global charity outreach events as a way for chapters to give back and serve both the military and local community.  In September, Stroller Warriors focused our community outreach efforts on local nonprofits and charitable causes.  Collectively, members of these chapters donated 721 items to local charities and volunteered 15 hours:
 
Stroller Warriors Charleston’s efforts supported the Low Country Blessing Box Project with chapter leadership hosting 2 outreach events, to include a chapter coffee meet-up.  For this event, members contributed toiletry items and assembled bags that were distributed to several blessing boxes throughout the North Charleston community.  Also, members substituted a post-run strength workout to make peanut butter jelly sandwiches for local blessing boxes.  Stroller Warriors Pax River organized a food drive benefiting the pantry at St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen, who then assembles and delivers food boxes to families without transportation. The chapter also collaborated with a local middle school to collect shoes for Soles for Souls.  Stroller Warriors Pensacola organized a donation drive of non-perishable food items and household essentials to help fill the pantry at the local Ronald McDonald House.  At Fort Riley, Life Connection Baptist Church offers a “Military Parent’s Night Out” giving military parents free childcare for have a well-deserved night out.  Members at Stroller Warriors Fort Riley collected water, juice boxes, candy, and additional items to support this event.
 
Thank you, Stroller Warriors, for your continued acts of kindness and charity to help your local communities.  Your altruistic spirit continually shines bright!  

Each member of Stroller Warriors exhibits unique attributes that inspires us all to be the best version of ourselves.  We recently asked Jess, our Fearless CEO, to share several wonderful memories, tidbits, and advice with our Stroller Warriors community.  Her responses motivated me to head out for an afternoon run!  We hope everyone enjoys learning a bit about our amazing Jess!
 
Where do you consider home?
Enterprise, Alabama is where I consider home. It is where I grew up and my parents and siblings still reside.
 
How did you learn about Stroller Warriors?
I learned about Stroller Warriors back in the Spring of 2015 from a C25K flyer that had been shared in a spouses group on Facebook.
 
Tell us about your first Stroller Warriors workout.
After seeing the online flyer I nervously showed up to my first workout not knowing anyone. I was excited to find a workout group that was for moms but, was not much of a runner. At that meetup I found another mom who was joining for the first time too and we chatted during that first run. I didn’t fully commit to running that day but I did continue showing up. It took me until January 2016 before I decided to commit to joining the C25K group. That’s is when I became hooked on running.
 
What is your favorite season for running?
My favorite season for running is fall. I love getting out and seeing the leaves as they change colors and the cooler temperatures.
 
When did you fall in love with running?
I fell in love with running sometime during my training for my first half. After going through the C25K program I had my 2nd child. Many of my fellow C25K Warriors were signing up for the Hickman Half. I told my husband about it and we decided to do it together. We would do most of our runs together as a family. I would tell him how crazy I thought people were who did double that and how I couldn’t do that. Little did I realize that the running bug would be hitting me soon and right before we ran that first half I had convinced him to sign up with me for the Honolulu Marathon. He has continued to help push me to go farther and gives me friendly competition in achieving new goals.
 
Share your most memorable race moment.
My most memorable race moment was the Hapalua Half in 2017. It was our last race in Hawaii before we PCSd and I had a goal in mind. We had already been packed out and by accident I left my watch charger on the counter - yep it got packed. Craig was running it with me and pushing our two boys in the double. Around mile 4 our oldest decided he needed to go potty. I felt like I was watching my goal slip away as I waited with the stroller having no clue what our time was looking like and knowing we still had the hill at diamond head to conquer. We got back on the course and Craig had pushed the boys this whole time. A little over halfway up the hill he looked at me asking if I could take the stroller for a little bit. I reluctantly took it and pushed on around the corner to see the amazing Stroller Warrior cheering section. Craig still likes to tease about how tired he must have looked and how refreshed I seemed even though I was pushing on the hill at that time. He took back over at the top as we made it down and around to the finish line. To my surprise I hit my goal and we were able to celebrate as a family.
​
Do you have a favorite running distance?
My favorite running distance would be the marathon/50K. I love the challenge of training and getting up early for those weekend long runs. The conversations I’ve been able to share with friends out on a long run are some of the best memories.
 
What is piece of running gear you could not live without?
My watch would be the one piece of gear I wouldn’t want to do without. I love being able to track and add up my miles for Run the World, use it to push myself a little harder or to make sure I’m taking those easy days easy.
 
What is your Favorite SW gear?
This is a tough one - it kinda depends on the season. My all-season favorite would be my trucker hats.
 
