Each member of Stroller Warriors exhibits unique attributes that inspires us all to be the best version of ourselves.  We recently asked Jess, our Fearless CEO, to share several wonderful memories, tidbits, and advice with our Stroller Warriors community.  Her responses motivated me to head out for an afternoon run!  We hope everyone enjoys learning a bit about our amazing Jess!
 
Where do you consider home?
Enterprise, Alabama is where I consider home. It is where I grew up and my parents and siblings still reside.
 
How did you learn about Stroller Warriors?
I learned about Stroller Warriors back in the Spring of 2015 from a C25K flyer that had been shared in a spouses group on Facebook.
 
Tell us about your first Stroller Warriors workout.
After seeing the online flyer I nervously showed up to my first workout not knowing anyone. I was excited to find a workout group that was for moms but, was not much of a runner. At that meetup I found another mom who was joining for the first time too and we chatted during that first run. I didn’t fully commit to running that day but I did continue showing up. It took me until January 2016 before I decided to commit to joining the C25K group. That’s is when I became hooked on running.
 
What is your favorite season for running?
My favorite season for running is fall. I love getting out and seeing the leaves as they change colors and the cooler temperatures.
 
When did you fall in love with running?
I fell in love with running sometime during my training for my first half. After going through the C25K program I had my 2nd child. Many of my fellow C25K Warriors were signing up for the Hickman Half. I told my husband about it and we decided to do it together. We would do most of our runs together as a family. I would tell him how crazy I thought people were who did double that and how I couldn’t do that. Little did I realize that the running bug would be hitting me soon and right before we ran that first half I had convinced him to sign up with me for the Honolulu Marathon. He has continued to help push me to go farther and gives me friendly competition in achieving new goals.
 
Share your most memorable race moment.
My most memorable race moment was the Hapalua Half in 2017. It was our last race in Hawaii before we PCSd and I had a goal in mind. We had already been packed out and by accident I left my watch charger on the counter - yep it got packed. Craig was running it with me and pushing our two boys in the double. Around mile 4 our oldest decided he needed to go potty. I felt like I was watching my goal slip away as I waited with the stroller having no clue what our time was looking like and knowing we still had the hill at diamond head to conquer. We got back on the course and Craig had pushed the boys this whole time. A little over halfway up the hill he looked at me asking if I could take the stroller for a little bit. I reluctantly took it and pushed on around the corner to see the amazing Stroller Warrior cheering section. Craig still likes to tease about how tired he must have looked and how refreshed I seemed even though I was pushing on the hill at that time. He took back over at the top as we made it down and around to the finish line. To my surprise I hit my goal and we were able to celebrate as a family.
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Do you have a favorite running distance?
My favorite running distance would be the marathon/50K. I love the challenge of training and getting up early for those weekend long runs. The conversations I’ve been able to share with friends out on a long run are some of the best memories.
 
What is piece of running gear you could not live without?
My watch would be the one piece of gear I wouldn’t want to do without. I love being able to track and add up my miles for Run the World, use it to push myself a little harder or to make sure I’m taking those easy days easy.
 
What is your Favorite SW gear?
This is a tough one - it kinda depends on the season. My all-season favorite would be my trucker hats.
 
What type of running shoes do you wear? Over the years I’ve tried out many different brands/styles. My current go to running shoes are the Altra Torin.

Best running advice you have ever received?
“The time on the clock only tells you how long it took to get from point A to point B…. It doesn’t tell you the profound effort some of those moments will have on you for the rest of your life. -Coach April”

What would you tell someone who wants to join a SW workout, but hadn’t yet.
I was once in your shoes. Even though I attended workouts I wasn’t fully committed. I missed out on a year of great running and fully connecting with some amazing Warriors by watching. SWs truly has a place for everyone and is the best cheer squad around.
 
Thank you, Jess, for sharing your stories and advice with the Stroller Warriors community and beyond!  

​Without a doubt, Kelly impacted the lives of those involved in the Stroller Warriors community and beyond. Whether you engaged with Kelly in person during a Stroller Warriors event or read her words of wisdom through the Stroller Warriors blog, her inspirational spirit encouraged and motivated a large network of military families.  Members of the Headquarters team reflected on how Kelly made a positive influence on their lives--
 
 
“I first met and ran with Kelly in Monterey. I was so impressed with her dedication to running and SW even with all her kids hanging off the double stroller! She was a fantastic source of information on training, injury recovery and pushing past what I thought my limits were. As I moved on and opened the Fort Riley chapter and later CO Springs and working at HQ, she has always been a consistent and encouraging leader. I always enjoyed our chats as we brainstormed ways to tackle issues and keep SW moving forward. You will be missed Kelly!” — Christie
 
 
“Kelly is such an inspiration, always pushing herself, both in knowledge and fitness. She is full of encouragement and advice for others, letting you know you know you have her in your corner to help push through when things are challenging. While we only had a few opportunities to run together while she was in VA and I was in MD, I was excited to have those chances because she is so welcoming and genuine. The community she has helped build around the world has benefited greatly from having her leadership.” — Laura 

