Stroller Warriors® believes community outreach is a valuable piece of its mission.  Along with running and fitness goals, Stroller Warrior chapters strive to support the local military and civilian communities through charitable events, donation drives, community clean-ups, and philanthropic opportunities.

In March and April of this year, our SW chapters continued to support their communities one charitable event at a time!
 
Yorktown:
During March, Stroller Warriors Yorktown supported the Peninsula Food Bank (Hampton Roads Food Bank).  Over the past two years, there has been an increase in the number of people that rely on food banks, such as the Peninsula Food Bank— specifically, nonperishable food items were needed.  As part of the community, Stroller Warriors Yorktown organized a nonperishable food collection drive to ensure that their neighbors had food during this continued time of difficulty.  Workout leaders collected nonperishable items at workouts throughout the month to accomplish this important task.
 
To learn more about the Peninsula Food Bank (Hampton Roads Food Bank), visit their website at https://hrfoodbank.org/

Virginia Beach:
In March and April, Stroller Warriors Virginia Beach organized a donation drive for Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge-- whose focus is on rehabilitating animals for release back into the wild.  Animals go to a wildlife rehabilitator for many different reasons; sometimes it is due to a natural cause (like a cold snap causing an animal to be disoriented), and sometimes it's related to the actions of people (like a turtle needing medical attention after being ran over by a lawnmower).  With the warmer weather comes baby animals; this tends to be a busy time for wildlife refuges with an influx of patients.
 
An ongoing Amazon wish-list for the organization was shared within this chapter so members could make donations directly. 
 
To support Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, please view their Amazon wish list:  (https://www.amazon.com/.../evelyns-wildlife.../2CCFCHJD9TFSS)
 

Quantico:
In April, members of Stroller Warriors Quantico supported Autism Awareness month. 
 
April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for this condition that occurs in one of every 54 children (this is current as of 2020 for the United States).  With the autism diagnosis rate quickly increasing, members of Stroller Warriors Quantico used the month to celebrate the differences, learn more about, and empower those with autism.  Stroller Warriors Quantico dedicated their miles by using the hashtag #CelebrateDifferences, thereby donating or creating a fundraiser on personal social media pages, and by providing donation options via Amazon Smile to the Autism Society of America.
 
Also in April, members of Stroller Warriors Quantico organized a community clean-up on base.  This was a meaningful opportunity to teach their mini warriors about the importance of keeping the earth clean and the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle). 
 
Cherry Point:
On 26 April 2022, Stroller Warriors Cherry Point started to collect new superhero toys and action figures for Project Superhero.
 
Project Superhero is a local organization that brings joy to kids in children’s hospitals throughout coastal North Carolina.  Dedicated volunteers working with Project Superhero drove for hours to dress as superheroes and hand out superhero toys and action figures to sick and injured children.
 
You can support and learn more about project Superhero by visiting their website:
https://www.projectsuperhero.org/?fbclid=IwAR19wBrIC6dpy9g1CrzLuahBZzCjm5CrclkOGhwk53oYVnFERr0LFJG0hbg
 
Pensacola:
In March, Stroller Warriors Pensacola organized a donation drive for the Salvation Army of Pensacola, which serves both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.  The food pantry at the Salvation Army offers meals, snacks and other essential items for homeless and low-income community neighbors. Unfortunately, demand in the area is currently very high, and the Salvation Army is having a difficult time keeping its pantry stocked
 
The chapter collected items throughout the entire month at SW events and arranged to pick-up items if members could not attend workouts.  

Kaneohe Bay:
Stroller Warriors Kaneohe Bay organized an event to support Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE)-- a local organization that provides a 24/7 access center as part of the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center in Kailua, where disenfranchised youth are able to sleep safely at night under professional supervision.  In addition, they receive: skilled medical attention, hot nutritious meals, clean clothes, laundry facilities, hot showers, personal lockers, counseling, job training and employment assistance, GED education, and nurturing by qualified, professional staff.  Learn more by visiting: https://www.rysehawaii.org/

​From April 1 to April 13, the chapter collected printer paper reams and ink pens, as many of the youth are studying for their GED and working on resumes.
 
Additionally, on April 25, chapter members gathered for an Earth Day clean-up at Fort Hase beach— keeping the area clean for all to enjoy!  

