by Katie P. Katie is an avid runner, Stroller Warrior Headquarters Team member and mother of 3. She is an alumni member of Stroller Warriors Yuma and the founder of Stroller Warriors Iwakuni.
Katie's three kiddos, exploring the world. I woke up on Friday the 13th like any other day, and I was becoming superstitious by midday. After my kids got on the school bus, I checked email, read some news, and checked my FB notifications while eating breakfast. Along with my normal invitation notifications from Stroller Warriors chapters around the world, I had almost as many event cancellation notifications. This COVID storm is just beginning in America, and like everyone else, I’ve been trying to get my footing and have a reasonable reaction to this pandemic without acting like a hurricane is on its way (seriously, you cannot possibly need 3 packs of SamsClub toilet paper). By Sunday night, schools were ordered closed by the Governor (in our state - I’m in South Carolina) for the remainder of the month, all youth sports programs were postponed, and ‘social distancing’ was being explained by infectious disease specialists on every news outlet. Schools in other states were closing as well, some for as long as a 6-8 weeks. On Monday night the President announced the CDC recommended shutting down any gathering of more than ten people, which led to Stroller Warriors temporarily putting a hold on all US chapter workouts and events. Every US race scheduled in the next month (or more) has been cancelled, and we’re all on a virtual workout plan.
Around the world, we’ve watched as our OCONUS chapters and Elsewhere members are in varying states of pandemic preparation or direct response. Japan shut down schools for the month of March, and some of the American bases have some level of ROM (Restriction of Movement) set up for residents returning from travel. Bases in European countries are on full lockdown, and their schools are closed, too. All PCS and non-essential TDY/TAD travel has been cancelled CONUS and OCONUS in an effort to stop this virus.
Around the world, we’ve watched as our OCONUS chapters and Elsewhere members are in varying states of pandemic preparation or direct response. Japan shut down schools for the month of March, and some of the American bases have some level of ROM (Restriction of Movement) set up for residents returning from travel. Bases in European countries are on full lockdown, and their schools are closed, too. All PCS and non-essential TDY/TAD travel has been cancelled CONUS and OCONUS in an effort to stop this virus.
The only photo taken of our last race this season. My husband and I are both very fact oriented people. I am a former police officer who needs all of the information to make any decision. My husband is a history buff and has been watching YouTube videos of Q&As with infectious disease experts discussing COVID-19 and other diseases we’ve seen over the past few hundred years. We made a plan for the inevitable school closure for our kids and possible work shutdown for myself, and considering adjusting Spring break travel plans. And we’re running. We’re running every day we’ve planned, and were lucky enough to race last weekend at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, where some smaller races were still being held prior to the increase in cases. I have never felt so grateful for the fresh air, cool breeze, and free post-race beer! We enjoyed our time racing (my husband hit a PR and placed 1st in his age group, and while I didn’t PR, I did reach my day’s goal with a minute to spare), relaxing afterward as we watched other runners finish, and discussing this wild ride the world is on at the moment. We brought some levity to the discussion with some silly internet memes about toilet paper and T-Rex, but really, things are seemingly quite serious.
The past few weeks, we’ve watched as the running world has all but shut down every large running event scheduled for the next few months. I have seen countless Warriors posting about missing their races and the devastation they feel not being able to run their planned race. I have felt helpless and sad for my fellow runners.
The past few weeks, we’ve watched as the running world has all but shut down every large running event scheduled for the next few months. I have seen countless Warriors posting about missing their races and the devastation they feel not being able to run their planned race. I have felt helpless and sad for my fellow runners.
Yokosuka half marathon make-up I’ve seen our combined reaction as Stroller Warriors members and leadership. Initially when it was only the big races that were cancelled, and otherwise life was proceeding as normal, I watched as our Coordinators, Workout Leaders, and Volunteer Staff set up water stations and planned virtual races and potlucks and BBQs for their fellow Warriors. I received a message from one of our coordinators asking for guidance after she’d come up with a plan – a plan that put her own race needs aside to give her team a fighting chance at the normalcy racing together brings us. I watched in the aftermath how their team was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run their ‘race’ despite the disheartening conditions. They made that race happen for one another. We've seen Stroller Warriors starting 'virtual relays' where one by one they run miles and pass a virtual baton for the next person person to 'grab' and keep running. In the midst of all of the shut downs Stroller Warriors are still holding virtual workouts, relays, and challenges. They are supporting each other and sharing resources on home schooling. They are there for each other, both in running and in life.
Rachel starting the Stroller Warriors Quantico virtual relay run
This COVID-19 situation is terrible. The virus has killed many and there is no doubt more will perish as we fight as a society to figure out life with this in the mix. Since becoming a runner, I have learned the strength of this team – the runner’s team. I have learned that together, we are stronger than we could ever be alone. We run faster and farther because of one another, and we continuously raise each other up when we are down. Our Fearless Leaders are some of the luckiest leaders in the world; they have the support of incredible volunteers and members who all truly have a common goal – our goal to ensure a healthier world for each of us and our children. 2020 may be the year that life gave us lemons, but Stroller Warriors, y’all are making some awesome lemonade and I am so proud to be among you.
Sending my best from the low country to Stroller Warriors around the world – rock on Warriors! Whether you’re running laps in your driveway, a 5K at the track, a 10K on your garage treadmill, a half marathon on a one mile base loop, we’re all cheering for you this season.
Sending my best from the low country to Stroller Warriors around the world – rock on Warriors! Whether you’re running laps in your driveway, a 5K at the track, a 10K on your garage treadmill, a half marathon on a one mile base loop, we’re all cheering for you this season.
Yokosuka Nagoya marathon makeup
Iwakuni Kintai half marathon make-up
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