Community outreach is an integral part of the Stroller Warriors mission and one aspect that makes Stroller Warriors so much more than a running club!  Our chapters continue to help both the local and military communities one outreach event at a time!
 
Stroller Warriors Charleston was happy to have the opportunity to spread the word about the chapter, and the goals and mission of Stroller Warriors.  Volunteers spoke to military families and active-duty members, and the chapter hosted resource tables at the “Loved Ones All Call” for the 15th Airlift Squadron, family day for the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the Military Child Education Coalition’s “Purple Up Low Country Cook-off.”  Additionally, several members and their mini warriors volunteered with the Palmetto Military Support Group at the Cooper River Bridge Run race expo— one member took charge of the bib pick up station, while others worked behind the scenes folding over 1000 shirts for swag bags!  The chapter sprung to action as it participated in the “Walk for Water” event hosted by the Water Mission to promote easy-access to clean water locally, nationally, and globally; the chapter raised $125 for this great cause.  During the C25K and spring kick-off, the chapter collaborated with the Military Child Education Coalition who organized a story time featuring the book Courage by Bernard Waber, which was a perfect message for those taking their first steps in their running journey!  The fun continued with the chapter leadership volunteering with a Purple Up event at Saint John Catholic School in Honor of military kids!  Workout leaders hosted a small Stroller Warriors workout session for students, then volunteered alongside pilots and loadmasters from the 14th Airlift squadron, and members from the 628the Air Base Wing legal office, by helping children create crafts and by hosting fun activities.  The chapter ended April by setting-up an assembly line that made 96 peanut-butter & jelly sandwiches for the Low Country Blessing Box Project.  

​Stroller Warriors Fort Belvoir supported Stop Soldier Suicide by organizing a month-long squat challenge with the goal to complete 2,000 squats to raise awareness about this organization’s important mission— to stop soldier suicide in all branches, every generation, and without judgement.  In addition to far-exceeding their squat goal, completing 12, 873 squats in March, the chapter also raised $395 dollars! 
 
Stop Solider Suicide can be reached for help at anytime, 24/7, by calling 844-613-0403.

​Stroller Warriors Kaneohe Bay continued with their monthly beach clean ups at Fort Hase Beach.  The chapter continually dedicates the last Monday of each month to volunteer their time and effort to keep a favorite beach spot clean for all to use!  Bags, gloves sifters, and other items are provided to assist with the clean-up.  Additionally, the chapter collaborated with two talented photographers- Daisy Borski and Carrie with Whimsy Willow Photography- to organize Mother’s Day photo sessions.  A portion of the funds donated to reserve the sessions were donated to the Tripler Fisher House culminating in a $340 donation.  

​Stroller Warriors Virginia Beach organized a dynamic shoe drive for 3 different charities!  In March, a 10-day long sneaker donation drive benefitted Sneakers4Good— an organization that collects gently-worn, new, or used sneakers in exchange for a monetary donation to a charity in need.  Funds received in exchange for donated sneakers supported the local Girls on the Run chapter.  Additionally, the chapter coordinated a second shoe collection of non-running shoes for Soles4Souls. 

​Thank you, Stroller Warriors®, for your continued dedication to outreach and growing the good in your communities. 
 
Happy Running 😊

What can you do when you suddenly hitting a wall while running?  This can happen during any distance, and to runners of all abilities.  If the issue is not a fueling and/or hydration fix— what can it be? 
 
Having mental endurance is an essential element that help runners break through those difficult aspects of running.  One tool that helped me build mental endurance is the practice of keeping a hand-written journal.  Journaling is not for everyone.  Some of us often think of writing long, descriptive daily soliloquies; however, writing a daily journal entry can be simple.  Try this journaling exercise…
 
Grab a notebook (new or used), a stack of post-it notes, or even a loose-leaf piece of paper.  It doesn’t have to be a proper journal.  If using random pieces of paper, be sure to keep them together in a folder or Ziplock bag.  At the end of the day, sit down and write five aspects of the day that brought joy and gratitude.  The list can be simple, or even a one-word entry.  For example:
 
1). Ran the dog
2). Ate homemade carne asada tacos for dinner
3). Kombacha
4). Kids stayed outside after school playing peacefully
5). Tie dyed socks with friends
​
Practice this handwritten journaling activity every day for 30 days and it will become a habit, if you follow it for 75 days, it creates a pathway— a positive pathway to the brain that helps nurture resiliency!  Summertime is just around the corner and some of us may face obstacles- PCS, finding time to fit in fitness with kids, running with bigger kids on bikes, running in the heat…this list doesn’t stop here!  When feeling like that wall is ahead, remember that you have this tool in your back pocket- those five things from the morning (or previous morning) that brought happiness - and smash through that wall!
 