​Thank you to all of our Stroller Warrior members for your continued dedication to service— to the military community, local community and beyond.  Keep up the brilliant work making positive impact in the community!  

​PCS season is officially upon us— some families packing up boxes for a new destination, while others are hanging back to say farewell.  I am beginning to see the “Odes” on the Stroller Warrior chapter pages.  Our family is no longer new to our current location; however, I always make a point to keep my heart open to making new friends.  This past January, my daughter was thrilled to have made a new friend through a youth program on base—and I made a friend as well!   I am not the best at putting myself out there when it comes to chatting with other parents during activities, so I was extremely thankful when introductions were made.  I learned about the indoor activities that were finally in-person after being virtual due to COVid—the story time at the base library being one of them!  My daughter and I began regularly attending story time— always catching up with our new friends!  I learned that they received orders to a location where we were previously stationed.  It was a bittersweet moment— I was excited for their new adventure and shared details of the things that our family loved about their upcoming duty station…Stroller Warriors® being one of them!  I was ecstatic when I learned that my friend joined Stroller Warriors— when we pass through and/or visit their location for vacation- and who knows, maybe receive orders there once again- I will have a friend to run with! 
I wanted to leave with advice from an earlier blog piece from our Fearless leader (read the blog entry below) — fight the urge to close off to new friendships 6 months prior to a PCS!  Those friendships will lead to some great memories.  And with this transient military lifestyle, there is always a possibility of being stationed together again! 
https://www.strollerwarriors.com/blog/shutting-down-6-months-prior-to-a-pcs
 
Happy Running,
Rose 😊

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner!  Looking for gift suggestions? Our Stroller Warriors® Headquarters team has come to the rescue with a list of some of their favorite items:
 
Running Accessories:
- Koala Clip:
https://koalaclip.com/collections/best-sellers

- Flip belt:
https://flipbelt.com/pages/shop-all

- Nox Gear vest:
https://www.noxgear.com/tracer2

- Road ID shoe tag:
https://www.roadid.com/products/sprint-stainless-velcro-id?fbclid=IwAR1l6HQ8oZunwcnX8hkHN_DXc3fpy_Sc85lxScR301MdKjQG9Gp14tUn584

- Secbolt watch band:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVWYKJW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&fbclid=IwAR2BvEG3oHKFyjJ5gLJ3wXKabFWgf6h7mYlQV_UlIFlyGMG94QD5iNPfk9U

- Trekz Aftershokz:
https://www.amazon.com/AfterShokz-Titanium-Wireless-Conduction-Headphones/dp/B018XNGO5A?th=1

- Goodr sunglasses:
https://goodr.com/collections/running-sunglasses
 
Helpful running cosmetics:
- Chamois Butt’r:
https://www.rei.com/product/814199/chamois-buttr-eurostyle-anti-chafe-cream-8-oz

- Joico dry shampoo:
https://www.ulta.com/p/weekend-hair-dry-shampoo-pimprod2008381?fbclid=IwAR1gbpBvTTbLw7T72gEllAK99OcAYNZQnLkf4IGtCMKGcVLe7p-NFOFKg3o
 
Clothing:
- Balega socks:
https://balega-socks.implus.com/
​
- Under Armor underwear ( for women):
https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/p/women/womens_ua_pure_stretch_sheer_hipster/1276493.html?fbclid=IwAR3KQUwcXL_p3IgzceiaxZ0bau6v3aowz9li7t-1HcmcLHWVmACaLPZU0Vc

- Fair Harbor shorts (for men):
https://www.fairharborclothing.com/?fbclid=IwAR0K8Owoi33njyOBhqnTPYEQOuqRvUC9RcrfHQu1wxXyontR6pT6vxRz8CE

- Illuminite Women’s singlet:
https://illuminite.com/pages/shop-womens-reflective-clothing

- Rainbow sandals:
https://www.rainbowsandals.com/product/301ALTSB?fbclid=IwAR23XkP0A6pK6VQYUGeiGbPNtMhGilVGCLhStSsiSl4XyD4hkOYZ9Mmhbzs
 
Food Items:
- Bangarang protein cups:
https://www.bangarangfoods.com/collections/all
 
Strength training, Post workout:
- Bowflex dumbbells:
https://www.bowflex.com/selecttech/552/100131.html?fbclid=IwAR1gbpBvTTbLw7T72gEllAK99OcAYNZQnLkf4IGtCMKGcVLe7p-NFOFKg3o

