​During the last few months, our Stroller Warriors® members ran alongside our mini warriors during summer events— most of those mini warriors making their way on the route via scooters, bikes, rollerblades, or even hopping out of the stroller to run a bit with mom or dad.  Some mini warriors were first timers independently and happily scootering along during the workouts at their own pace— many of which achieved a new pace or distance record after each workout.  It is a joy to witness the determination and endurance of our mini warriors— these attributes being passed down from their parents and our members. 
 
Setting out with children that are ready to fly on their own during workouts, be it on foot or bike, is an exciting and new experience for many of our members.  I remember the beginning stages of when my kids opted against the stroller and instead elected to ride their balance bikes, or requested to run with me— often stopping every 50 feet to admire a leaf, pick up a stick or rock handing it to me for safe keeping (this is why we have PCS’d with a box of sticks from Germany and Virginia, as well as a bag of rocks from South Carolina). Some days a 2-mile run would turn into a 2-hour sprint/walk/stop workout as my child tested the limits of acceleration/deceleration on a balance bike, then hopping off to joyfully walk next to me and chat, followed up by a full stop to observe a colorful butterfly or interesting insect.  I love to share my fond memory of when my son transitioned from stroller to the balance bike; I planned to walk 2 miles next to him as he practiced, however, he had other plans forcing me to unexpectedly jog 2 miles while wearing Birkenstocks while being 7 months pregnant!  This is a perfect example of how each of my children developed more endurance, speed, and confidence, until I eventually grew comfortable giving them instructions to meet me at a certain landmark along the course, or forcing me to simply increase my pace to keep up. They start slow but get fast quick!
 
To all the Stroller Warriors out there with their mini warriors switching gears from stroller to being self-propelled— be patient and live in the moment.  Much like we do as runners, our mini warriors are practicing their craft, working towards efficiency, and enthusiastically achieving new goals! 

​Each time we move to a new duty station, I find that my running radar is on point—turned on high alert in search of new friends.  Just yesterday at the pool, I spied a runner with a jogging stroller and fought the urge to shout out, “hey are you looking for a runner partner?”.   An hour later, a mom came belting past the pool and running with her 3 kids.  I immediately turned to my kids and mentioned that we need to find out who they are because they’re just like our family.  Through running, we build a community. 
 
Running, walking, biking through our neighborhood and local area is one way we find friends at each new place!  Over the past few days, I’ve been running to the pool while my kids bike next to me.  We stop, say hello to our neighbors along the way, and hope that eventually people will join!  I’ve always wanted to make a shirt that says, “I’m a runner.  Be my friend!”  Although many of my neighbors may not be runners, running is how I build relationships with them— from a welcomed chat while I’m on a warm-up or recovery walk, offering encouragement as I run in the heat, or asking to join for a mile or 2.  Through running, we build a community. 
 
Less than a week of being at our new location and our family attended 3 local running events to get out there and explore the local community.  Many runners turned out to work on the same base where we’re currently stationed and we’ve happened to bump into them several times on base.   It’s a breath of fresh air to connect and make new friends with similar interests!  Together, we commiserated about the intensity of the heat, the beauty of the local vegetation, and the places we have been with the military. Through running, we build a community. 
 
No matter where we go, running will always be a giant part of our heart.  And when we let our heart guide us, we know we will always find our community.