Happy Running 😊

​Summer break for our school aged mini warriors is right around the corner, but this does not mean you can no longer attend Stroller Warrior events!  In fact, bring them along for a guaranteed enjoyable time!  Also, taking the older kids to Stroller Warriors events is a great reason to get out of the house first thing in the morning!
 
For starters, many chapters organize a mini-warriors program for the kids— encouraging kids to track their miles- running, biking, roller blading, etc.- throughout the summer.  Have your children set a goal, for example: record running and scootering miles every week, cumulatively add the miles to complete a marathon over the summer months.  Each goal matters, no matter how big or small!  Younger kids will enjoy completing a Stroller Warriors Mini-Miles coloring sheet while older kids keep track of their activities in a journal. 
 
We all know the summer PCS cycle and the need to make new friends.  Attending a Stroller Warriors event is a great avenue for the kids to get connected and make friends within their community!  Running or biking with other military kids, followed by time at the park, and the possibility of lunch or a coffee shop afterwards will facilitate in building friendships!
 
Let’s not forget, the older mini-warriors are wonderful role models for the younger kids— new walkers chase after toddlers, who chase after school aged kids, who runs or scooters alongside their parent(s). Can you see it now?  This scenario is the image of one of the Stroller Warriors logos— building happy, healthy and resilient military kids through fitness and friendship!
 
All mini warriors are welcome to take part in the strength workout at the end of each run.  This is a terrific opportunity for the kids to learn about varying topics ranging from importance of stretching and strengthening muscle groups to 360-breathing technique.  Various chapters organize a kids hydration and fueling station for an interactive way to learn about hydration and nutrition for running and exercise purposes!  Your mini warriors could even organize a hydration/fuel station for your runners during an event!
 
Remember to keep an eye out in the chapter events for “No Run Fun Days” to a local pool, splash pad, hike in the woods, beach trip, etc.  Exploring the local sites is fun, but even better with your Stroller Warriors friends and their kiddos too! 
 
Happy Running 😊

It’s that time of year again…Mother’s and Father’s Day are both quickly approaching.  If your spouse is a runner or fitness enthusiast, here are some great gift ideas for these upcoming holidays:
​
-Treat the Feet: a gift-card for a pedicure and foot massage will be a favorite for any runner, walker, or active person.  Help keep those feet healthy and feeling great so your loved-one can tackle any trail or adventure. 

-Stroller Warriors Global or Chapter-Specific Gear from the Spreadshirt Page: Sport that SW Gear that is tailor-made for running and activity.  Complete the whole package by getting some attire, decals, and mugs! 

-A Surprise Box of Running Items: Make it fun and all encompassing…sun screen, bug spray or bug bracelet, facial wipes, Nuun Electrolyte Tablets (or any other preferred hydration supplement), a Hydration Vest or Water-Bottle, and a Flip-Belt to secure one’s keys and cell phones…endless options! 

-A Local Coffee Shop Gift Card: Purchase a gift-card to the coffee shop that your local SW-Team frequents.  Also, throw in some unique coffee beans, teas, and chocolates into a gift bag and boom- caffeine fix is satisfied! 

-A Gift Card to a Local Running Store or REI: If you’re making a purchase for someone hard to buy for, they’d definitely love choosing their own running and outdoor items to take a solo-trip, or trip with SW friends for some relaxing shopping for running and outdoors gear! 

-A Quality Dog Leash for those with Furry Friends: Many SW members run with their dogs…a fan favorite is the Kurgo Quantum 6-in-1 Dog Leash- ultra durable and dynamic (learn more at https://www.kurgo.com/dog-leashes-and-collars).

-Yoga Mat: Ground and strength-work is a common part of SW workouts.  Keep your loved one focused on the strength training with this great item!  It’s an added benefit if it has a strap to roll-up for storage in the car when the workout is finished. 

-Quality Socks: Fan favorites are always Balega, Smartwool Socks, and REI-brand.  Happy feet, happy running!

-Goodr Sunglasses: Incredibly affordable polarized sunglasses built for fitness and fun- many styles, fun themes (to include National Parks, Bands, Super-Heroes, and Marathons).  Wear them for both your run, and activities throughout the day! 