- Shiatsu Massager:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5GG112?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&fbclid=IwAR01I3I6_HNq6KkaVO9lSv3UxU2VqjZdoGTAXSPbn2ysxAOpeP46Rl8XaIg&th=1
 
Miscellaneous:
- Legend Planner:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MW8XRM9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&fbclid=IwAR0K8Owoi33njyOBhqnTPYEQOuqRvUC9RcrfHQu1wxXyontR6pT6vxRz8CE&th=1

- UVll Office Wheel chairs:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HCM46W2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H4KX12M7TVB9HEN2KWZC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&fbclid=IwAR1gbpBvTTbLw7T72gEllAK99OcAYNZQnLkf4IGtCMKGcVLe7p-NFOFKg3o
 
Thank you, Stroller Warriors HQ for the list of suggestions!  And don't forget- Stroller Warriors gear is always a perfect gift idea!  Anything to add to the list?  Please share with the Stroller Warriors community!
 
Happy Running!
Rose 

April is the month of the military child— the month dedicated to our beloved dandelion children who plant roots at every duty station they call home.  As parents, how do we find the soil where these dandelions will flourish?  The answer for our family is Stroller Warriors— Stroller Warriors has been a major part of the root system for my kids.
​
My Stroller Warriors journey began in Germany, and it is here where I met Molly at the Stroller Warriors Ramstein Spring Kick-off in 2015.  Molly and I became instant friends as did our children.  From the start, our kids marched to the same drumbeat— barefoot nature-loving children making sandy mud pies with water from their water bottles, a love for running/sports, playing pretend, and learning.  Our families grew together while stationed in Germany.  The day that my second child was born, I was making sandwiches to pack for a Stroller Warriors pool day.  Our family didn’t make it to the pool that morning as we ended up at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center expanding our family by one.  As the days and weeks went on, Molly’s oldest daughter taught my oldest daughter what life is like as a big sister.  Molly’s second oldest helped take care of my son at Café Schmidt (our morning spot after school drop-off, but before Stroller Warrior runs)— picking up my son’s spoon from the ground, giving him his Sophie giraffe, or rocking his car seat when he began fussing.  The day that we flew from Ramstein to PCS back to the States was also a Stroller Warriors workout day.  I ran with my kids to the “airplane” park, ran one final loop with the Stroller Warriors Ramstein crew, and my kids played with their mini-warrior besties 3 hours before we left for America.  We have managed to reconnect with Molly and her family on several occasions since leaving Germany.  Each time, our kids pick up right where they left off— it’s as if no time has passed whatsoever.  Their friendship bond is strong is and enduring like a dandelion.   

​Things started to feel real after our hullabaloo of a PCS back to the states, visiting family around the country, and settling the kids into stateside school/activities— little hearts were hurting.  Enter Stroller Warriors Fort Belvoir to ease their pain with the familiarity and consistency of the Stroller Warriors family.  Many memories were made at the parks and in the dirt.  My kids continually recall their favorite memories from our time in Virginia— memories that include their mini-warrior friends.  While Stroller Warriors members hustled during speed workouts and strength training sessions on the track, our mini warriors were busy creating childhood memories— trying to build a tree fort alongside the track, riding bikes and scooters, catching butterflies in the midfield, and sharing toys in the outside lanes.  My mini warriors still wear their tie-dyed t-shirts they made during the mini-warriors program in 2018.  One member even invited all the mini warriors to their child’s Star Wars themed birthday party, which is all time favorite birthday party memory!  

