Yesterday morning I woke up to a cell phone notification informing me about a compiled album of memories entitled “in the woods.”  Recalling the memories from the cover photo, I instantly played the slideshow and was thrilled to see memories of family vacations, hikes, and trail runs with friends.  Over several seconds, the voices in the video drowned out the music playing in the background— it was me cheering-on my oldest daughter while she ran on a mountain trail in the Swiss Alps, “look at you go, you little trail runner you”. 
 
One by one, each of my children came downstairs to get ready for school and requested to watch the video.  As I rewatched the reel several times (at their request), I noticed that in this beloved alpine running memory, my daughter was wearing a Stroller Warriors® Running Club t-shirt.  Her love for running was deeper than just shared memories and being outdoors— it developed through the involvement and love of the Stroller Warriors community as she observed members embracing challenges, exhibiting perseverance, achieving what they once believed was impossible, and the graceful and continuous support of the entire community.  This is what she remembers— this impactful group is the beginning stages of her running history. 
 
My daughter was a runner long before she viewed herself as one (she’s currently looking forward to joining the school track team as a hurdler). As an avid runner, I am always thrilled when my children want to run with me.  What forged my daughter’s love for running?  Was it from shared running memories with family and friends, or the excitement of speeding down a trail on the mountain?  Perhaps it was the sense of gratification experienced once she achieved a distance goal which fueled an internal fire to continue running.
 
We all have a running history— a history that begins at the moment an individual takes the first stride of their lifelong running journey.  Sometimes we press pause on running, redirect, and come back.  But how lucky are we- and our military kids- to have Stroller Warriors embedded into our own individual running history.  As you continue down your running journey, just remember that you will certainly inspire others (and you may not even realize it), and become a cherished part of their running history.  

Happy Running :)

​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.  

​On Friday evening I said farewell to an incredible group of Stroller Warriors® friends— people who poured joy into my cup for 23 months.  I wish I had more time with them!  So many tears rolled down my cheeks, and many sweaty hugs were exchanged before we parted ways. 
 
My daughter asked, “Why are you crying, are you sad?  No, I was not sad.  In fact, my heart overflowed with love and gratitude for the opportunity to form deep-rooted friendships with individuals that continuously inspire me through their dedication, unique stories, and journeys— in running and military world.  These friends all continue to cultivate a growth mindset within the military spouse community, especially within the Stroller Warriors community. 
 
Running is a vulnerable sport— as runners, we spend countless hours sharing miles with our running friends all while engaging in heartfelt and meaningful conversations.  We share aspects of our lives that we would not normally share in a typical setting, then multiplied by 100 because we military spouses make friends at a speedy pace.  

​For me, it is the miles shared on the pavement— running, jogging, or walking with my Stroller Warriors friends that allowed me to open my heart, and to be vulnerable both physically and emotionally.  During my very last run of hill repeats in the heat and humidity, I wanted to stop, but my Strollers Warriors friend kept me motivated and stuck by my side until we completed the run.  Physically, I achieved my running goal, while I emotionally broke through a wall of self-doubt and nervousness about the upcoming changes with PCS.  The shared conversation and teamwork element with my Stroller Warriors friend is what propelled me forward and helped me realize that “I’ve got this”— not only during my run, but also as I move onto the next military chapter. 
 
I have found that one amazing characteristic unique to Stroller Warriors is the constant and overflowing amount of love that carries from one chapter to the next.  The bond with Stroller Warriors friends from previous chapters remains strong.  We are an organization that is one of a kind— supporting the military spouse community through the sport of running and encouraging each other to find strength through their vulnerabilities.  This is a brilliant method that fosters growth despite the continuously changing environment experienced in military life!  I encourage everyone to look up Stroller Warriors chapter when they PCS to the next duty station.  Trust me, it will be worth it!  

​Community outreach is an integral dynamic of the Stroller Warriors® mission.  In addition to each chapter’s local initiatives, Stroller Warriors Global organizes quarterly outreach events. 
 
In June, Stroller Warriors coordinated a month-long event in honor of K9s for Warriors— the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for disabled American Heroes.  Their training program focusses on mitigating the symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST), with the end goal to prevent veteran suicide.  With most dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates mutual and symbiotic collective healing and recovery.
 