“Kelly, I admire your drive, compassion, determination, and love for all things Stroller Warriors. You have gone above and beyond to support countless military spouses, their families, and communities. You have personally changed my life in so many ways. You have shown me the true meaning of selflessness. You encourage me to be myself and to let others in around me. To accept, welcome, and help my fellow warriors in all walks of life. What an honor it is to not only know you but to call you a friend. Thank you Kelly for being you! “ — Jamie

 
“Kelly has influenced me in a profound way - she has this incredible ability to inspire me to be a better person. She pushes me to reach new heights and encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone.  Whenever I feel like giving up or doubting myself, she's there, reminding me of my potential and pushing me to keep going. One of the most amazing things about my friend is how she touches the lives of those around her. She has this innate ability to make people feel seen and valued. When you're around her, you can't help but feel uplifted and inspired.  She listens, supports, and offers advice with genuine compassion, making everyone feel comfortable and understood. What truly sets my friend apart is her unwavering dedication to her roles as a mother and wife. She is absolutely phenomenal in both roles, consistently pouring her heart and soul into creating a loving and nurturing environment for her family. Her children are happy and thriving, a testament to her exceptional parenting skills and the love she showers upon them.  As a wife, she is supportive, understanding, and always ready to lend a helping hand.  Her relationship with her husband serves as a beautiful example of partnership and love that I genuinely admire. But above all, it's her kindness that truly shines through.  She is the kind of person who will show up unannounced with a homemade meal when she knows you're going through a tough time.  She goes out of her way to lift others up, offering a helping hand and a listening ear whenever it's needed. Her acts of kindness are never forced or for personal gain - they come simply from the goodness of her heart.  Meeting her, I quickly realized that she is the friend I never knew I needed. She has filled my life with love, positivity, and encouragement.  She has taught me the importance of supporting others and being there for them in both good times and bad.  Her friendship has made me strive to be a better version of myself every single day. Without a doubt, my friend has made a profound impact on my life. Through her unwavering support, her ability to inspire greatness, and her kind and compassionate nature, she continues to influence me in countless positive ways. I am truly grateful to have her in my life, and I am forever changed because of her.” – Mollie 

​“Kelly I am so thankful for your friendship and years of mentorship in Stroller Warriors and life. I've grown so much as a runner with you by my side. I'll never forget you in my head during MCM saying, "this is a training run" in preparation of my first ultra. Stroller Warriors has changed my life in so many positive ways, and bringing you into it is one of the best!” — Lindsay
 
 
“My appreciation and admiration for Kelly extends beyond the sport of running.  In the military community, we often hear the term, “jack of all trades” in reference to the dynamic capabilities of military spouses. Kelly exemplifies the resilient and brilliant well roundedness of the military spouse community.  I love her swift sewing skills when she quickly created a running scrunchie for the Stroller Warriors blog.  Her shared food recipes- like her protein waffles- offered a quick fix breakfast for myself and my mini warriors over the summer.  Kelly resides in the barre studio when not running or leading a SW event.  Her writing and conversation echoes words of inspiration and encouragement for so many, including myself. Kelly shepherded my leadership capabilities, cultivated my creativity, offered an ear to listen to my personal story and history during times when my family needed support, and most importantly taught me that vulnerability leads to growth.  Thank you for believing in me!”—Rose
 
 
“Serving the Stroller Warriors community under Kelly, has been a wonderful experience. Her love for this community is overflowing. She has spent countless hours working to broaden the reach of Stroller Warriors and the ability to reach all military spouses around the world. Her constant reassurance that touching just one life, even if it’s your own, has proven so powerful time and time again. It’s never been about the number of members at workouts, but rather about number of lives we can change through Stroller Warriors. Her passion and commitment to this running club is endless. It’s been a pleasure working with Kelly and she will be greatly missed!” — Gabi
 
 
“Kelly, thank you so much for the mentorship that you have provided and for the time that you have poured into Stroller Warriors over the years. I remember the first time I got to meet you in person at a SWQ track workout. I was so giddy feeling like I was meeting a celebrity.  You were so kind and down to earth.  You give the best advice and allow everyone to feel the care and compassion you have.  This club would not be what it is today without you! I know you will always be there for advice and guidance along the way. You will be truly missed!!” —Jessica B.
 
 
We look forward to hearing about your continued adventures and look forward to sharing miles with you in the future!  😊

​Last week, Stroller Warriors® Running Club partnered with Blue Star Families as several chapters hosted running events in honor of Blue Star Welcome Week.
 
On the subject of military life, the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey highlighted the following statistics:

• The average military family moves three times more than their civilian peers.
• Most PCS moves occur during the summer months (June, July, and August).
• Over 70% of families do not live on a military installation and they do not feel a strong sense of belonging to their local community.
• Only 33% of active-duty respondents feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community.

 
In response to these eye-opening statistics, Blue Star Families organized Welcome Week with the goal of reaching approximately 600,000 military families that move each year— aimed at building support and awareness, and working to cultivate a sense of community for military families across the globe. 
 
Running provides a useful tool to nourish community, networking, and to anchor families into a new location all while gaining a sense of purpose and belonging.  Our members gathered in full force with over 450 individuals participating in Blue Star events.
 
Thank you to all our members for your unwavering advocacy for military families.  Stroller Warriors® Running Club continues to support our military families one run at a time.  To find a Stroller Warriors chapter near you, please visit our website at https://www.strollerwarriors.com/ or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StrollerWarriors.