The kids said their farewells to their Fort Belvoir friends after enjoying frozen yogurt at the Sweet Frog on base.  Two days later we headed to South Carolina for a new adventure.  Unfortunately, Shaw AFB did not have a Stroller Warriors chapter.  SW Fort Jackson was an hour up the road, but a bit of a hike for us to attend workouts during the school year.  I transitioned into the Stroller Warriors Elsewhere chapter.  I thought this would be a big adjustment, but there were Stroller Warrior connections to be found!   As a member of Stroller Warriors Elsewhere, my kids found other military children that they referred to as their Stroller Warriors friends.  I met Abby at our neighborhood pool one sizzling and humid South Carolina summer afternoon shortly after moving to SC.  Or, I should say, Chris met Abby at the pool and called me: “come down to the pool, there is someone here from Montana and she also loves running.”  Abby also had a Stroller Warriors connection— her close friend was also a member of Stroller Warriors in Monterey!  Abby became one of my morning running buddies and her children were what my kids called their Stroller Warrior Elsewhere friends— often taking stroller walks and/or runs through the neighborhood or local park, meeting at the library, or completing  kettle bell strength workouts on the track while the kids ran around…sometimes staying at the track a bit longer to watch the F-16s roll out.  These memories of Abby and her children are often shared by my children— their roots planted at Shaw AFB.   
​
Our family PCS’d to Charleston AFB and I immediately joined Stroller Warriors Charleston.  My children were thrilled there was a Stroller Warriors chapter— it meant jumping right back into a familiar friend group/family.  My older two kids began school shortly after our PCS, but my youngest was eager to attend her first Stroller Warriors event at our new home base.  Chelsea, the coordinator of SW Charleston became my first friend at our new location, and her youngest daughter has become a cherished friend for my youngest daughter— often sharing stories with her two older siblings about what she and Chelsea’s daughter played during their Friday Stroller Warriors session.  My daughter recently celebrated a birthday, and with spring break on the horizon, pulling together a birthday party to include all her favorite people seemed impossible, but all HER PEOPLE are her Stroller Warriors friends. We arrived at a Friday Stroller Warriors run with cupcakes and Italian cookies to celebrate her big day.  My daughter hopped out of the car and ran over to Chelsea’s daughter who was holding a birthday present— together the two girls opened the present and ran to the playground to play with a book and action-figurines…taking a cookie or two along the way!  After the workout we all sang happy birthday, but then my daughter wanted to sing everyone who attended the workout (as two other mini-warriors had birthdays coming up, and our dog’s birthday was just a week away)!  The story of her Stroller Warriors birthday party has been shared repetitively with our family, friends or anyone that asks if she had a birthday celebration. 

These mini-warrior memories (and many more) make the dandelion roots for my little dandelions— my military kids.  I am forever grateful to Stroller Warriors for providing the soil for my children to flourish!
 
Happy Running,
Rose 

Earlier Facebook days— who remembers the “25 Things About You” list in the notes function?  I do! I made a list 25 bright points while I ran my neighborhood loop and exercised with my kids during spring break. 

25 Things About Running the Circle
​

1. I stepped out and decided to run instead of rowing on my back porch.
2. My kids asked to scooter along during the run— hooray!
3. Time for a longer run with the kids home for spring break.
4. Sunshine and cool weather in Charleston, SC made for perfect running weather.
5. I remember to start my Garmin. 
6. My dog heeled next to me during the entire run…even after watching birds, passing squirrels and several other furry friends.
7. And my dog did not try to jump up and bite the leash!
8. I wore the right shorts— a pair that didn’t cause chaffing.
9. Luckily, I spotted the dog poop (not from my dog) on the sidewalk before stepping on it!
10. There are many lovely gardens in my neighborhood.
11. Successfully worked on my 360 breathing technique while running.
12. I measured the loop around my neighborhood— .62 miles.
13. My kids loved racing each other on their scooters while I ran. 
14. My running sneakers are still in good condition after bike riding in a rainstorm.
15. Runners wave exchanges with fellow runners in the neighborhood.
16. There were much fewer no-see-um bugs while running mid-day. 
17. Switching gears from running with a dog running leash attached to my waist, to using our regular leather leash and holding it with my hand.  The change has offered more stability while running with the dog. 
18. Stop-look-listen-wait for me…my kids know and follow this pedestrian rule (it may seem like an obvious lesson all kids allow, but I have seen SO MANY kids in our neighborhood roll right into the road without stopping).  Being able to do this makes for less stress!
19. A neighbor trimmed their trees along the sidewalk to form an arch to walk/run through.  It’s a neat aspect when running loops around the neighborhood.
20. Passing my yard to grab a sip of water out of my water bottle. 
21. Running 4 miles.
22. Walking with the kids while cooling down after a run and watching them find and collect “nature treasures”.
23. My kids convincing me to do some post run strength training in the yard, which included an obstacle course!
24. A new overhead squat PR.
25. Cheese and crackers for a post run snack!

