Recently our family was sitting outside at a local restaurant- eating dinner and enjoying a break from the rain- when a group of runners came storming down the sidewalk of the bustling neighborhood downtown district during the dinner rush.  I waited for the runners to demonstrate (what I believed to be) proper running etiquette.  The aforementioned scenario became a conversation topic over dinner—runners and running etiquette they should exhibit:
 
The pass:
Whether it be a race or a daily run, inform runners and walkers immediately in front that you are approaching and about to pass— “on your left/right” is a simple cue.  No one wants to be spooked while walking their dog, or while having a conversation during a casual stroll down a sidewalk, because a runner pushed them out of the way.  I have been in races where other runners brushed a sweaty arm against my shoulder while pushing to get ahead.  Yuck!  Needless to say, give a little shout to let people know you’re passing!
 
The curb hopper:
Growing up in Boston, I became a habitual sidewalk to street hopper—mostly preferring to run in the road to avoid tripping on broken sidewalks.  However, I always paid close attention to traffic— hopping up on the sidewalk as cars approached.  I am surprised to see how many runners stay in the road (parallel to the sidewalk) as cars try to pull in and out of parking spaces.  These are situations where a runner needs to hop on the sidewalk! 
 
The spitter:
There have been occasions when running that I have needed to spit (I know, it’s gross).  I tried to cut this habit during the early stages of Covid and I was successful for a while, but I recently caught myself doing it again as the temperature increased.  Several times while running around the base track I noticed saliva lingering on the inside lane (from other runners, not me)— this is not cool!
If you find yourself needing to spit while running be sure to:
1). Move to the side
2). Check for people behind you
3). Spit in the grass
4). If running with a friend/group, give them warning that this is a habit that happens while running
 
The wave:
What is the runner’s wave?  When passing by a fellow runner, all runners will give each other a little wave!  There is nothing like a little wave to build community.  Furthermore, a small wave adds more joy to the run! 
 
The encourager:
Be it with a running group, or during a race, when hitting a difficult section of a course, or knocking out speed work and hill repeats, give a bit of encouragement to lift runners’ spirits and encourage them to keep on keeping on—“good job,” “keep it up,” or “looking strong,” can go a long way and give fellow runners the motivation to empty the tank through the finish. 
 
It’s great to get out there and run wild and free, but be sure to keep those around you in mind! 

Stroller Warriors has been part of our family since 2014.  It’s been there for us through five assignments spanning two countries, and three states.  We started Stroller Warriors as a family of three, and it’s been there since we expanded to a family of five (and the addition of a Black Lab who was recently referred by one member as the chapter’s official mascot).  It’s supported the family through two deployments, countless TDYs, and the high-points, and low-points, of military life.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed SW’s ever-welcoming disposition towards me during the times I could attend (I try to attend when I’m able to do so).  Being part of SW for nearly 10 years, I’ve seen SW’s inviting nature positively impact the lives of so many military families.  It goes without saying that SW always present a full-schedule of engaging running and fitness activities, but what I’ve really admired is the familial bond its creates amongst its members. 

 
SW’s equally invites both those who are veteran Marathoners, as well as those who have never ran before.  It accommodates all who attends, being indifferent to any member’s specific running or fitness goals, but always eager to help one achieve their goals whatever they might be.  What I’ve always been impressed with is how the bonds created through fitness endure the test of time and distance.  Some of our best family friendships (to this day) started on overseas runs nearly 10 years ago, and these friendships have thrived despite the test of time and distance.  I know this is common to many SW families, and it’s a very positive and unique dynamic that really brings out the best parts of the at time challenging, but often rewarding lifestyles we lead as military families.  For instance, we’ve had the opportunity to meet up with SW family friends, traveling back to Europe, to run races, and to reunite our children, as if no time passed at all.  These are all good times, and we couldn’t ask a better crew to share these times with. 

 
However, times can also be challenging…life happens, and I’ve seen SW unwaveringly support its members through these situations too- for both longstanding members, as well as brand-new members.  I’ve observed an unbreakable bond, and loyalty amongst members during tougher times- deployments, illnesses, times of loneliness, even family deaths.  SW members have offered the warm embrace of support through meal-trains, logistical support (babysitting, rides, etc), advice, and a willingness to listen to someone during difficult situations.  This type of support is imperative to military families as they are often hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from their families back at home.  I can say firsthand that our family has leaned on SW when times were difficult, and I’ve seen SW offer the same support to its members at each of our assignments.  This is important as SW proves its incredible value by standing by its members during the good times, but arguably more importantly, through the challenging times too. 

 
So, though I can’t attend SW as often as I’d like, I can say without any hesitation, that I’m always welcomed during the times I can attend (for instance when I took a random day of leave earlier this week).  More importantly, I know our family can always rely on SW in any situation, no matter what corner of the Earth we’re located.  While attending SW earlier this week, there was a young family who newly PCS’d sharing a base park with SW families.  Within minutes, a conversation began, and invite was made, and someone new to base was again welcomed by the ever-present force known as SW; thus, the cycle of support started again in the most positive way.  To me, this support is what has made, currently makes, and will continue to make SW such a special and important force-multiplier.    

This is the scenario: it’s been a rainy week and almost all of the Stroller Warriors workouts have been canceled due to the weather.  You’re not in the mood to run on the treadmill, but need a change of scenery from the home workouts.  Fear not!  There are several options!
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1). Poor weather is the number one reason to invest in a weather shield for the stroller!  Rainy day runs are refreshing.  Dress yourself and the kiddos appropriately and head out for a rainy day run.  My children loved riding along in the stroller while listening to the rain tap against the weather shield.  The rain never stopped us from making a pit-stop at the park— donned in rain coats, pants, and boots, the kids were always ready to hit the park, stomp in puddles , or to dig in the dirt after a run!

 
2). Pack up and make your way to the indoor gym basketball court on base.  Although running with a stroller is not an option at the base gym, it is easy to run laps around the basketball court and watch the kids play.  Avoiding the monotony of running laps around a basketball court can easily be done.  Try setting a timer for 5 minutes and running close-wise, take a 1-minute break, followed by 5 minutes running counter clock-wise.  Laps can even be broken up with a set a squats.  And let’s not forget about shuttle runs up and down the court…ask the kids to race with or against you!   The best part about running in the basketball gym is that the kids will want to join in too!

​3). Not a fan of the basketball court?  Check out the parent-child area in the base gym.  Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which exercise-machine to use.  When I doubt, I usually opt for the rowing machine.  Begin with 5-10 minutes of a dynamic stretch.  For the main workout, try for a 3-5 minute warm-up on the rowing machine, followed by an interval row of 10 calories at a hard pace, 10 calories at a recovery pace for a total of 100 calories, and end with a 3-5 minute cool-down.  This same scheme can be used on almost any cardio machine.  

 
4). Find a covered picnic area and focus on strength training.  Usually one of the parks on base will have a covered picnic area or gazebo- sometimes local communities have these areas too!  Bring a box of chalk for the kids to use for drawing, or for making a hopscotch to burn some energy, all while you knock out some abs, pushups, squats, and don’t forget the burpees! 

 
5). Jump!  Take your kids to an indoor trampoline park…but instead of watching them from a crowded and uncomfortable bench, get a pass for yourself and jump away!  Your kids will love having you jump with them, and trust me from experience, if you dedicate yourself to unbroken jumping for an hour, your calves will be screaming the next day (5 minutes at a time is a good lead-in to this one)!
 
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Share your creativity, we’d love to hear what has worked for your and your little ones during a rainy week!