One wonderful aspect of the Stroller Warriors community is its connection to an incredible military spouse network— a community that guides, empowers, and encourages one another through the “ins and outs” of military life and beyond.  We often hear about how Stroller Warriors is more than a running club— a sentiment strongly emulated by one member that exemplifies the spirit and dedication of Stroller Warriors and wanting the best for our military community.  It may have been while sharing miles during a run, enjoying conversation over a cup of coffee at a No Run Fun Day meet up, or volunteering together at a Stroller Warriors outreach event, many fellow Stroller Warrior members have had the opportunity to know Mollie M.— her heart and steadfast passion to continually support the military community inspires us all.  

​For Mollie, philanthropy and running easily go hand in hand.  Almost immediately after crossing several times zones while PCSing back to the States (over 2 days of travel with kids and the family pet, then making her way to the East Coast) Mollie did not skip a beat and hit the ground running to make an impact in honor of K9s for Warriors.  Lacing up her running sneakers and heading out the door in the early morning hours, Mollie began the month with a goal to dedicate 80 miles and raise $80 for K9s for Warriors during the month of June; however, she far surpassed these goals by running 130 dedicated miles and raising more than $200 for K9s for Warriors. 
 
Mollie M. is a humble motivator and wholly represents the Stroller Warriors ethos.  She set a goal to help and support others, and she exceeded this goal in her mission to improve the world around her.  Just as Mollie is an inspiration, it was this enduring Stroller Warriors spirit of servitude that led her to do the same; I love seeing this spirit thrive in each chapter, and within both our longstanding and new members.    

A couple nights ago, our family took an evening trip to the beach to soak up a lovely summer evening.  We got home late, got the kids ready for bed, and then I crashed on the crisp sheets of our AirBNB (yep, it’s PCS season)!  The alarm clock sounded off in the morning and I hit snooze—not once, not twice, but 5 times!  Rarely do I ever sleep in, but this morning I decided to sleep a bit longer. 
 
I fully planned on going to Stroller Warriors to run with “my crew” as I love to call them; however, hitting snooze caught up to me like a cascade of falling dominoes— running late to every morning activity and had to skip out on the Stroller Warriors run. 
 
Two hours later, my dog and I found ourselves at the base gym using the outdoor CrossFit space to row in the shade.  My dog is great company, but I had remorse— I missed my running friends and wished I ran with them earlier in the morning. 
 
I checked my social media when I finished my workout and saw the pictures from the morning run.  The joy glowing from everyone, and all their ear-to-ear smiles made me so happy.  I immediately regretted pressing snooze and wished I was able to share running miles with the Stroller Warriors crew. 

​That feeling of regret immediately turned into a shared level of understanding from my friends—sometimes we NEED to take a break, give ourselves grace and press that snooze button.  Who better than my Stroller Warriors friends to vocalize the need to do this, even when I didn’t realize I needed it myself.  At the next event later this week, I will spend the morning with these incredible people, share a cup of coffee with them during our Stroller Warriors coffee meetup, and thank them for helping realize that the snooze button is glorious!  

​Yesterday morning started off as a mad-dash— I hit snooze multiple times as all the kids stayed up late watching fireworks with friends and celebrating Independence Day the previous evening.  These exciting moments spent with friends are extra special during PCS season! 
 
The rowing machine is gone, yard toys are all packed up and on the road to our next duty-station, house is completely empty, and a fresh coat of paint has been rolled on all the walls over all the handprints.  No kids allowed in the house, so hotel living it is! 
 
A later than normal wake up meant that I skipped a window of time to hit the hotel gym before my spouse headed off to work.  The temperature was still on the “not so hot” end with overcast skies.  After dropping the kids at camp at 8:45AM, my youngest and I decided to head to the Air Base for a running and biking combo around the basketball and tennis courts at the Outdoor Recreation complex.
 
My youngest can bike for quite some time.  Instead of riding her bike in the tennis court and playing with chalk, she was wanted to be my guide.  I love when any of my kids decide they want to be my running partner— this was a welcomed treat!  My daughter had enough after a few laps of riding her bike and wanted to play fetch with the dog on the tennis court.  I set them up and continued my laps with the goal to run for an hour at a comfortable pace due to the rising temperature.

​A few minutes into starting back up, I began to sweat more than usual during the summer months.  My breathing felt fine, my pace felt great, but then I checked my heartrate, and I was already hitting the bottom end of the max zone on my Garmin.  After taking a couple water breaks and slowing my pace even more, my heartrate continued to climb.  I capped my run at 30 minutes.  The humidity got to me.  
 