This was a great run/exercise session in preparation for summer break coming at the beginning of June.  I may have to run the neighborhood loop or run 400 loops around the track with the kids more times than I would prefer, but I know that we will be able to make it enjoyable!  And as the seasons change, I’m sure I’ll compile another “25 things” list about running my neighborhood loop.  I know many Stroller Warrior members have repetitive loops/paths that they run with their kids.  What are a few enjoyable aspects of these repetitive running courses?  

Happy Running!

​Rose :)

Hello Stroller Warriors! 

I’ve got an easy craft for you, scrunchies! Soon you'll be able to make scrunchies for all of your favorite running friends. Scrunchies are coming back in style (or so my pre-teen says). Here is how to do them!

​What you need: 
-Sewing machine 
-Thread
-Scissors
-Safety pins (2)
-Fabric 
-Elastic, 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch preferred.

1. Cut fabric in a rectangle, 4in x 18 inches
2. Cut elastic, 8 inches 

3. Fold the fabric in half, so it becomes 2in x18inches. Sew along the long side to make a long tube. 

4. Turn inside out using the safety pin. 

5. Fold one side of the fabric in by 1/4 of an inch. Iron the folded side.

6. Pin the safety pin to one end of the elastic and fabric. Attach other safety pin to the other end of the elastic. Pass through to the other side of the fabric tube. 

7. Stitch to elastic ends together. Sew back and forth along the elastic several times to secure.

9. Sew along the edge to secure all pieces together. 

10. You’re done! Relax or repeat to make more for your Stroller Warrior friends! 

​During the entire month of March, Stroller Warriors® hosted our first Global Outreach Event of the year supporting Operation First Response, Inc (OFR).  This mission of OFR is to serve all branches of our nation’s Wounded Heroes/Disabled Veterans, Gold Star Families and First Responders with personal and financial needs. Services are provided from the onset of injuries or illness, throughout their recovery period and along their journey into the civilian world. Financial aid varies as each case is based on individual needs ranging from rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and travel expenses.

Operation First Response provides a variety of programs:

Family Assistance Program and Last Mission Project: In several cases, the VA process can take over a year or more to help Combat Wounded Veterans support their families- leaving families feeling helpless and unheard. This is where the Family Assistance Program steps in by providing the amount of assistance the individual will need to continue through the VA process claim. They also support by assisting with basic needs like groceries, utilities, rent, vehicle payments, and mortgage payments. Additionally, Last Mission Project helps alleviate those stressors to individuals suffering with PTSD.
 
OFR Backpacks: Imagine being wounded and showing up to a combat hospital with no belongings. OFR Backpacks are filled with personal hygiene items, undergarments, socks, and other necessities to provide a little bit of comfort from home to those that need it the most.

Operation Final Salute: Artist, Kaziah Hancock, has created over 580 portraits of fallen service members— ranging from combat veterans to retired service members.  Portraits are given to the families to cherish and respect with one “Final Salute”. This program has been provided by financial donations given to Operation First Response.

Project Specialized Training: Operation First Response has collaborated with Veterans Institute of Training and Technology to provide Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching certification. The training course, books, and reimbursement of the exam are all covered by OFR. This certification allows service members to seek employment with the knowledge of designing, building, and maintaining business networks and networking hardware.

Random Acts of Kindness Initiative: Small cards are made with the information and picture of a fallen service member. Individuals then take part in an act of kindness for their fellow friend, neighbor, and or stranger and provide them with the card. The card says it was “NOT a random act of kindness but done in “honor” of the fallen service member. It is a way to give back to those around you while honoring a hero who gave back to our country.

Through our global outreach events, many of our Stroller Warriors chapters supported Operation First Response by hosting a dedication run and/or donating supplies:
 
Due to wet weather, Stroller Warriors Virginia Beach, Virginia held a run on April 1st. All their miles were collectively dedicated to Operation First Response.

​Stroller Warriors McConnell, Kansas hosted a run supporting Operation First Response on Wednesday, March 30th.

Stroller Warriors Lewis-McChord, Washington hosted a run supporting Operation First Response on Monday, March 28th.

Stroller Warriors Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii dedicated their C25K Graduation miles to Operation First Response! The group ran 32.24 miles on March 25th and had a great turnout that morning of runners, cheerleaders, and other support volunteers. In their event, members shared information on the global outreach.