What type of running shoes do you wear? Over the years I’ve tried out many different brands/styles. My current go to running shoes are the Altra Torin.

Best running advice you have ever received?
“The time on the clock only tells you how long it took to get from point A to point B…. It doesn’t tell you the profound effort some of those moments will have on you for the rest of your life. -Coach April”

What would you tell someone who wants to join a SW workout, but hadn’t yet.
I was once in your shoes. Even though I attended workouts I wasn’t fully committed. I missed out on a year of great running and fully connecting with some amazing Warriors by watching. SWs truly has a place for everyone and is the best cheer squad around.
 
Thank you, Jess, for sharing your stories and advice with the Stroller Warriors community and beyond!  

​Without a doubt, Kelly impacted the lives of those involved in the Stroller Warriors community and beyond. Whether you engaged with Kelly in person during a Stroller Warriors event or read her words of wisdom through the Stroller Warriors blog, her inspirational spirit encouraged and motivated a large network of military families.  Members of the Headquarters team reflected on how Kelly made a positive influence on their lives--
 
 
“I first met and ran with Kelly in Monterey. I was so impressed with her dedication to running and SW even with all her kids hanging off the double stroller! She was a fantastic source of information on training, injury recovery and pushing past what I thought my limits were. As I moved on and opened the Fort Riley chapter and later CO Springs and working at HQ, she has always been a consistent and encouraging leader. I always enjoyed our chats as we brainstormed ways to tackle issues and keep SW moving forward. You will be missed Kelly!” — Christie
 
 
“Kelly is such an inspiration, always pushing herself, both in knowledge and fitness. She is full of encouragement and advice for others, letting you know you know you have her in your corner to help push through when things are challenging. While we only had a few opportunities to run together while she was in VA and I was in MD, I was excited to have those chances because she is so welcoming and genuine. The community she has helped build around the world has benefited greatly from having her leadership.” — Laura 

“Kelly, I admire your drive, compassion, determination, and love for all things Stroller Warriors. You have gone above and beyond to support countless military spouses, their families, and communities. You have personally changed my life in so many ways. You have shown me the true meaning of selflessness. You encourage me to be myself and to let others in around me. To accept, welcome, and help my fellow warriors in all walks of life. What an honor it is to not only know you but to call you a friend. Thank you Kelly for being you! “ — Jamie

 
“Kelly has influenced me in a profound way - she has this incredible ability to inspire me to be a better person. She pushes me to reach new heights and encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone.  Whenever I feel like giving up or doubting myself, she's there, reminding me of my potential and pushing me to keep going. One of the most amazing things about my friend is how she touches the lives of those around her. She has this innate ability to make people feel seen and valued. When you're around her, you can't help but feel uplifted and inspired.  She listens, supports, and offers advice with genuine compassion, making everyone feel comfortable and understood. What truly sets my friend apart is her unwavering dedication to her roles as a mother and wife. She is absolutely phenomenal in both roles, consistently pouring her heart and soul into creating a loving and nurturing environment for her family. Her children are happy and thriving, a testament to her exceptional parenting skills and the love she showers upon them.  As a wife, she is supportive, understanding, and always ready to lend a helping hand.  Her relationship with her husband serves as a beautiful example of partnership and love that I genuinely admire. But above all, it's her kindness that truly shines through.  She is the kind of person who will show up unannounced with a homemade meal when she knows you're going through a tough time.  She goes out of her way to lift others up, offering a helping hand and a listening ear whenever it's needed. Her acts of kindness are never forced or for personal gain - they come simply from the goodness of her heart.  Meeting her, I quickly realized that she is the friend I never knew I needed. She has filled my life with love, positivity, and encouragement.  She has taught me the importance of supporting others and being there for them in both good times and bad.  Her friendship has made me strive to be a better version of myself every single day. Without a doubt, my friend has made a profound impact on my life. Through her unwavering support, her ability to inspire greatness, and her kind and compassionate nature, she continues to influence me in countless positive ways. I am truly grateful to have her in my life, and I am forever changed because of her.” – Mollie 

​“Kelly I am so thankful for your friendship and years of mentorship in Stroller Warriors and life. I've grown so much as a runner with you by my side. I'll never forget you in my head during MCM saying, "this is a training run" in preparation of my first ultra. Stroller Warriors has changed my life in so many positive ways, and bringing you into it is one of the best!” — Lindsay
 
