Every weekend we have Warriors racing all over the world, each event special in its own way. Today however I want to highlight just one very special race to the military community and to our own club. This Sunday marks the 42nd Marine Corps Marathon and the 8th MCM that Stroller Warriors have participated in as a club. We don't have exact data, but I can say with confidence that this is the most popular marathon our club trains for. Stroller Warriors love Marine Corps Marathon!
Most racers have heard of this marathon and have it on their bucket list. Prior to completing this race, it's hard to truly grasp just how special it is. This marathon represents the best that the American race community has to offer. Runners from all over the world gather at our nation's capitol for this one common goal. It's aptly called "the People's Marathon" with no race corrals and no race purse because it's not about time, nor money nor fame. Everyone has the same beautiful and simplistic goal of simply participating and finishing. The historic route winds through our nation's capitol and reminds us of where we started and where we have come. The race is hosted by our incredible servicemen and women, the United States Marines, and I'm not sure there anything more humbling than seeing them serve in yet another way. It's quite a moment to have one of our nation's heroes present you with a medal. I could go on and on, but simply put, this event is not just a race...it's an experience and a tribute.
Why are Stroller Warriors drawn to this race? As military spouses and a club founded at a Marine Corps base, this race encompasses the very threads of who we are and resonates with us on a deep level. This race is intended for every type of runner, the ordinary runner. Stroller Warriors welcomes runners of all ability levels, male or female, with or without children. We may be different in some ways but we also have some unbreakable bonds that supercedes all else. We work together to reach our own goals, which are also shared goals, which is even better! We run the race course together and we also walk the path of life together.
Why are Stroller Warriors drawn to this race? As military spouses and a club founded at a Marine Corps base, this race encompasses the very threads of who we are and resonates with us on a deep level. This race is intended for every type of runner, the ordinary runner. Stroller Warriors welcomes runners of all ability levels, male or female, with or without children. We may be different in some ways but we also have some unbreakable bonds that supercedes all else. We work together to reach our own goals, which are also shared goals, which is even better! We run the race course together and we also walk the path of life together.
I want to share a personal story about the MCM because this race is very significant to Stroller Warriors history. Seven years ago, this was the first big marathon that our club trained for together. I had founded Stroller Warriors in January earlier that year and in true Stroller Warriors fashion, I became fast friends with some of the members. My new friend Kelly declared she was running MCM. She wanted to run it in honor of her husband and his unit while they were deployed to Afghanistan. A few other spouses in her unit were onboard with her idea. (They were Stroller Warriors too of course, because Kelly recruited them. Naturally!)
Well, I really liked Kelly but I thought she was flipping NUTS. (Oh and I literally knicknamed her that.) I had done a few halfs at that point and I felt that 13 miles was legit enough. You want me to double that? WHAT?! I also wondered how she could pull off the training. Her husband was deploying and she had a baby daughter. My husband was deploying too. All I could think was HOW?! She wouldn't back down. She wanted this to be my goal too. I kept hedging. I made excuses. But no matter my excuse, she'd respond very simply, positively, and matter-of-factly, "We'll do it together!"
In those moments, Kelly was teaching me what Stroller Warriors was destined to be, even before I knew. Together, we can build each other up and achieve great things.
In true Stroller Warriors fashion, I finally caved to her encouragement and motivation. I signed up for that dang race. 26.2 miles. In moments of feeling overwhelmed, I kept Kelly's words at the forefront and relied on my village. I set to work doing my part. I located a babysitter willing to watch the boys at 5am on Saturdays. I logged more miles than I had my entire life. I learned about the sport of running and it was actually humbling. Here I am, founding a running club, and I don't know the first thing about running a full marathon!
Well, I really liked Kelly but I thought she was flipping NUTS. (Oh and I literally knicknamed her that.) I had done a few halfs at that point and I felt that 13 miles was legit enough. You want me to double that? WHAT?! I also wondered how she could pull off the training. Her husband was deploying and she had a baby daughter. My husband was deploying too. All I could think was HOW?! She wouldn't back down. She wanted this to be my goal too. I kept hedging. I made excuses. But no matter my excuse, she'd respond very simply, positively, and matter-of-factly, "We'll do it together!"
In those moments, Kelly was teaching me what Stroller Warriors was destined to be, even before I knew. Together, we can build each other up and achieve great things.