​Stroller Warriors Iwakuni, Japan was honored to support the Operation First Response Global Outreach Event for the month of March. They had twelve runners dedicate a total of 479 miles throughout the month! This included a run on Wednesday March 23rd that was specifically for Operation First Response. All their members attended the event wearing blue and gold!
 

​Stroller Warriors Okinawa, Japan was able to donate underwear, t-shirts, socks, band-aids, and over the counter pain relievers from Operation First Responses’ amazon wish list. They also collectively dedicated 112.92 miles!

As always, our members went above and beyond supporting this wonderful organization. Congratulations Warriors on a job well done!

If you are interested in learning more and supporting Operation First Response please visit their website at https://www.operationfirstresponse.org/. 

For those who knew me in high school, you know that I could barely run the mile for gym class. I've always hated running— I took the leap to join Stroller Warriors Fort Belvoir for their Couch to 5K program while living in Virginia, it was obvious how lonely and desperate I was to make friends.

I was a nervous wreck before attending my first Stroller Warriors meet-up, but thankfully I was met by some of the most amazing, encouraging, and supportive women I had ever encountered. I looked forward to going twice a week and started running on my own. A year later, and I had completed multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, and was training for a half marathon. I had fallen in love with running because of the support I had received. I was the happiest I had been in a long time and in the best shape of my life.

Then, with virtually no warning, I started to not feel well. I was shocked to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I felt my running days- and in some aspects my life- were over. Fast forward a couple of years— we were living in Illinois and I had just had my second child, COVID was in full swing, I had gained a lot of weight, and I was just sitting on the couch. I was depressed and lonely again, when I saw an advertisement for the upcoming C25K program for Stroller Warriors Scott. Could I run with diabetes? Did I even want to? Well, once again, I was desperate enough to try. And once again, I was met with another group of amazing, supportive, encouraging ladies. Once again, I fell in love with running.

When my husband told me we were moving to Texas, the first thing I did was look to see if they had a Stroller Warriors chapter. And praise God, up popped Stroller Warriors Lackland! Once again, they have encouraged and supported me. And today, I finally checked a half marathon off my bucket list.
​
Happy Running,
Julie O.

I have been overweight much of my adult life— always putting myself and my needs on the back burner.  For 15 years, my husband’s needs came first, Air Force spouse duties came first, my daughter’s needs came first, traveling soccer and school soccer for my daughter came first.  I was constantly in pain— foot pain, back pain, blinding headaches—pushing forward as I accepted this as my everyday life.  It’s what we do right?  I had exercised off and on for YEARS, but it never stuck.  I would establish a good exercise routine for a few months, then fall completely off the wagon, which would eventually run me over.  This was my exercise pattern, coupled with yo-yo dieting for 15 years after the birth of my daughter. 

In 2011, I had to have back surgery— I had a fusion and I had to have 2 plates and 4 screws.  The cartilage between the vertebrate was 80% gone and so I had a lot of bone rubbing on bone.  The pain was crazy.  I did physical therapy for years, steroid injections, nerve blocks, you name it, I had it.  None of it worked, so surgery it was.  Recovery and physical therapy were horrendous—something that I never want to have to do again (even though the doctors now are talking about future surgery for the vertebrate above where I now have the plates).  I was told by the doctors that being overweight for so long was crushing my spine and this was causing the pain. 

When we PCS’d from North Carolina to Georgia, I started a new job and an internship for my Master’s program— visiting clients in their home (I’m a marriage and family therapist).  One day, as I was driving to see a client, I fell asleep not once, but twice. Furthermore, while at home on my lunch break, I fell asleep sitting up and stopped breathing.  My dog noticed that my breathing had stopped and jumped into my lap to wake me up.  I realized I wasn’t breathing because as soon as I woke up, I took about 4 deep breaths.  I decided to see a doctor to find out why this was happening.  I had all the things done— EKG, MRI, C-Scan, sleep studies, and eventually seeing a neurologist…not just one, but two neurologists!  The first neurologist prescribed several medications that did not work; the second neurologist found a large mass on my brain— 2 inches down my spine and moving down my spine from the base of my skull where it connects to your spine. The mass covered the entire back side of my head and went from ear to ear.  I learned that this mass was a Chiari Malformation.  I cried in the doctor’s office and researched it like crazy.  The doctor believes that I may have had a Chiari malformation since I was about 12 years old.   Thinking back to my childhood, I remember as a 10-year old having headaches and nosebleeds, and my mom taking me to all of the doctors (she was military so we saw the base doctors)— not finding anything wrong and sending myself and my mom home with a treatment plan of Tylenol for headaches and home remedies for nose bleeds.  But this was different. Every time I strained or did anything strenuous, the headaches came— even laughing caused the headaches.  The nose bleeds came and they were bad and the headaches were so blinding that I would have to stop what I was doing until the headache passed.  I was told by my doctor that the Chiari Malformation was second largest he has ever seen and needed emergency surgery.  The surgery would not completely remove the mass, but it would make it smaller.  I still have a small mass on my brain.  The surgeons had to be careful, as not to damage my brain. 

