I usually go through a checklist when preparing to run with the kids- snacks and water bottles loaded into the stroller pockets, books for kids to browse through, and a Bluetooth speaker stashed in the cupholder.  One question I ask the kids before we step off: What shall we listen to?  We have our favorite Disney and Kidz Bop play lists.  Sometimes I get lucky and the kids let me choose my music (my SW friends all know about my love for Coldplay).  Most times, my kids will ask to listen to a podcast—a handful of podcasts will entertain the kids and I for quite a few miles.  Below is a list of some of our favorites:     
 
Story Pirates Podcast
Story Pirates Podcast is one of our favorites.  While exercising, driving around town running errands, or during long road trips, this podcast is usually playing in the background.  Each episode of Story Pirates centers around stories sent from children.  The Story Pirates then create a fun story and catchy jingle based on the story.  All 8 Unicorns, Marshmallow Shooter Camp, and Rosie the Rose are a few favorites. 
Best Whatever Ever
Along the same line as Story Pirates, Best Whatever Ever focuses on questions submitted by kids, and is presented by a dad and his kids—some silly, some serious.  Ira (the dad) and his 2 children (referred to in the podcast as his bosses), discuss the question/s sent by fans, then they create stories as a family. 
Reading Bug Adventures
Produced by a family-owned bookstore in California, each show features a children's book with the reading bug transporting the listener to the time-period or setting based on the books in the book bag.  We love the historical background added in each episode. 
Stories Podcast
Your children will love this podcast if they are a fan of fairytales, folklore and classic stories.  The storyteller is lively and keeps the audience engaged. 
R.L. Stine’s Story Club
I was a big fan of the Goosebumps series when I was in grade school.  This podcast is comprised of spooky stories written or inspired by R.L. Stine.  Save this podcast for the older crowd (7+). 
 
Many SW chapters recently had their Fall Kickoff Events, if anyone is wondering how to keep the little ones entertained, the above podcasts will surely do the job!
 
Happy Running,
Rose  

Servicing the local community through our Community Outreach initiatives is an important aspect of the Stroller Warriors® mission.  Along with running and fitness goals, Stroller Warrior chapters strive to support the local military and civilian communities through charitable events, donation drives, community clean-ups, and philanthropic engagements.

In May and June of this year, our SW chapters continued to support their communities one charitable event at a time!
​
Charleston:
Members of Stroller Warriors Charleston, along with their mini warriors, set up shop at the Base Exchange and put together 32 packed lunches for the Low Country Blessing Box Project.  Reducing the impacts of food insecurity is the mission of the Low Country Blessing Box Project. There are over 200 blessing boxes placed throughout South Carolina’s low country.  The packed lunches included a sandwich, water, fresh fruit, and snacks with an added touch of a greeting/picture/sticker ensemble from a mini warrior.

​Hurlburt Field/Naval Air Station Pensacola:
Members from both Hurlburt Field and Naval Air Station Pensacola participated in the Rett-y, Set, Cure 5k in support of Girl Power 2 Cure in honor of one incredible mini warrior, Lilliana.  The run was held in-person and virtually with all donations going to support education and research towards a cure for Rett Syndrome. 
 
Quantico:
In May, Stroller Warriors Quantico supported the Carry the Load Campaign- a nonprofit whose mission is to provide active ways for people to support the sacrifices made by military, veterans, and first responders.  The chapter created an online donation campaign- contributions went directly to the Carry the Load Campaign.  Members of SW Quantico, along with their families, took part in the Family Heroes Challenge workout.  The workout consisted of:
1 Lap around the track

Heroes Challenge Circuit:
- Pull Ups/Alternative
- Push Ups
- Sit Ups
- Squats
Repeat x10
 
Virginia Beach:
 
Stroller Warriors Virginia Beach organized their third round of shoe donations for Soles for Souls— collecting shoes at the June events.  A pick-up option was available for those who could not attend in-person events. 
 
Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Bay
Members of both SW Pearl Harbor and SW Kaneohe Bay continue to keep the beaches in the local area clean— organizing beach clean-ups at Hickam Beach and Fort Hase Beach.  Beach clean-up events have been an on-going community outreach event! 
 
Vandenburg
In June, Stroller Warriors Vandenburg organized a Stroller Warriors table at a neighborhood block party on base— raising awareness about Stroller Warriors and the support/activities the chapter provides for military families.  The event was a major success with over 20 new members joining the chapter! 

