Organizing and participating in 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.

During the summer months, many of our chapters continued to support their communities one charitable event at a time!
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Charleston:
The Stroller Warriors Charleston leadership spoke at a Girls Empowerment Camp at a local school.  The leadership shared the founding story of Stroller Warriors, the mission of the club- building happy and healthy military families through running, and how each chapter contributes to the mission.  The students also took part in a stretching session, then they helped Stroller Warriors Charleston pack over 30 snack bags for the Lowcountry Blessing Box Project. 
 
Kaneohe Bay
Members of SW Kaneohe Bay continue to keep the beaches in the local area clean by organizing beach clean-ups in July and August at Fort Hase Beach.  Beach clean-up events continue to be an on-going community outreach event! 
 
Jacksonville
Stroller Warriors Jacksonville hosted a dynamic community outreach event— while participating in a community clean-up event for Adopt a Spot, these Stroller Warriors also simultaneously integrated a hill-run!  SW leadership supplied trash bags and gloves for the members while they picked up litter along the course. 
 
Colorado Springs
Christie L., Coordinator of Stroller Warriors Colorado Springs, represented Stroller Warriors at a base resource fair.  The event was a great way to spread the word about Stroller Warriors and the incredible community shared by the club!  Her mini warrior was in attendance to help assist with networking!
 
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 impacts in the community! 

​Why does the front wheel of my jogging stroller shimmy while I run?  This is a question often asked by both experienced and new stroller runners.  As a disclaimer, most jogging stroller companies suggest locking the front wheel of a jogging stroller when running for safety purposes; however, we all have our personal preferences.  There are a few points to consider when running with a stroller that will help prevent the front wheel from wobbling.
 
1). Pressure
The handlebar of the jogging stroller is not meant to offer support to the upper body while running.  On many occasions, I see stroller runners gripping the handle of the jogging stroller with both hands and slightly pressing down. Even the slightest application of pressure will lift the stroller’s front wheel off the ground and cause the front wheel to shake— this could cause the stroller to either tip, or it might force the runner to come to a complete stop to fix the wheel.  Every runner runs differently, especially when pushing a stroller; I personally prefer placing one hand on the stroller handle, using the other hand as a directional guide, and utilizing my body’s force and momentum to generate forward movement.  

​2). Hardware
Always check the hardware of the stroller for loose screws or parts.  Sometimes the culprit of a rickety front wheel is a loose screw.  During a past Stroller Warriors workout, one member had a shaky front wheel that eventually fell off mid-run!  The quick-release lever attaching the front wheel to the stroller was open and unlocked.  Many of us load our stroller in and out of the car for workouts as we are often distracted by kids or setting-up quickly to start the run on time— however, taking a few seconds to check the wheels can prevent a stroller accident caused by loose or faulty hardware.  

​3). Rocky course
Trail running is my favorite type of running and I love taking my jogging stroller off-road!  When running on a trail, even with gravel, it is best to lock the wheel for more stability and to prevent swiveling caused by a rock, tiny pothole, or when catching a branch in the wheel. 
Hopefully, the above tips will aid with smoother stroller running!
 
Happy Running,
Rose 

Chafing…a problem that I have endured during all my long distance runs since I ran the Boston Marathon in 2012.  I never realized the chaffing during the race, but I definitely noticed it during my post-race shower which was a bit painful!  For the longest time, chafing always happened on the inside of my thighs and nothing helped—not body glide, nor Vaseline, deodorant, lanolin, etc.  In an effort to reduce chafing, I switched to wearing ¾ length running leggings for any long distant runs and races; this remedied the issue inner-thigh chafing.
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Fast forward 9 years and I am running the 2021 Boston Marathon.  It was a fabulous off-cycle autumn race— I ran strong and felt so great afterwards that I was able to walk all the way back to Charlestown with my family (Charlestown where I grew up in Boston, about 4 miles from the finish line).  I hopped in the shower after the race and there was an extreme burning sensation along my sports bra line under my chest.  I had some serious chafing!  I assumed the chafing was caused by the friction of my hydration vest shifting my sports bra back and forth under my chest, but learned soon enough after running 2 more long-distance races that the hydration vest was not the problem— it was my sports bra!  I quickly invested in a new type of sports bra, and voila— it was a success, no chaffing in that area during my last long distance running event.  

​What options are available after chafing?  First, gently clean the area with soap and water.  There are plenty of over-the-counter chaffing gels or creams available— I use Summer’s Eve active chafe gel.  Aloe vera is also a wonderful choice that helps relieve pain from chafing.  Apply the ointment and allow the affected area breathe.  If chafing-symptoms do not heal after a few days, or if they get worse, it’s best to see a physician for additional options. 

Happy Running!
Rose