-Race Entry: Your spouse will be surprised when you give them an unexpected race entry (my husband was very *surprised* when I gave him an entry to his first Trail Ultra-Marathon: results may vary)!
We wish all our SW members, friends, and fans and Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day…thank you for all you do! 
 
Happy running!  😊

​Our members have been hearing lots of chatter about upcoming fall and winter marathons, along with training plans for these races.  We have a wide variety of experienced runners within our Stroller Warriors community, some of which have taken the leap and registered for their first marathons. Let the training begin!  But where to begin on this training journey? 
 
First, chat amongst your chapter for advice.  Runners might find a group of members also training for fall and/or winter races.  This is a great chance to get your weekend long runs organized on the “Weekend Running Discussion Board" and your team can run those long miles together.  Traveling over the summer?  No worries!  Check to see if there will be a Stroller Warriors chapter near your destination; if not, reach out to a local running group and tag along for a run.
 
Once you have your long-run training partners committed to logging those long runs, start thinking about training plans.  There are a wide variety of training plan apps and programs out there; however, one favorite is the Hal Higdon marathon training plan.  This planning method provides a schedule for different abilities— novice, intermediate, and advanced.  Before choosing a plan, think about your schedule (kids, deployments, TDYs, etc.).  Life happens!  Committing to a strenuous training schedule might not be a feasible option, so choose a plan that works for your life schedule! Running is fun and not a chore.
 
Be sure to add cross-training, speed work, and strength training to your plan, as it is imperative to strengthen and diversify those muscles.  Speed work can be added into your midweek 3–4-mile run, strength training doesn’t have to be a long session in the gym.  A quick chipper of 21-15-9 kettlebell swings, goblet squats, and sit ups is a perfect example of quick, yet effective strength workout scheme.  Work smarter, not longer.
 
Think about your race hydration and fuel.  Try different fueling and hydration options during your training, not on race day!  Adding a new fuel and hydration method on race day is not a good idea and could lead to stomach issues during the race.  One pointer- try to find out which hydration and fuel supplements will be used on the racecourse.  It’s a good idea to work those options into your training in the event you run out of water and fuel on the course.  Speaking of hydration— planning to wear a hydration-vest, belt, or handheld water bottle during the race?  If so, train with these items before race day! 
 
Speaking of fuel, many have heard about the pre-race day carb load.  While important to have proper nutrition on the eve of a big race, know that healthy eating habits throughout training are imperative to a successful race.  One “carb load” pre-race meal will not carry you to the end if you’re not practicing properly fueling the body throughout training.
 
Sneakers!  It’s a great idea to rotate sneakers throughout your training.  You don’t want to run a marathon with a pair of worn-out sneakers, but it’s also a bad idea to run a long race wearing a brand-new pair.  Rotating sneakers will help you break in a pair of shoes that will be perfect for a long race! 
 
Race expos are a blast and filled with every running vendor imaginable!  Purchasing a few new pieces of running attire is exciting…but wait until after race day to wear them during a run.  For race day attire, it’s best to wear items that you wore during training— items that you’re comfortable with and tested on long runs…items that won’t bunch up, cause chaffing, etc.  Wearing untested clothing, shoes, and gear on race day might be a fashion victory, but it could also be a running disaster.
 
Have fun…during training as the miles increase, you’ll be securing many small victories as you test new distances and break previous duration records.  Last, make sure family and friends know where to see you along the racecourse for motivation.  They can refill hydration and fuel and take lots of pictures.  

​Stroller Warriors®, Friends, and Fans:
 
2022 was an exciting year for Stroller Warriors— ALL our chapters were finally able to host events in person!  From running events, to charitable outreach events and mini-warrior celebration runs, it was a joyous occasion for everyone.  Each chapter was able to be together again! 
 
Collaborations between our chapters and partnering military affiliated organizations were in full swing too!  Stroller Warriors teamed up with Blue Star Military Families during Blue Star Welcome Week— hosting running events, and even joining forces with local running groups to raise awareness about the needs of military families

​The joy of 2022 would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteer force!  THANK YOU to our volunteers!  Stroller Warriors has a rich history!  Rewind back to 2010, what started with 1 chapter and 3 members has now become an incredible organization with over 50+ chapters opening— all organized and managed by VOLUNTEERS committed to building happy, healthy military families!  All our volunteers, from Coordinators to Workout Leaders, to Social and Community Outreach volunteers fulfilled an integral role in growing and building this extraordinary group!  Thank you for making 2022 a memorable year!
 