In true Stroller Warriors fashion, I finally caved to her encouragement and motivation. I signed up for that dang race. 26.2 miles. In moments of feeling overwhelmed, I kept Kelly's words at the forefront and relied on my village. I set to work doing my part. I located a babysitter willing to watch the boys at 5am on Saturdays. I logged more miles than I had my entire life. I learned about the sport of running and it was actually humbling. Here I am, founding a running club, and I don't know the first thing about running a full marathon!
MCM training run! Angelica, Kit, Sarah, Me, Kelly
The most important thing I learned was that marathon training is a journey that can be shared with friends near and far and used as a tool to overcome. I loved running those miles and moments with my inspiring new training buddies. Sweet Angelica wasn't even running the marathon but she decided to support her teammates and run with us on the weekends. Sounds like typical Stroller Warriors teamwork, right?! Our friendships evolved and deepened as we jabbered about all the random topics a long run morning can take you to. (You know what I'm talking about, Warriors. We cover some ground, literally and figuratively.) I counted down deployment days by training weeks and the time flew. I looked forward to the deployments phone calls when I could tell Brian about my training. He seemed at more ease knowing I had such a positive focus and nice friends while he was away. I was proud of my achievements, even my setbacks, and I felt confident and strong.
There were so many things about that marathon that improved my quality of life at that time that I never could have predicted. The Marine Corps Marathon helped teach me what Stroller Warriors was capable of. Kelly was so right. We did help each other, we did it together, and we were all better because of it. I evolved as a runner and as a person. I had always been so wrapped up in my pace and finish placing in the past, but now I saw that the journey and the connections meant even more. The Stroller Warriors blessed me beyond measure. I hope you have felt that too.
Unfortunately, when marathon week finally arrived, I was presented with an unexpected tragedy. My cousin and classmate Jeremiah passed away. He had an undiagnosed health issue and our tight-knit family was devastated. He was only 29, 3 months younger than me. My focus shifted and I set to work making travel arrangements to Iowa. I deliberated on skipping the race. I was emotionally distraught and my family needed me as much as I needed them. However, my family and the amazing Stroller Warriors were not going to allow me to struggle. Through their encouragement and support I was able to attend the funeral and also attend the race. This was a fitting outcome for the MARINE CORPS Marathon. Our United States service members are asked to serve unconditionally no matter what comes their way. My own husband was in Afghanistan at that time doing hard things every single day. I found my own courage and decided to follow their example. I knew that I was honoring our service members, my team mates, and Jeremiah's life by overcoming odds and still reaching for the goal.
Now many years later, the Marine Corps Marathon still stands as one of my all-time favorite race experiences. I had such a terrific time with all my Stroller Warriors friends and made some new ones along the way. I will never forget racing past all the monuments and then that final gut punch climb up the hill to Iwo Jima. (Only the Marines would think that's a good idea, ha!) It was incredible having all those Marines cheer for us, meanwhile knowing my own Marine was doing the same from afar. I kept thinking how lucky I was to be a military spouse, an American, and a part of this awesome community. I think it has continued to guide me as a metaphor for how to live life even today.
There were so many things about that marathon that improved my quality of life at that time that I never could have predicted. The Marine Corps Marathon helped teach me what Stroller Warriors was capable of. Kelly was so right. We did help each other, we did it together, and we were all better because of it. I evolved as a runner and as a person. I had always been so wrapped up in my pace and finish placing in the past, but now I saw that the journey and the connections meant even more. The Stroller Warriors blessed me beyond measure. I hope you have felt that too.
Unfortunately, when marathon week finally arrived, I was presented with an unexpected tragedy. My cousin and classmate Jeremiah passed away. He had an undiagnosed health issue and our tight-knit family was devastated. He was only 29, 3 months younger than me. My focus shifted and I set to work making travel arrangements to Iowa. I deliberated on skipping the race. I was emotionally distraught and my family needed me as much as I needed them. However, my family and the amazing Stroller Warriors were not going to allow me to struggle. Through their encouragement and support I was able to attend the funeral and also attend the race. This was a fitting outcome for the MARINE CORPS Marathon. Our United States service members are asked to serve unconditionally no matter what comes their way. My own husband was in Afghanistan at that time doing hard things every single day. I found my own courage and decided to follow their example. I knew that I was honoring our service members, my team mates, and Jeremiah's life by overcoming odds and still reaching for the goal.