Many of us run in the heat and humidity of the summer months; however, the combination of heat and humidity will cause increased physical stress on the body.  Early and/or evening runs, shady routes, increased hydration, etc. are all great ways to adjust to the heat.  But sometimes, life happens and we can’t get out the door in the early morning hours, and your only window of time is after summer camp drop off when the heat is full-force!  Aside from previous blog pieces that mention adjusting to the heat, below are some additional tidbits to remember:

• The temperature might not read as high as a typical summer day, but don’t forget to check the humidity levels.  The combo of humidity and heat will have an impact on your run.  

• You’ve slowed the pace, have extra hydration, and choose a shady route.  What next?  Monitor your heartrate.  A conversational pace or anything below a conversational pace should not bring you to your maximum heart rate zone.  If you find yourself in this situation, take a break, adjust your scheduled run to a walk. 

 

• It is also important to keep our kids, especially car seat aged kids, safe in the heat.  Many of our members use fans and/or water-misting device to keep their babies cool!  However, STOP if using a swaddling blanket or any other thin layer to cover the car seat to block out the sun or keep bugs away.  Even though the blanket is thin, covering the car seat will still increase the temperatures to a dangerous level.  Remove any stuffed animals or items that may increase the temperature for your little one. 

 
The heat and the humidity don’t have to stop you from hitting the pavement or trail, but remember to keep yourself and your little ones safe!  

​Yesterday we celebrated Global Running Day and many of our Stroller Warriors members commemorated the date by dedicating a run towards their love for the sport.  The majority of our Stroller Warrior members kept their passion for running alive during pregnancy and continued their postpartum running journey with the additional company of their mini warriors along for the ride in the jogging stroller. 
 
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on my running journey over the past 11.5 years—from the time I had my first child up until now.  Last year, I found myself wondering how many more years I would have left pushing a mini warrior in my Bob Stroller.  I was hoping to have at least two more summers, but last week, my youngest took off on bike at a Stroller Warriors workout.  I soon realized that my time pushing the Bob Stroller concluded—she would no longer want to be pushed in the stroller while I ran and from here on out would want to keep up biking with her older siblings.  

​My husband mentioned that it’s now time to take the Bob stroller out of the trunk and pass it to a future parent runner.  I quickly responded that I couldn’t let it go and needed a bit more time to part ways with a stroller that had logged so many miles— the tattered handlebar console is stained with spilled juice and milk, treasures can still be found in the zippered pocket, and the basket at the bottom has a tear from the weight of the stored scooters. 
 
I started out with a single Bob stroller with a fixed wheel—a stroller that was gifted to me from cousin who knew I would want to run with my child.  I quickly learned through running in the windy Montana weather that a fixed wheel is difficult to maneuver in the wind, so I found a Bob with a swivel wheel that allowed for smoother handling in the wind (this also being easier on my wrists)!  I upgraded my single to a double once my son was born while stationed in Germany, and I passed my single onto to a dear friend.  However, after about 2 years, the weight of the double became unbalanced as I pushed one child while my oldest was in school.  As such, I quickly found a Bob single and kept the double stored in the garage for the future!  One year later, after a move and having another child, I was back to double stroller running and chasing my oldest as she swiftly scootered down the Mount Vernon trail during Stroller Warriors! 
 
I sat at this sweet spot of double stroller running with one child biking for quite some time, and then 2020 happened.  With school out of session for an extended period of time, my son was motivated to ride his bike and chase his sister— he took off at lightning speed!  I went back and forth from running with my youngest in the double (using a pink cat stuffed animal to keep her company), and over time, switched back to the single for almost 3 years. 
 
I remember the last run with my daughter in the single— we ran around the neighborhood on a hot morning and she belted out the lyrics to her favorite Disney tunes, asking me a question every once in a while.  My stroller days are over, but I am happy that my last run with a stroller was peaceful and filled with song.  Although my daughter doesn’t want to sit and be pushed, I’m happy that she wants to ride alongside me still while biking!  

Happy Running 😊

Community outreach is an integral part of the Stroller Warriors mission and one aspect that makes Stroller Warriors so much more than a running club!  Our chapters continue to help both the local and military communities one outreach event at a time!
 
