Tiffany J. has been a Stroller Warrior since 2013, starting up with SW New Orleans. Prior to moving to New Orleans, she began to research running groups. Learning of Stroller Warriors®, she wanted to join, even though “I didn't necessarily feel like a warrior. I went on my first nerve-wracking run with SW NOLA late-2013. I was so scared to run with new people that I couldn't complete what should have been an easy training run for me! I didn't return until 2014 and only after I left my ego and nerves at home. Now, I ask myself why I didn't jump in feet first to begin with?!” While in New Orleans, Tiffany made huge contributions to the club, including service as a Couch to 5K and Bridge to 10K coach. “If I can give back by encouraging and motivating other runners as much as my fellow SWs have done for me then that is an honor and privilege in and of itself.” Of course, since we are all transient, Tiffany has moved and joined up with a new chapter, Stroller Warriors® MacDill, where she will continue to share her Stroller Warrior strength. 

​Tiffany has been an Army spouse for the past 11 years, since her husband joined the service. Tiffany has a background in freelance design, where she was able to work from home. Due to the strain of deployment, she has set her career aside and dedicated her focus to family. Her family went through a roller coaster of adjustment, as her husband battled mental health issues after returning from Afghanistan. “We are taking it one day at a time.” Tiffany praises her amazing three children (ages nine, eight, and four) for their resilience, empathy, and compassion that has developed over the past few years during their family’s healing. “Enter running. Running has not only saved my life but has given me life. The cathartic act of running has helped me shake off a rough night, made me mentally tough, and the bonds I've forged with my fellow Stroller Warriors are lifelong and true. They have seen me at my most vulnerable and at my strongest and I them.” 
 
Tiffany did not start out with a love of running. Due to parental requirement—encouragement—Tiffany has participated in team sports since age seven. She mostly enjoyed softball and volleyball, and really shined in sprinting and hurdles. However, “anything longer than 400m seemed like a lifetime to me! I swear I learned the meaning of life the moment I learned the art of pacing and endurance.”

Being a Stroller Warrior has given Tiffany fresh perspective and value. It has “breathed fresh air into my life. I am more than a military spouse and mother. I'm more than that messy haired, mini-van driving, tired woman I see in the mirror. I'm a running partner, a mentor, a stroller warrior- I am a runner. The bonds I've created with my fellow Stroller Warriors can compare to no other. We have seen each other at our sweatiest, stinkiest, and most glorious. The act of showing up for a run and finishing inspires me to no end!” 
              
Tiffany’s favorite Stroller Warrior memory:
 
“I can't put my finger on just one because I've had so many, but an image that always comes to mind is when I was struggling to run during the NOLA summer heat and Andie (former SWNOLA coordinator) took my stroller so I could run easier. Since then, when I see a fellow warrior struggling to push their stroller rather than offer to stop for a walk break, I offer to take their stroller. Nothing is more empowering than pushing through difficulty.” 
 
One piece of advice for a new military spouse:
 
“Be yourself. There is only one you. When we try to fit into a mold of who we think we should be, all authenticity is lost. People are drawn to folks who are their genuine, true selves because it encourages others to be themselves- which is liberating and refreshing! We all want to be liked and accepted, so why not be taken in by those who love you for YOU.”
 
 
Thank you, Tiffany, for sharing your story with us! You are one strong mother runner!

It was through that club that I ran many more miles and races after that 5K and made countless other memories. It became about so much more than running. I remember my dance coach in college saying that our dance team was more than the dance. Meaning that it was deeper, more important than just dance. Stroller Warriors was that for me. It meant so much more, and I hated to leave it. 

We moved to Beaufort in the summer of 2015. I didn't know anyone here and yet I waited to join Stroller Warriors. Part of it was just life with four little ones and busy schedules but also me trying to find my way in a new place. This duty station comes with many challenges for me, and I've spent the last nine months trying to get settled both physically and emotionally. While I've been trying to call a new place (with new challenges) home, I've also been running exactly zero miles. I knew I would be starting all over.... if I ever did decide to run again. 

And this week I decided to. I joined Stroller Warriors Parris Island's facebook page and within minutes I had warm greetings and friend requests. I am convinced Stroller Warriors are the friendliest group of people in the world, no matter the chapter. I jumped into their Couch to 5K group and had Adam dust off and air up the old BOB, my double jogging stroller. I took it out for a test run a few days ago and it felt good. And by good I mean it felt hellacious, because Dear Jesus, I haven't run in over a year. 

Yesterday morning I dressed the girls up cute, laced up my running shoes, and went to my first Stroller Warriors meet. I was greeted with smiles, hugs, and nice conversations. The twins played, and I pushed them all over the neighborhood with other moms. I'm running with women who know what it's like to have to start over...both in running and in life. They know what it's like to have to find your way. Its nice to have someone next to you telling you to keep going and that you're doing a good job...both in running and in life. It's so much more than running, and it feels good to be back home.