Meet Mary H, the Founder of Stroller Warriors Pensacola! Today we have for you the founding story of Stroller Warriors Pensacola!
Stroller Warriors® Pensacola was founded by Mary H. Mary says she was inspired to found a Stroller Warriors chapter after researching our organization and falling in love with our mission.
Mary says, “We had just moved to Pensacola and on the spouses pages a lot of people were asking about Stroller Warriors and if there was one here. They all mentioned how they loved the chapter at their last duty station and wished there was one in the area. I had been a runner for along time and always took my daughter with me, however, I had never been apart of a SW chapter (I had heard of them though). "
Stroller Warriors® Pensacola was founded by Mary H. Mary says she was inspired to found a Stroller Warriors chapter after researching our organization and falling in love with our mission.
Mary says, “We had just moved to Pensacola and on the spouses pages a lot of people were asking about Stroller Warriors and if there was one here. They all mentioned how they loved the chapter at their last duty station and wished there was one in the area. I had been a runner for along time and always took my daughter with me, however, I had never been apart of a SW chapter (I had heard of them though). "
Working out with SW Pensacola! The positive talk from previous SW members and their desire to have a Stroller Warriors chapter in their area got Mary thinking about founding a Stroller Warriors chapter. "I was 7 months pregnant with my son when I decided that I would take the leap and apply to start a chapter in Pensacola. I knew that running with others would make it better and when I researched the organization I fell in love with their mission, it solidified my desire to try and get a chapter here. I wanted to be able to help out the military community and provide them a way to get together and get active.”
Stroller Warriors Pensacola at a Warriors Night Out Mary didn’t waste any time trying to get a chapter started and began the application process to found a chapter while she was pregnant with her second child. After gaining approval to found a chapter Mary began the mentoring process with Stroller Warrior Head Quarters.
“About 6 weeks after giving birth, I was so ready to get things going and launched. I actually put some feelers out into the community to see how many would be interested in SW and I was shocked to see the amount of people that were responsive.”
“About 6 weeks after giving birth, I was so ready to get things going and launched. I actually put some feelers out into the community to see how many would be interested in SW and I was shocked to see the amount of people that were responsive.”
Pre-race photo with SWP Through Founding and then Coordinating Stroller Warriors Pensacola Mary has learned some valuable lessons. She says, “I think one big lesson is to understand that every chapter is different. From the running locations, weather, community, active members, etc. We all have our own unique piece that makes us a tad different. I have learned to adapt to the needs of our community and not to overdo it.”
Mary also feels it is important for Coordinators to remember to lean on their members for help. She says, “Also, ask for help =) The chapter grew so quick and honestly after a point I by myself could not fully keep up so I had to add someone to help out before the year mark.”
Mary also feels it is important for Coordinators to remember to lean on their members for help. She says, “Also, ask for help =) The chapter grew so quick and honestly after a point I by myself could not fully keep up so I had to add someone to help out before the year mark.”
SWP Mini Miles event Mary, your hard work and dedication to Stroller Warriors Pensacola has created an amazing team that is still standing strong after your departure. Thank you for founding SW Pensacola and gifting the Pensacola community with this amazing resource!
If you’re interested in founding a chapter and bringing Stroller Warriors to your location, please follow these instructions. If you’re a Chapter Founder and would like your story featured please email me at [email protected]!
Thank You and Happy Running!
Kelly
If you’re interested in founding a chapter and bringing Stroller Warriors to your location, please follow these instructions. If you’re a Chapter Founder and would like your story featured please email me at [email protected]!
Thank You and Happy Running!
Kelly
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