The Stroller Warriors HQ leadership would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our vendors and community partners— thank you for your support and belief in our mission!   Your continued support helps the Stroller Warriors community blossom!
 
Now with the drumroll, we present to you Stroller Warriors by the numbers 2022!
 
2 chapters participated in team relay races
3 gifts of BOBs
8 B210K sessions
12 C2C finishers
9 chapters participated in the stroller loaner program
27 B210K graduates
47 sessions of C25K
47 Meal trains provided
60 Coordinators
65 donations to members of Stroller Warriors
73 special events coordinated by Stroller Warriors Chapters
144 volunteers (not including Coordinators)
187 mileage incentive program participants
196 mini miles finishers
207 C25K graduates
275.5 hours of manpower donated (not including time volunteered with Stroller Warriors)
650 active members who regularly attend workouts.
1757 items donated to various charities
2268.25 miles ran by mini warriors
3000 dollars donated to charities
39222.77 miles ran together as a team

Unmeasurable:
 
The amount of strength and tenderness our members embody towards each other, as well as the military and local communities— the enthusiasm each member displays through their dedication to the sport of running, and the compassion each member displays towards all those around have a profound impact on others. 
 
Stroller Warriors took part in dedication runs and workouts for the following causes:
 
Autism Awareness Run
Blue Star Families
Celebrate Earth Day
Climb Out of Darkness hike for postpartum mental health
Disabled American Veterans
Fisher House Dedication Run
Hall Family Dedication Run
International Nurses Day
Loosefoot Memorial Run
Military Spouse Appreciation
Operation First Response
Pat Tillman Foundation
Purple Up for Military Kids
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Run for Steph
Stop Soldier Suicide
Travis Manion Foundation
Valentines Day for Veterans
Wear Pink- Breast Cancer Run

​A HUGE Thank you to these vendors, businesses and organizations that have provided tremendous support and partnerships with our Stroller Warrior Chapters:
 
Blue Star Families
BOCO
Brendan Halbohm- Logo Desiger
Breathe Oahu
Climb Works
Fleet Feet
Fort Riley Spouses Club
Joint Base Charleston MFRC
Joint Base Charleston Libraries
628th Logistics Readiness Squadron (Joint Base Charleston)
Junction City 12th Community Gym
Long Leaf Promotions
MCMWTC Family Readiness Team
JT Half Marathon
Hawaii Running Lab
HiClimb
Kualoa Ranch
Manhattan Parks and Recreation
Park Circle Pacers
Saint John Catholic School- North Charleston
Seewoog Parkrun
Treadmill and J&A Racing
USO
​Zack Hilton
Zia Cafe
 
As Stroller Warriors continue to stride into 2023, we hope for many happy and enjoyable miles with friends, and the continued growth and outreach of our Stroller Warriors community! 
 
Happy Running 😊

Running has been a central part of my life for a long time— since second grade to be exact!  This was when my local church created a free CYO track team.  We didn’t practice at a track, or run laps around the neighborhood— we met at a local softball field to run long lengths back and forth.  Running, especially with a team, immediately became my sport of choice for these reasons: 1) because it as free, and 2) because I realized that I was speedy.
 
My running transformed the older I got.  In high school, I was always the teammate that loved running shuttle spirts during volleyball and basketball warm-ups, enjoyed the 1-mile warm-up at the beginning of track practice, and I liked learning techniques to strategically empty the tank when I ran the 400m events.  One time, during high school volleyball practice, our coach made us run to a neighboring high school to retrieve the volleyballs we left the night before— 5 miles there, 5 miles back.  This was my first-ever endurance run.  Though at first I dreaded the idea of it, I ended up loving it! 
 
Running took a back seat during my first few months of college.  I never ran for the sake of running— it had always been for a team sport.  One afternoon, my dorm neighbor asked me to come along with her to the fitness center.  Believe it or not, this was my first time ever stepping foot in a gym!  A few minutes on the treadmill, and some reps on several machines did not sell me on the whole gym idea.  I didn’t go back anytime soon! 
 
Fast forward a few months from my first gym visit— I met my then boyfriend (now husband) during my freshman year of college and he loved to run!  I shared stories about track and running in high school, and we decided to meet up for a running date after class!  I thought we could successfully complete a 3-mile run together, but I didn’t make it!  800 meters into the run and I was on the struggle-bus having to stop every 200 meters to walk!  I shocked myself at how quickly I lost my running endurance.  My previous experiences with running went hand-in-hand with an organized sport and never as a sport I could accomplish on my own, or with a group of friends for fun.  Running for the sake of running became a new concept.  This was an incredible epiphany for me, and it was a pivotal event in my life with a newfound love for the sport! 
 