Adding to the story, my then husband was deployed when the doctor discovered the Chiari malformation and the need for emergency surgery.  He quickly scheduled on an emergency Red Cross flight home, which took 4 days. I ended up in the ICU shortly after the surgery for 6 days, waking up after day 3.  When I woke up, my then husband told me that I need to start doing the things I want to do for ME because life is not promised.  We are not promised tomorrow.  That day I knew I had to make a change—I had to do things for me.  That was 2013. 

It took a year and a half to recover from the brain surgery and get cleared by my doctor to exercise.  In that year and a half, I engaged in physical therapy and all the things I needed to do to recover.  I also made a list of things I wanted to do for myself— lose weight and start running.  I have always thought running was cool and that people running looked like they were having an enjoyable time— I wanted a piece of that.  So what did I do?  My friends and I decided that we would sign up for the Princess Challenge at Disney in 2015.  Because why not?  I am a HUGE Disney fanatic.  The training began and boy was I wrong about running— it was not cool!  I started changing my mind about why I wanted to run.  I was like, “girl what are you thinking?”  While training, I joined several running pages on social media.  Joining the online running community is where I fell in love with running.  The running community is the best I’ve ever seen. The support is beyond amazing.  I also learned that more girls that look like me are runners— something I had never seen before.  I was always embarrassed about my pace— never wanting to talk about my pace or post a picture with my pace on it.  I’m a true back of the packer (that’s where the party’s at).  I mean I am the girl who gets a police escort across the finish line (that actually only happened once…haha).

I trained for the 19.2 miles (10K and a half) —  finishing the 10k and completing mile 11 in the half before I got swept.  I was hooked after the Disney race, and I signed up again for the Princess Half in 2017.  Again, I finished the 10k and swept at mile 9 after twisting my knee. None of this discouraged me.  I was so excited about the fact that I even had the courage to start. 

Training and running the Disney races helped me get serious about my fitness and nutrition.  I joined Beachbody (and that was an event in itself…haha…not a bad one though).  I was not too sure about working out from home.  My coach invited me for about 5-6 months before I decided to try it.  Why not? I had tried everything else.  But for some reason, this stuck.  I mean it really stuck.  It was working and to be honest, I didn’t get “serious” about the workouts and nutrition until about a year after I joined and became a coach. I was like, “working out at home? Please”.  I started one program after another after another.  The support and the community was great.  No shaming and always cheering for each other.  I began working on my nutrition by using portion fix.  The containers made sense to me— I didn’t have to starve or restrict myself.  I only had to listen to my body— making the proper adjustments and still eating what I like and choosing healthier options.  Nutrition plan started making sense and the weight came off.  To this day, I have lost 109 pounds!  Can you believe that?  Some days I can’t. I still struggle with the “girl” I see in the mirror.  Now don’t get it wrong, I still indulge from time to time.  I love pizza.  I mean, I LOVE pizza.  I will never pass it up.  And I mean real cheese, tons of pepperoni, Pizza Hut pizza with stuffed crust.  I don’t get hard on myself when I indulge or veer off of my nutrition plan.  It’s pointless and just makes me feel bad and I don’t need that in my life.  I just do better the next day. I don’t quit. I forgive myself and keep going.  It took me a minute to get there, but I’m there and it’s working for me.  I will say that I’ve learned that in the past when I restrict myself from the things I like, I lose the battle with nutrition every time. 

