By Amy A.
Amy's running friend, Christy. To explain how Stroller Warriors® Eielson was founded, I have to go back to before I knew anything about this running club. I was living in Ohio and still new to distance running when I ran a 10K race. I ran it by myself and struggled every step past 1 mile. I remember feeling accomplished that I finished, but frustrated that it was so HARD. The very next weekend, I went to run with a friend of mine and a group of ladies who called themselves Marathon Moms. We chatted, shared our struggles and before I knew it, I had ran the exact same distance that was so hard for me the weekend prior. That is when I first saw the value of community and support when it comes to distance running. Just a couple weeks later, I went on to run 8 miles “just because” with someone from the same group. Through that winter, I learned to love running in all types of weather and circumstances. I did several runs, and a couple races, in the snow; thus jump starting my love of winter running. With good company by my side, running was an adventure and so much fun.
We moved to Alaska the following spring and I dove into racing in our new home. It wasn’t the same. I went to several local races alone, and while they were fun, I missed my people. Talking with my friend from Ohio, she mentioned starting a group of my own in Alaska. I laughed. Who was I to start a running group? I was still pretty new to distance running.
That winter I was reading my new Runner’s World magazine and I came across an article about this running club, Stroller Warriors. I remember reading Stephanie’s words and mentally agreeing with and seconding everything she said. The article mentioned that you could find a complete list of active chapters on their website. Of course I immediately went to see if Eielson was on there. It wasn’t. There was an e-mail listed with instructions to inquire about starting a chapter in your location. I don’t really know what I thought the result of my e-mail would be, but I assure you it was not what I got. They wanted ME to start the chapter. Me.
Runner's World Magazine article about Stroller Warriors - January 31, 2015
After talking it over with my husband, who has always been the biggest supporter of my endeavors, I decided to apply. I figured they wouldn’t hire me but at least I could say I tried. Imagine my surprise when I opened the e-mail informing me that they did, in fact, want me to start a chapter at Eielson. The next few months were overwhelming as I prepared to launch this new chapter of Stroller Warriors. It felt a little foreign because I had not actually been to a workout at a chapter, so I was building this based on my mentor, Kelly’s, guidance.
NICU Graduate - Addison ready to go home The day before I was set to launch the Facebook page for Stroller Warriors Eielson, I had a health scare. I was 11 weeks pregnant and ended up spending the day in the ER with a threatened miscarriage. Over the next weeks and months I had a rough pregnancy and woke up every morning wondering if I would still be pregnant that day. The doctors couldn’t tell me anything definitively. After talking with Kelly and Stephanie, we decided to postpone the launch until my pregnancy was over and I had time to heal. After a scary arrival, and a week in the NICU, Addison was born and the both of us were on the path to healing.
It took me a long time to understand the benefits of waiting to launch SW Eielson. For a while I was angry and frustrated, but then I saw the value in getting an entire year to fall in love with this running club that I was about to be leading. I needed that time to learn more about Stroller Warriors so that I could adequately support its mission and be the best leader possible for our chapter. I also needed to learn about the struggles of Alaska and how to better encourage people through them. It was during this time I fell in love with everything about our location and gained the desire to help others love it as well.
Looking at the Aurora; part of the beauty that is Alaska.
I was raised by a mother who always finds the good in every situation. She always says that you can do anything for X amount of time. I moved to Alaska with the mindset of, “I can do anything for 3 years.” By the time we left, I could not believe I had to leave behind a place I grew to love so much. I believe all things happen for a reason, and while the circumstances of my pregnancy were not the best, in the end everything turned out the way it needed to. This is not to say that my circumstances happened BECAUSE of what I needed to learn, but instead I chose to learn from my situation.
When the day came for SW Eielson’s inaugural workout, on May 4, 2016, I was better prepared because of the time I had to prepare. I was able to lead our amazing Warriors for a year and watch them thrive in a place that could easily suck all motivation from you. I have never met a stronger, more motivating group of people than the Warriors at SW Eielson.
SW Eielson's Inaugural Workout - May 4, 2016
There were days when I canceled workouts because the temps were below -30, but they showed up to the gym anyway and drug me with them. People may not realize it, but for about 8 months of the year, Eielson Warriors run on a small indoor track. It takes a lot of mental strength and flexibility to stay motivated in such circumstances. 50 laps to get in a 10K may seem daunting, but with Warriors by your side, it’s not bad at all!
8 months out of the year...
SW Eielson runs on the track.
My story with Stroller Warriors varies a lot from most chapter founders. Most fall in love with SW, and upon PCSing decide to start a chapter in their new location. I will be forever grateful that SW took a chance on me, someone completely new, and allowed me the privilege of founding and leading a chapter in Eielson, Alaska. It warms my heart to see the chapter still thriving, 2.5 years later. My life has been forever changed because of the people and my experiences with this club. It really is so much more than a running club.
SW Eielson's 1st C25K Graduation Race
SW Eielson's 1st Runniversary
Beautiful summer workout location
Amy may have sinced moved from Eielson, Alaska, but her dedication to Stroller Warriors has continued and we are incredibly grateful! Amy is an important member of our Stroller Warriors Headquarters Team where she serves as a Regional Mentor and our Gear Guru, as well as weighs in on all Headquarters topics. As a Regional Mentor she helps found chapters and interviews potential candidates, as well as mentors them throughout their tenure as a Coordinator. As our Gear Guru she has helped create the SW heart "We run free, because of the Brave!", Runopoly and Marine Corps Marathon logos you find in our Spreadshirt store - HERE! She also updates the Spreadshirt site with various options and sizes, as well as adds seasonal gear; Christmas, Valentines, etc.
Amy has inspired us all this summer with her marathon comeback during the Marine Corps Marathon. Her Air Force Marathon in September had been cut short by race directors due to unsafe course conditions. Undeterred, even in spite of a nagging injury, Amy signed up for and ran the Marine Corps Marathon alongside numerous fellow Stroller Warriors.
Amy has inspired us all this summer with her marathon comeback during the Marine Corps Marathon. Her Air Force Marathon in September had been cut short by race directors due to unsafe course conditions. Undeterred, even in spite of a nagging injury, Amy signed up for and ran the Marine Corps Marathon alongside numerous fellow Stroller Warriors.
2018 Marine Corps Marathon Finishers: Amy & fellow SW, Britni W., who first met at the Air Force Marathon.
Amy, we are so proud of all you have accomplished as a runner, and as a Stroller Warrior. You are truly leaving the world a better place than you have found it. We will forever be thankful that you chose to dedicated your time and talents to our running club!
If you’re a Chapter Founder and would like your story featured please email me at Paige.swglobal@gmail.com! If you’re interested in founding a chapter and bringing Stroller Warriors to your location, please follow these instructions.
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