A group of my closest college friends formed a running group— setting out early in the morning to run followed by a quick breakfast together before class, or meeting in the afternoon to run around the lakes!  Quickly, running became an integral and incredibly happy part of my everyday life.
 
During college breaks, I tackled the hills in my neighborhood and ran down all of the piers in the Boston Navy Yard— often taking a moment to admire the skyline when I crested the top of Bunker Hill Street or slowing my pace to listen to the seagulls and the clanging of the buoy-bells in the Boston Harbor.  Running now transformed into a sport that I also enjoyed by myself!   

​​I am no stranger to bird encounters at close-range— a flock of pigeons in Boston Common once orchestrated a carefully-planned mission to swoop closely overhead in the hopes of snagging my bag of chips, or one time when a brave sea gull at Revere Beach tried to peck my Kelly’s Roast Beef sandwich in hopes of getting a free meal.  Bird encounters rarely phase me as they happen fairly regularly for me.  However, there is one bird incident that almost resulted in a 5K PR while I was pregnant with our first child.
 
Rewind to 2011— my husband and I just arrived at our base in Montana with no time for the two us to explore the lay of the land together.  At the time, I was 20 weeks pregnant and eager to make friends.  What better way to familiarize myself with the base and local area than to go for a run!  I looked at the base map and planned a route from our TLF unit, around the flight line, and over to base housing with the hopes of making a friend or two along the way.  A friend I made indeed— not another military spouse or local Montanan, but a magpie!  Yes, a bird! 
 
Picture this— running on a cool spring afternoon under the vast bright-blue Montana sky that seemed limitless, the beautiful Little Belt Mountains off on the horizon, and the golden rolling plains to my left sloping down to the swift and powerful Missouri River.  I tweaked my running pace to adjust to Montana’s higher elevation and dry mountain air, which was quite different than the humid, sea level environment we just left in Maryland.  Running and enjoying the beauty of my new home on the nation’s Northern Tier was magical and I was on cloud 9.  Enter the magpie…tweet tweet. 
 
As I turned into base housing- 1.5 miles into my run, I noticed a magpie flying almost directly above me and moving at the same pace.  I would move to the left and so would the magpie, back to the right and so would the magpie. Here I was, zigzagging down the street unable to break free from the magpie.  I felt myself picking up the pace hoping the bird would move on, but it was to no avail.  I finally decided to wave my arm in the air.  I know how to handle the birds in the Boston area- sparrows, sea gulls, pigeons- a big wave of the hand and they fly away!  Not this magpie!  Instead of flying away, this bird decided to fly closely overhead, circling around and diving down at me.  I got nervous.  I ran faster and faster, letting out shrieks as the bird would dive down within inches of my head.  At one point I made an abrupt stop and the magpie circled around and flying up and down.  My planned running route had gone awry.  I had no idea where I was and just wanted to make it back to the TLF un-pecked.  I turned onto a road in the abandoned area of base housing, and low and behold there was a massive pine tree! I quickly made my way towards the pine tree, running underneath the sprawling branches, when POOF— the bird flew right into a giant mass of pine needles.   I stopped my watch, looked up in the tree, and there was the magpie chilling on a branch.  I continued my run, making my way back to the base TLF, and feeling immense relief that my feathered running partner decided to cut it short.  

​Last week, Stroller Warriors® Charleston organized a brilliant Couch to 5K and Spring Kick-off event— collaborating with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) whose liaisons arranged a post-run story time event for our mini warriors.  It was a beautiful, yet chilly March morning, and after a 30-minute run, the kids grabbed a snack and cozied up on beach towels sprawled across the grass to listen to the book Courage by Bernard Waber.  
​

There exists a constant for military families— change.  Thriving whilst experiencing change with deployments, TDYs, PCS season (whether you are the person staying or leaving); this requires some level of courage.  Merriam Webster tells us that courage is, “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty”.  So, what does courage look like within our Stroller Warriors community?
 