During this time when I was getting on track with my nutrition, 2019 to be exact, my then husband told me he wanted a divorce.  Talk about devastated.  I was floored. We had been married for 20 years and together for 26 at that point.  I lost so much during that time.  My house, my job, my mind (it felt like it at times).  My heart was broken, and I had no idea who I even was anymore.  But I will tell you this: I ran.  I ran and ran and ran.  And I prayed.  I have always been a believer in Christ.  He is my light.  He is my everything.  And has gotten me through so many things.  Running helped clear my mind. Running helped me stay positive.  Running kept me sane.  Running brought me peace.  Running let me cry it all out with no shame.  But things started turning around.  I found a new job— all the way in Washington State! I was like Washington?  What’s out there? I am a Georgia peach through and through, but I knew God was leading me to where I needed to be.  Leading me to peace.  Things started to fall in place— I got my own place to stay and brand-new SUV.  So, my 20 year-old daughter and I packed up our belongings, 3 dogs, 2 cars and a Uhaul drove 4000 miles across the country (Georgia to Washington).  The journey took us 5 days, about 1000 doggy potty breaks, pet friendly hotel stays, snow, rain, almost getting lost in Nebraska, and seeing the most beautiful sites (God’s Country).  We made it and it’s been so great and a nice change of pace.  One of the first things I did, was seek out running groups in my area and mapped out running paths (and we’re not going to talk about all the hills out here).  I joined the Black Girls Run Seattle group (1st running group I joined in the PNW) and those ladies are great and so supportive and have made me feel welcomed.  So hilarious as well.  It was here, while working on post with CYS, that I found and joined Stroller Warriors Lewis-McChord. I have gotten encouragement and tips about running on post and meet ups (even though some of the times I can’t make).  I was part of the base running group while we were stationed at Moody AFB.  I wasn’t familiar with running on post here at JBLM, but Stroller Warriors helped me with that and the mileage around the flight line. Running groups look a little different now due to Covid, but we’re still getting our miles in.  One thing I have had to adjust to, is winter running.  Man, that is a different kind of beast.  I’m slowly learning about cold weather running.  But I’m out here doing it because I am a runner!

I am currently training for the Springtime Surprise at Disney World the end of March/beginning of April.  I’m running with the American Cancer Society in honor of my grandmother who passed from cervical cancer.  It’s my first time fundraising for a race.  I’ve been more consistent with this training than before. Additionally, I won an 8-week training program with a running coach, physical therapist and mentor and it has been so great.  My coach was on the cover of Runner’s World!  I learned so much and still use the training techniques.  I would recommend a running coach.  It was something I wish I had done at the beginning of my running journey. 

I will say this, I never thought I would be that girl running.  I had every excuse: I’m too fat to run, black girls don’t run, this will ruin my hair, I have knee problems, it’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s dark outside, I don’t want to run by myself, I don’t have the right this or that.  It was always something.  I still have those moments and days.  But it’s seriously mind over matter, and I’ve seen what running and exercise has done for me.  Not just in how I look, but so much more.  It’s made me a better person.  It’s made me stronger, and I’ve made so many friends.  The support of the running community is amazing.  I’ve found who I am, continue to grow, and I love her more than I ever have or thought I ever would.
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For those that say you can’t do this, or you’re too this or you’re too that…STOP IT!  I know it’s cliché, but if I can do it, you can too.  I promise you that you can.  I’ve tried all the diets (name it, I’ve done it… twice), I’ve had all the excuses, I’ve had all the surgeries (brain surgery, rotator cuff repair, 2 knee surgeries on the same knee, disc repair in my neck, back surgery, hernia repair, cyst removal from my wrist, I have no arch in my right foot and foot pain is constant- so  yeah I have them all).  I’ve been told that I shouldn’t run, that I will more than likely quit.  But you know what, I’ve had so much positive support and positive results that quitting is not an option anymore.  Period.  I love the person I’ve become and don’t plan on looking back. The future looks bright, and I know running and fitness will be a part of it…. Always. 

TaReesa S.
Runner

St. Patrick’s Day (and the few days preceding) has always been a festive and celebratory time— building “leprechaun traps” at school and/or home, donning a plethora of green attire for a road race, and sharing a boiled dinner of corned beef and cabbage with family and friends.  I love these traditions— they bring about a feeling of happiness and, much like green for St. Patrick’s Day, signs of budding, spring, and growth. 

As I was running through my neighborhood this weekend— wearing my green shirt from college, zipping past the people preparing for the neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day parade— a festive running haiku popped into my head:
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Clovers on my path
Deep breaths and progressive steps
Dropkicks end my run 

Happy Running!
​-Rose :)