Nothing says "teamwork" like a Spartan. Jessica, pronounced "Yessica," has served as an integral Stroller Warrior member for the past year in Monterey, CA. Through her membership she has assisted with any and every thing she could, supported and cheered the rest of the group, while reaching multiple personal running goals. Every race SW competes in, Jessica is there at the finish, encouraging everyone to finish strong and even running with you to the end.
Jessica is a mother of two, an active duty doctor in the German army, and spouse to an active duty soldier. Her family came to Monterey for her husband’s program, giving her the unique opportunity to experience life as a stay at home mother. Jessica mentioned that they did not hesitate when given the opportunity to explore the United States, as they enjoy new opportunities to learn about and take part in other cultures.
Jessica grew up in the former German Democratic Republic, near Berlin with lots of family nearby. The Berlin Wall opened in 1989, when Jessica was only seven years old. Jessica commented, “I had the advantage to be influenced by sometimes quite different thinking.” She believes it is best to take from those experiences, as in any situation, and apply them to one’s own life for the better.
Jessica desired to be a doctor from early childhood, but decided to join this with becoming a soldier later in school. Jessica has accomplished over six years of medical and military training, and served in military hospitals and Afghanistan. Jessica will continue to specialize in family medicine once she returns to Germany. At Stroller Warrior workouts she is known to be asked medical questions. Her fellow warriors report they love having a doctor in the group.
Jessica never enjoyed running during childhood, “I even quit karate classes because we had to do a warm-up run for 45 minutes.” She re-visited the idea of running when planning for military service, knowing this would be a requirement. Amazingly, the more she ran, the more she enjoyed it. “Over the years in the military I enjoyed the fantastic feeling while running more and more, and I always wanted to stay in good shape to meet the demands of being a military medical doctor and a superior. But during the last 2 years here in Monterey I really internalized the concepts of leading a life as a runner.”
Jessica is a mother of two, an active duty doctor in the German army, and spouse to an active duty soldier. Her family came to Monterey for her husband’s program, giving her the unique opportunity to experience life as a stay at home mother. Jessica mentioned that they did not hesitate when given the opportunity to explore the United States, as they enjoy new opportunities to learn about and take part in other cultures.
Jessica grew up in the former German Democratic Republic, near Berlin with lots of family nearby. The Berlin Wall opened in 1989, when Jessica was only seven years old. Jessica commented, “I had the advantage to be influenced by sometimes quite different thinking.” She believes it is best to take from those experiences, as in any situation, and apply them to one’s own life for the better.
Jessica desired to be a doctor from early childhood, but decided to join this with becoming a soldier later in school. Jessica has accomplished over six years of medical and military training, and served in military hospitals and Afghanistan. Jessica will continue to specialize in family medicine once she returns to Germany. At Stroller Warrior workouts she is known to be asked medical questions. Her fellow warriors report they love having a doctor in the group.
Jessica never enjoyed running during childhood, “I even quit karate classes because we had to do a warm-up run for 45 minutes.” She re-visited the idea of running when planning for military service, knowing this would be a requirement. Amazingly, the more she ran, the more she enjoyed it. “Over the years in the military I enjoyed the fantastic feeling while running more and more, and I always wanted to stay in good shape to meet the demands of being a military medical doctor and a superior. But during the last 2 years here in Monterey I really internalized the concepts of leading a life as a runner.”
Enjoying smore's after a beach run. Jessica first learned of Stroller Warriors by spotting one of our fabulous car decals, and thought “what a genius word creation!” Her second son had just been born, and she was working on plans to spend time at the track. Jessica met the chapter coordinator soon after at a local base race, and states “that was the beginning of a year of growing and experiencing an unforgettable part of my life.” Jessica, as many members are on their first day, thought she would try out the workout, but was doubtful that she would be able to keep up. However, she quickly realized that she “became a member of a group full of wonderful, diverse and loving moms and their kids. And that it doesn´t matter how fast you go or how many miles you log every week. I love this.”
Upon joining SW, Jessica’s goal was to complete her second half marathon. She was certain this was her ideal distance and did not consider anything farther. However, after crushing the Big Sur Half Marathon and watching other members go on to complete higher distances, her appetite grew for greater challenges. Since feeding that appetite, Jessica has accomplished various distances of trail races, the Big Sur 21 miler (placing 14th overall!), and is about to compete in her first 50k. Jessica has logged over 650 miles so far this year! “This makes over 1000 km in our metric system, and for a lot of my friends and relatives this number is unimaginable.”
Upon joining SW, Jessica’s goal was to complete her second half marathon. She was certain this was her ideal distance and did not consider anything farther. However, after crushing the Big Sur Half Marathon and watching other members go on to complete higher distances, her appetite grew for greater challenges. Since feeding that appetite, Jessica has accomplished various distances of trail races, the Big Sur 21 miler (placing 14th overall!), and is about to compete in her first 50k. Jessica has logged over 650 miles so far this year! “This makes over 1000 km in our metric system, and for a lot of my friends and relatives this number is unimaginable.”
Jessica fully embraces that running with a group such as SW is about more than just the running. “I’ve learned so much more. Through observing all of these ladies from all over the US and foreign countries, I have developed a more positive attitude towards my life and my role in family and society.” She also embraces a runner’s love for new gear, receiving compression tights for her birthday. Her intuitive husband was kindly ordering her new shoes while she completed this interview.
Favorite place to run: “Now I just love to enjoy sunny and not so crowded places like Jack’s Peak Park, Pebble Beach, and Fort Ord.”
Best piece of advice for runners: “As a professional I cannot express enough how important physical activity is for our health – body and mind. And we should never underestimate the power of being a role model for our kids. It doesn´t matter how you look and how fast or slow you are, just thinking you will run/walk today - just go outdoors and be active. The fun comes automatically.”
Favorite place to run: “Now I just love to enjoy sunny and not so crowded places like Jack’s Peak Park, Pebble Beach, and Fort Ord.”
Best piece of advice for runners: “As a professional I cannot express enough how important physical activity is for our health – body and mind. And we should never underestimate the power of being a role model for our kids. It doesn´t matter how you look and how fast or slow you are, just thinking you will run/walk today - just go outdoors and be active. The fun comes automatically.”
 Big Sur 21-miler, crossing the finish! |  Spartan mud pit. |
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