Courage is--

• Seeing a social media post about Stroller Warriors on the base spouse’s page and requesting to join.
• Putting yourself out there by attending a Stroller Warriors event for the very first time.
• Taking the first step on a running journey— be it your first ever run, first run post-partum, first run post injury, or first run after a long hiatus. 
• Choosing to push through the uncomfortable aspects of running. 
• Being vulnerable— leaning in and asking your Stroller Warriors community for support and advice concerning military life, running, parenting, etc.
• Giving yourself grace when you have a not so good running day. 
• Realizing it is necessary to take a running break to prevent an injury.
• Trying a new style of running— tackling hill repeats, speed work, etc. 
• Registering for your first race.
• Working towards and committing to a running goal.
• Making the choice to put in 100%— leaving it all on the line and never giving up. 

 
This list of courage is continuous.  When experiencing the oh so difficult aspects of military life, look back and remember the moments within your Stroller Warriors community when you chose to be courageous and let it guide you.  

​Stroller Warriors® has been a part of my life now for almost 10 years! I first heard about this running club while at 29 Palms California. We moved there in the summer of 2013 with a 2-year-old, and I was around 30 weeks pregnant. I met someone at a playground who also had a boy close in age. After finding out I liked to run, she mentioned that a running club was starting up on base! SW29 started that November, and I attended my first workout shortly thereafter. I was in a new place with a toddler and a newborn, so having this running club start-up was perfect timing! 

​If you have ever been to 29 Palms, you know there's not a whole lot to do in the desert. However, I will say, 29 Palms holds a special place in my heart, and it is all because of Stroller Warriors. I have been running pretty much my whole life as I participated in track and cross-country throughout middle school. But I never really loved to run, it was just a way to get exercise. That all changed once I found how fun running could be with the right people running alongside me! SW29 pushed me to do things I never thought I would do, like running a marathon and participating in the SW’s hosted Triathlon. I became a workout leader for SW29 in March of 2014. Little did I know our family's life was about to get some unwelcome news. That same month my husband was sent to Balboa Medical Center where he was diagnosed with colon cancer at 29 years old. I still remember soon after finding out, going on a long weekend run with four other Stroller Warriors-- even though I had not known them for long, I felt their love and support as I told them what we were going through. The military was willing to move us to be closer to Balboa since my husband needed chemo treatments every 2 weeks for 6 months. But the support we had from SW29, as well as his unit, made it an easy decision for us to stay and make the drive. The founder and current coordinator at SW29, Megan, wanted to help in any way possible. Of course, the chapter quickly organized and supplied a meal train for us. But Megan went a step further and wanted to fundraise for us too. Our family felt so supported already, so we asked that the fundraising efforts be donated to the San Diego Fisher House where I was staying with our 3-year-old and 7-month-old during my husband's treatments. If you are unfamiliar with the Fisher House, it is a nonprofit that offers free lodging as “a ‘home away from home’ for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers.” That October, the chapter ended up raising over $2,600 and the members ran a total of 20 miles around the desert! 

​I was then a chapter coordinator at 29 Palms from May 2015 until June 2016. That summer, we had orders to Quantico which had no SW chapter.  However, luckily in October, Kelly opened a chapter! And while Kelly will joke that it took her forever to get me on her team, I came on the Headquarters team as a regional mentor in November of that year, and as a co-coordinator in Quantico a month later in December. I could not imagine my life without this club, and I wanted to try and give back as much as this club has given to me and my family. I am now stationed in Kaneohe Bay where I have been coordinating since December of 2019. 

At this point, I absolutely love to run and do not necessarily need Stroller Warriors to get in my runs. But I keep coming back, even at this point when all our kids are now out of strollers and in school because Stroller Warriors is SO much more than just a running club. I am thankful for this club, which has given me lifelong friends even through this crazy military life. It is not just a group of runners, but a group of friends, who motivate and support you through life. It is an amazing example to our kids as it shows our hard work and that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it. All three of our boys have grown up with Stroller Warriors. It is where they met their first friends, and it is always the first thing we look for and become involved with when we move to a new duty station. They all started in the stroller, graduated to riding alongside the stroller on their bikes, to even running with us! Our oldest, who is now almost 12, ran his first half marathon last year on his 11th birthday. He continues to amaze us with his running ambitions. Our middle, 9-year-old, ran multiple base 5ks here on the island and always surprises us when he ends up wanting to race and give it his all! Our youngest, who is 6, helped with training runs when my husband was out-of-town and is up to 6 miles on his bike. All three look forward to mini miles each summer and pushing themselves because they see the importance of being active and realize how much fun running can be! I cannot say enough about this wonderful club. It is a huge part of our life and that is why I continue to volunteer!