Philomena began her life as a Marine Corps spouse over ten years ago. Since then she has worn many hats, including nurse, EMT, stay-at-home mom, homeschool teacher to her three beautiful children…and amazing mother runner.
 
Three years ago, she joined Stroller Warriors Camp Lejeune and currently serves as the Assistant Coordinator of SW Miramar. She said, “I never thought that I would be in this position! I consider it quite an honor.” Philomena originally got roped in by a dear friend she met at a Camp Lejeune L.I.N.K.S. class. Philomena never participated in many sports during childhood and thought, “runners were crazy!!! I mean who would want to intentionally go out and run and make yourself do what I thought would be utterly miserable. Boy was I wrong!” Her friend convinced her to come try a workout at least once. She was hooked from there and even got to link back up with her friend at SW Miramar.

​Prior to Stroller Warriors, Philomena could not run more than 50 feet, was in poor health and in her words, “overweight and majorly out of shape.” Stroller Warriors “has made an amazing difference in my life, both physically and mentally.” She has since lost weight, gotten into better shape, and feels much healthier all around.
 
Philomena experienced a major setback in 2015. In the beginning of the year, she had a severe herniated disc. After being misdiagnosed, she ended up having to utilize a cane and a wheelchair to get around. With severe pain, and no mobility in her right leg, she finally ended up having back surgery in April. Her doctor informed her she may not ever be back to running after surgery.
 
Amazingly, she bounced right back post-surgery, stronger than ever. Prior to surgery, Philomena’s longest run was seven miles. Her running dream was to complete a half-marathon, and she was not certain she could do it. 

​In December 2015, with tears, Stroller Warrior support, and a husband waiting at the finish line, Philomena completed her first half-marathon. “I can honestly say that was one of my greatest and proudest running accomplishments.” She attributes her accomplishment to the “encouragement, support, and friendship” of Stroller Warrior friends, “who are more like family than anything else.” Philomena’s many other personal accomplishments include three Couch to 5K cycles, three Bridge to 10K cycles, and a Couch to Crazy program.
 
Beyond running benchmarks, Stroller Warriors has helped Philomena cope with four deployments, miscarriages, surgeries, stress, and being separated from family. “Running is my therapy and stress relief, and without SWs I wouldn't be where I am today! Not only has it impacted my life, it has helped my family, as well. My kiddos love to run with mommy, and my hubby has turned into one of us crazy runners, too.” Philomena’s husband also completed his first half, the same day as Philomena.
 
Philomena’s favorite SW experience was seeing her journey full-circle. She began her running experience in 2013 with Couch to 5K, and this past summer, she was able to lead a Couch to 5K group. “Being able to lead a group of runners to accomplish their own C25K goals was amazing.” Philomena felt great pride in seeing the graduates cross their own 5K finish line. As an added bonus, her five and nine year olds ran with her, as well. (It seems like the little ones are catching the running bug.)   

​​Philomena’s best advice for fellow spouses:
"My biggest advice for new spouses and even veteran spouses is get involved! Get out in the community and make friends. Volunteer and give back. It is the most rewarding and invigorating experience to get out and help others, and in the process, it is helping you as well!"

Thank you Philomena for allowing us to spotlight you and your story! 

New year, new you, right? New year, new MEDALS is more like it! I love medals. It’s my favorite kind of jewelry that I never wear. If I register and pay for a race, I will finish it. I must have that die-cast medallion in my collection. The race t-shirts are alright. I almost never wear them, unless I manage to get an awesome shirt (which does happen on occasion). Mostly, though, the medals are where it’s at. It’s my version of a personal diary; they tell my story.

​​All of the work that goes into training, preparing for, and actually running the race comes down to a small trophy on a ribbon. I wear them proudly through the finish line festivals, regardless of how heavy or awkward they are on my tired shoulders. I display them proudly in my home. Some are beautiful and spunky. Some have loads of flair and sparkle. Some are less than impressive. Some are downright ugly. But I love them all. I rank them right up there with my photo albums on things I would rescue from a fire. 

Why is there such a sentimental reaction to these pieces of metal? Because it is not something you can walk into a store and purchase. While not necessarily more expensive, the investment returns just as sweet of a reward. They are a reminder of hard work and determination. They represent memories to cherish. They represent people met, bonds forged, and communities created.
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Races bring people together for fun, but usually for a greater-good cause, as well. I don’t recall many races that weren’t bringing about awareness or raising funds for community needs. We get to be part of that by running the race and sharing our experience. Each medal earned represents a part of history. We each get to be part of something great, no matter how small our role. How many of us have raised funds for veteran organizations, medical research, and community charities? Some of us do not get to see the tangible effects of this fundraising. Some of us do. Either way, we earn the medal along with all the other amazing runners. I hope you look at your collection and feel like a super hero, because you truly are. 

The personal side to collecting medals is extraordinary. Each one may represent a completely new accomplishment or it may represent getting through a tough time. Perhaps the fellow runner ran their fastest 5k or longest race yet. Perhaps the fellow runner met their accomplishment with no spouse waiting at the finish line because of deployment. Perhaps the fellow runner managed all of their training while taking care of their child with exceptional needs. Perhaps a fellow runner managed training while balancing family and work. Perhaps all that training was a reprieve from mourning. Perhaps you had an awesome experience with no setbacks and steady training; the mileage itself was a feat. Regardless of what your behind-the-scenes situation looks like, I hope you, especially, look at your collection and feel like a super hero.
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Show me your bling! Post pictures of your favorite medal and tell me why it’s meaningful for you.
​Angel