Thank you to all of our Stroller Warrior members for your continued dedication to service— to the military community, local community and beyond.  Keep up the brilliant work making positive impact in the community!  

Happy Running!
Rose 

​This morning I was chatting with a Stroller Warriors friend about their family’s PCS--a PCS where everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, then sprinkled with the worry of first day of school jitters.  I wish I had the ability to reach through the phone and give her a hug, or teleport myself to her location and run it out.  Alas, those two options were not possible, so I offered an ear. 
 
I stepped out the door for a run shortly after getting off the phone.  My run was not pretty!  The dog stopped many times to sniff, I stopped several times to cool off in the shade, and I began chaffing because I wore the wrong shorts; however, I was determined to finish the run despite these hiccups.
 
I quickly switched gears and thought about the telephone conversation I had right before I left to run.  I love to use running as a life comparison tool.  Running keeps me balanced.  Like military life where one hits that jackpot with an awesome assignment or a PCS that runs seamlessly, I have incredible runs where I feel like I can run a marathon or hit a PR!  Then I have a run like today where I just want to stop, like a PCS gone awry! I realize during those difficult runs, like today, that I need to switch gears.  So, today, I ran for my friend— channeling my bad run frustration and my friend’s vexing PCS situation through my feet and right into the pavement.   
 
One thing I love about Stroller Warriors- we know that it is OKAY to lean in, to vent about the positives and negatives of this military lifestyle (a life that many don’t understand), to share about our lives and all without judgement— offering an ear on a run, while our kids play at the park, at a SW coffee meet-up, or over the phone.  Like running, Stroller Warrior friends fill my cup.  They provide sunshine on a gloomy day.  They are here!
 
Happy Running!
Rose 

This summer has been fun, but busy!   My seasonal bag has been in and out of the car at least 50 times to change and replenish items after a series of summer road trips, beach nights, pool dates with friends, and runs with Stroller Warriors.  I usually keep a seasonal bag in the trunk of my car with extra items.  I never know when my kids will hop into a creek, make mud pies while on a hike, or need a towel after an impromptu detour to the beach.    

A few weeks ago, I rushed the kids into the car and quickly dashed off to summer camp; I then made my way to base for a run with Stroller Warriors.  It was a hot and humid run that left me soaked and feeling as if I had just completed laps in a pool. I was anxious to towel off and change my clothing.  I opened my passenger seat…no gym bag!  In my haste to get the kids to camp in time I forgot to grab my bag of post-run items.   I immediately checked the trunk and voila…my bag of extra items for the win!  I had a towel to dry off and a clean set of clothes for post-run story time. 

It took a lot of trial and error, and changes with the ages of the kids and/or seasons, but as of right now below is a list of items I keep handy in my car:

• An easy change of clothing for each family member.  I say easy because I like to limit the number of clothing items I need. I opt for swim trunks or athletic shorts with built in lining over bottoms and undergarments, but I add a sports bra for myself!
• A fleece for each family member.  There have been many times when I have changed the kids, but a shirt gets soaked moments later or one child gets chilly in the car with air-conditioning, so the fleece keeps them warm or can work as a back-up shirt!  One rule- I place the fleece back into the trunk when we arrive home…unless it needs a wash. 
• Towels.  3 of them!
• Socks for each family member.  Sometimes between running errands we take a spontaneous trip to the bowling alley or trampoline park to beat the heat!
• A blanket, which is always there for a picnic, outdoor activity (it proved useful for Freedom Fest this year), or groundwork at Stroller Warriors when I forget my yoga mat. 
• Flip-flops for all!  My kids always get their shoes wet, or I often forget a change of shoes for after a summer trail race— no one likes wearing soggy sneakers.  I have my kids kick the flipflops to the floor of the car when we get home to ensure each pair stays in the car.  The “car flipflops,” as my kids dubbed them, have also came in handy in the winter!
• A bottle of sunblock and bug spray in case I leave home without either, or run out! The mosquitos and noseeum bugs swarming around Charleston in the summer months will rock your world…and not in a happy way!  My extra bug spray has been a saving grace!  I keep the extra bug spray and sunblock at the bottom of my emergency bag to avoid direct sunlight and overheating. 
• A sleeve a Nuun tablets for when I need a bit more than water to hydrate. 

​Have a go bag in your car that comes in useful for post run or outdoor activities?  What items would you add to the list?

Happy Running,
Rose