Now many years later, the Marine Corps Marathon still stands as one of my all-time favorite race experiences. I had such a terrific time with all my Stroller Warriors friends and made some new ones along the way. I will never forget racing past all the monuments and then that final gut punch climb up the hill to Iwo Jima. (Only the Marines would think that's a good idea, ha!) It was incredible having all those Marines cheer for us, meanwhile knowing my own Marine was doing the same from afar. I kept thinking how lucky I was to be a military spouse, an American, and a part of this awesome community. I think it has continued to guide me as a metaphor for how to live life even today.
Stroller Warriors pre-race at the 35th MCM, our first marathon as a club.
To all our 10K and marathon participants: you...are...AWESOME. We commend you for setting this goal and even moreso for your hard-earned journey to get there. Training for months means you've had some amazing runs, but it also means you've trained with sickness, in cruddy weather, under crappy circumstances, and pushing strollers. Because, that's life! Sunday is the conclusion to your journey and we hope it's everything you dreamed of. Look around, meet people, watch their moments, and make moments of your own. The experience is truly timeless and priceless.
Don't forget to have fun too! I wore an Energizer Bunny costume to my MCM because, well, I'm me and it's Halloween and I love a good costume. (Sidenote...those stupid ears lightly slapped the back of my head for 26.2 miles. But totally worth it. "Keep going," bunny.) I digress. Take photos. High-five Marines and volunteers and tell them thank you. Wear your Stroller Warriors gear and sharpied SWs and hug Stroller Warriors you've never met. Smile. Laugh. Even when it hurts, just keep going (like the bunny!) You're stronger than you think you are because you are a WARRIOR.
Don't forget to have fun too! I wore an Energizer Bunny costume to my MCM because, well, I'm me and it's Halloween and I love a good costume. (Sidenote...those stupid ears lightly slapped the back of my head for 26.2 miles. But totally worth it. "Keep going," bunny.) I digress. Take photos. High-five Marines and volunteers and tell them thank you. Wear your Stroller Warriors gear and sharpied SWs and hug Stroller Warriors you've never met. Smile. Laugh. Even when it hurts, just keep going (like the bunny!) You're stronger than you think you are because you are a WARRIOR.
No matter how race day goes, Stroller Warriors make it fun.
For all of you "stalking" and spectating your team mates this weekend in person and online, you are a huge part of why our club is so special. You're there for your fellow Warriors no matter what and you celebrate their accomplishments as your own. We had a few Stroller Warriors make the trek to DC in 2010 to cheer us on. Look at the photo below with our dear friend Kim, corralling all those kids so her friends could run! There are these same kinds of photos following the MCM every year, depicting the love and support we hold so dear. That's how Warriors roll, then and now.
Stroller Warriors fans and Mini Warriors make any race GREAT. Me, Kim, Jenna
Speaking of "stalking"...will you do me a favor? There's one special person I want you all to put on your tracking list to pray for and cheer on. Believe it or not, Kelly is running her second Marine Corps Marathon this weekend! When she recruited our first MCM training group in 2010, little did she know she was shaping our club for years to come. Now we have HUNDREDS of Stroller Warriors sharing in that same tradition every year. Kelly will take the reins from me in January and I'm infinitely proud of her. Good luck, Kelly. Remember, the faster you run, the sooner you're done. And I also want to say, thanks for all you taught me. I owe my MCM experience to you.
Last but not least, good luck and God bless you, Stroller Warriors. You will soon call yourself not just a marathoner/10ker but a MARINE CORPS MARATHONER/10Ker. There truly is something special about Marine Corps and I can't wait for you all to experience it yourselves as our 8th generation of finishers. Run with purpose, finish with pride.
HAPPY RUNNING,
Your Founder and CEO,
Stephanie
Last but not least, good luck and God bless you, Stroller Warriors. You will soon call yourself not just a marathoner/10ker but a MARINE CORPS MARATHONER/10Ker. There truly is something special about Marine Corps and I can't wait for you all to experience it yourselves as our 8th generation of finishers. Run with purpose, finish with pride.
HAPPY RUNNING,
Your Founder and CEO,
Stephanie
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