Stroller Warriors Charleston was happy to have the opportunity to spread the word about the chapter, and the goals and mission of Stroller Warriors.  Volunteers spoke to military families and active-duty members, and the chapter hosted resource tables at the “Loved Ones All Call” for the 15th Airlift Squadron, family day for the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the Military Child Education Coalition’s “Purple Up Low Country Cook-off.”  Additionally, several members and their mini warriors volunteered with the Palmetto Military Support Group at the Cooper River Bridge Run race expo— one member took charge of the bib pick up station, while others worked behind the scenes folding over 1000 shirts for swag bags!  The chapter sprung to action as it participated in the “Walk for Water” event hosted by the Water Mission to promote easy-access to clean water locally, nationally, and globally; the chapter raised $125 for this great cause.  During the C25K and spring kick-off, the chapter collaborated with the Military Child Education Coalition who organized a story time featuring the book Courage by Bernard Waber, which was a perfect message for those taking their first steps in their running journey!  The fun continued with the chapter leadership volunteering with a Purple Up event at Saint John Catholic School in Honor of military kids!  Workout leaders hosted a small Stroller Warriors workout session for students, then volunteered alongside pilots and loadmasters from the 14th Airlift squadron, and members from the 628the Air Base Wing legal office, by helping children create crafts and by hosting fun activities.  The chapter ended April by setting-up an assembly line that made 96 peanut-butter & jelly sandwiches for the Low Country Blessing Box Project.  

​Stroller Warriors Fort Belvoir supported Stop Soldier Suicide by organizing a month-long squat challenge with the goal to complete 2,000 squats to raise awareness about this organization’s important mission— to stop soldier suicide in all branches, every generation, and without judgement.  In addition to far-exceeding their squat goal, completing 12, 873 squats in March, the chapter also raised $395 dollars! 
 
Stop Solider Suicide can be reached for help at anytime, 24/7, by calling 844-613-0403.

​Stroller Warriors Kaneohe Bay continued with their monthly beach clean ups at Fort Hase Beach.  The chapter continually dedicates the last Monday of each month to volunteer their time and effort to keep a favorite beach spot clean for all to use!  Bags, gloves sifters, and other items are provided to assist with the clean-up.  Additionally, the chapter collaborated with two talented photographers- Daisy Borski and Carrie with Whimsy Willow Photography- to organize Mother’s Day photo sessions.  A portion of the funds donated to reserve the sessions were donated to the Tripler Fisher House culminating in a $340 donation.  

​Stroller Warriors Virginia Beach organized a dynamic shoe drive for 3 different charities!  In March, a 10-day long sneaker donation drive benefitted Sneakers4Good— an organization that collects gently-worn, new, or used sneakers in exchange for a monetary donation to a charity in need.  Funds received in exchange for donated sneakers supported the local Girls on the Run chapter.  Additionally, the chapter coordinated a second shoe collection of non-running shoes for Soles4Souls. 

​Thank you, Stroller Warriors®, for your continued dedication to outreach and growing the good in your communities. 
 
Happy Running 😊

What can you do when you suddenly hitting a wall while running?  This can happen during any distance, and to runners of all abilities.  If the issue is not a fueling and/or hydration fix— what can it be? 
 
Having mental endurance is an essential element that help runners break through those difficult aspects of running.  One tool that helped me build mental endurance is the practice of keeping a hand-written journal.  Journaling is not for everyone.  Some of us often think of writing long, descriptive daily soliloquies; however, writing a daily journal entry can be simple.  Try this journaling exercise…
 
Grab a notebook (new or used), a stack of post-it notes, or even a loose-leaf piece of paper.  It doesn’t have to be a proper journal.  If using random pieces of paper, be sure to keep them together in a folder or Ziplock bag.  At the end of the day, sit down and write five aspects of the day that brought joy and gratitude.  The list can be simple, or even a one-word entry.  For example:
 
1). Ran the dog
2). Ate homemade carne asada tacos for dinner
3). Kombacha
4). Kids stayed outside after school playing peacefully
5). Tie dyed socks with friends
​
Practice this handwritten journaling activity every day for 30 days and it will become a habit, if you follow it for 75 days, it creates a pathway— a positive pathway to the brain that helps nurture resiliency!  Summertime is just around the corner and some of us may face obstacles- PCS, finding time to fit in fitness with kids, running with bigger kids on bikes, running in the heat…this list doesn’t stop here!  When feeling like that wall is ahead, remember that you have this tool in your back pocket- those five things from the morning (or previous morning) that brought happiness - and smash through that wall!
 
Happy Running 😊