 
“My appreciation and admiration for Kelly extends beyond the sport of running.  In the military community, we often hear the term, “jack of all trades” in reference to the dynamic capabilities of military spouses. Kelly exemplifies the resilient and brilliant well roundedness of the military spouse community.  I love her swift sewing skills when she quickly created a running scrunchie for the Stroller Warriors blog.  Her shared food recipes- like her protein waffles- offered a quick fix breakfast for myself and my mini warriors over the summer.  Kelly resides in the barre studio when not running or leading a SW event.  Her writing and conversation echoes words of inspiration and encouragement for so many, including myself. Kelly shepherded my leadership capabilities, cultivated my creativity, offered an ear to listen to my personal story and history during times when my family needed support, and most importantly taught me that vulnerability leads to growth.  Thank you for believing in me!”—Rose
 
 
“Serving the Stroller Warriors community under Kelly, has been a wonderful experience. Her love for this community is overflowing. She has spent countless hours working to broaden the reach of Stroller Warriors and the ability to reach all military spouses around the world. Her constant reassurance that touching just one life, even if it’s your own, has proven so powerful time and time again. It’s never been about the number of members at workouts, but rather about number of lives we can change through Stroller Warriors. Her passion and commitment to this running club is endless. It’s been a pleasure working with Kelly and she will be greatly missed!” — Gabi
 
 
“Kelly, thank you so much for the mentorship that you have provided and for the time that you have poured into Stroller Warriors over the years. I remember the first time I got to meet you in person at a SWQ track workout. I was so giddy feeling like I was meeting a celebrity.  You were so kind and down to earth.  You give the best advice and allow everyone to feel the care and compassion you have.  This club would not be what it is today without you! I know you will always be there for advice and guidance along the way. You will be truly missed!!” —Jessica B.
 
 
We look forward to hearing about your continued adventures and look forward to sharing miles with you in the future!  😊

​Last week, Stroller Warriors® Running Club partnered with Blue Star Families as several chapters hosted running events in honor of Blue Star Welcome Week.
 
On the subject of military life, the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey highlighted the following statistics:

• The average military family moves three times more than their civilian peers.
• Most PCS moves occur during the summer months (June, July, and August).
• Over 70% of families do not live on a military installation and they do not feel a strong sense of belonging to their local community.
• Only 33% of active-duty respondents feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community.

 
In response to these eye-opening statistics, Blue Star Families organized Welcome Week with the goal of reaching approximately 600,000 military families that move each year— aimed at building support and awareness, and working to cultivate a sense of community for military families across the globe. 
 
Running provides a useful tool to nourish community, networking, and to anchor families into a new location all while gaining a sense of purpose and belonging.  Our members gathered in full force with over 450 individuals participating in Blue Star events.
 
Thank you to all our members for your unwavering advocacy for military families.  Stroller Warriors® Running Club continues to support our military families one run at a time.  To find a Stroller Warriors chapter near you, please visit our website at https://www.strollerwarriors.com/ or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerWarriors.

Yesterday morning I woke up to a cell phone notification informing me about a compiled album of memories entitled “in the woods.”  Recalling the memories from the cover photo, I instantly played the slideshow and was thrilled to see memories of family vacations, hikes, and trail runs with friends.  Over several seconds, the voices in the video drowned out the music playing in the background— it was me cheering-on my oldest daughter while she ran on a mountain trail in the Swiss Alps, “look at you go, you little trail runner you”. 
 
One by one, each of my children came downstairs to get ready for school and requested to watch the video.  As I rewatched the reel several times (at their request), I noticed that in this beloved alpine running memory, my daughter was wearing a Stroller Warriors® Running Club t-shirt.  Her love for running was deeper than just shared memories and being outdoors— it developed through the involvement and love of the Stroller Warriors community as she observed members embracing challenges, exhibiting perseverance, achieving what they once believed was impossible, and the graceful and continuous support of the entire community.  This is what she remembers— this impactful group is the beginning stages of her running history. 
 
My daughter was a runner long before she viewed herself as one (she’s currently looking forward to joining the school track team as a hurdler). As an avid runner, I am always thrilled when my children want to run with me.  What forged my daughter’s love for running?  Was it from shared running memories with family and friends, or the excitement of speeding down a trail on the mountain?  Perhaps it was the sense of gratification experienced once she achieved a distance goal which fueled an internal fire to continue running.
 
We all have a running history— a history that begins at the moment an individual takes the first stride of their lifelong running journey.  Sometimes we press pause on running, redirect, and come back.  But how lucky are we- and our military kids- to have Stroller Warriors embedded into our own individual running history.  As you continue down your running journey, just remember that you will certainly inspire others (and you may not even realize it), and become a cherished part of their running history.  

Happy Running :)