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Member Spotlight: Meet Tiffany!

4/28/2016

16 Comments

 
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Tiffany J. has been a Stroller Warrior since 2013, starting up with SW New Orleans. Prior to moving to New Orleans, she began to research running groups. Learning of Stroller Warriors®, she wanted to join, even though “I didn't necessarily feel like a warrior. I went on my first nerve-wracking run with SW NOLA late-2013. I was so scared to run with new people that I couldn't complete what should have been an easy training run for me! I didn't return until 2014 and only after I left my ego and nerves at home. Now, I ask myself why I didn't jump in feet first to begin with?!” While in New Orleans, Tiffany made huge contributions to the club, including service as a Couch to 5K and Bridge to 10K coach. “If I can give back by encouraging and motivating other runners as much as my fellow SWs have done for me then that is an honor and privilege in and of itself.” Of course, since we are all transient, Tiffany has moved and joined up with a new chapter, Stroller Warriors® MacDill, where she will continue to share her Stroller Warrior strength. 

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​Tiffany has been an Army spouse for the past 11 years, since her husband joined the service. Tiffany has a background in freelance design, where she was able to work from home. Due to the strain of deployment, she has set her career aside and dedicated her focus to family. Her family went through a roller coaster of adjustment, as her husband battled mental health issues after returning from Afghanistan. “We are taking it one day at a time.” Tiffany praises her amazing three children (ages nine, eight, and four) for their resilience, empathy, and compassion that has developed over the past few years during their family’s healing. “Enter running. Running has not only saved my life but has given me life. The cathartic act of running has helped me shake off a rough night, made me mentally tough, and the bonds I've forged with my fellow Stroller Warriors are lifelong and true. They have seen me at my most vulnerable and at my strongest and I them.” 
 
Tiffany did not start out with a love of running. Due to parental requirement—encouragement—Tiffany has participated in team sports since age seven. She mostly enjoyed softball and volleyball, and really shined in sprinting and hurdles. However, “anything longer than 400m seemed like a lifetime to me! I swear I learned the meaning of life the moment I learned the art of pacing and endurance.”

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Being a Stroller Warrior has given Tiffany fresh perspective and value. It has “breathed fresh air into my life. I am more than a military spouse and mother. I'm more than that messy haired, mini-van driving, tired woman I see in the mirror. I'm a running partner, a mentor, a stroller warrior- I am a runner. The bonds I've created with my fellow Stroller Warriors can compare to no other. We have seen each other at our sweatiest, stinkiest, and most glorious. The act of showing up for a run and finishing inspires me to no end!” 
              
Tiffany’s favorite Stroller Warrior memory:
 
“I can't put my finger on just one because I've had so many, but an image that always comes to mind is when I was struggling to run during the NOLA summer heat and Andie (former SWNOLA coordinator) took my stroller so I could run easier. Since then, when I see a fellow warrior struggling to push their stroller rather than offer to stop for a walk break, I offer to take their stroller. Nothing is more empowering than pushing through difficulty.” 
 
One piece of advice for a new military spouse:
 
“Be yourself. There is only one you. When we try to fit into a mold of who we think we should be, all authenticity is lost. People are drawn to folks who are their genuine, true selves because it encourages others to be themselves- which is liberating and refreshing! We all want to be liked and accepted, so why not be taken in by those who love you for YOU.”
 
 
Thank you, Tiffany, for sharing your story with us! You are one strong mother runner!

16 Comments
Katie Shepard
4/28/2016 08:10:48 am

Asking Tiffany what her favorite memory was inspired me to write this reply. MY first memory of HER was thinking how hardcore she was when I started! When I ran my couch to 5k grad race she ran the whole way with me. I struggled on that run but she stayed with me and encouraged me the whole way. She may have things she won't forget but there are things that we will never forget about her.

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 08:18:12 am

Oh Katie, thank you for sharing this special memory! Look at how far you've come. Hugs and love from Tampa ❤️

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Jami link
4/28/2016 08:23:30 am

I loved reading this Tiffany!! I've been following your running since day one. You are such an inspiration to all those around you!!

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 11:16:29 am

Jami, as are you! Thanks for reading & showing it some love :)

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Holland
4/28/2016 08:32:08 am

One of my favourite memories with Tiffany, is when we journeyed to get you a new jogging stroller. And you showed me that the stroller I had been hauling around for years could fold down again!! That's how our friend ship was/is. You're always opening my eyes to new was of seeing the world, and that's made me strive to be a better runner, mom, wife, friend, person. You are everything Stroller Warriors has become for me! Thank you, for being you.

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 11:17:40 am

This is quite possibly one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about me. Thank you for all the feels 💜

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Melissa
4/28/2016 08:59:26 am

I love this lady to no end. She's always there the exact moment you need her and how she does that I'll never know. She pushed me and encouraged me every day of training for my 10K. When the day came to actually complete it, her and our SW NOLA coordinator, Wendy, were out there running it with me in the 100 degree heat. She took my stroller when I was on the verge of giving up and gave it back only so I could cross the finish line with my little man and so she could be there cheering me on. Every ounce of this woman screams tough even on her weakest days. I still carry her on every run to tell me when to slow down or push harder. She is a force to be reckoned with and one person I will never forget.

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 11:19:23 am

Seeing YOU push through those runs encouraged me as well! Thank you for all the love. I carry a piece of your determination with me on every run too 💞

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Mary Howell
4/28/2016 09:51:14 am

I truly loved reading this! I am sure some things were not the easiest to write, but it shows that we are all human and we all have our own battles in life. She is definitely a warrior and such an inspiration to so many!!!

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 11:21:44 am

Thanks for reading through! I agree & that's the beauty of running- it strips you of all titles, roles, and outside expectations. It's just you, the pavement, and pure will.

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Beckie
4/28/2016 11:49:01 am

The first C25K you coached was my first post cancer 5K. Cancer changed my body so much I wasn't sure running would ever happen again. Within one year I ran the Army 10 miler and aside from my hubs, Tiffany is still my biggest cheerleader. Until we meet again dear friend.

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 07:47:18 pm

Seeing you graduate C25K, do bootcamp, and continue running bigger and better things inspires me :)

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Stephanie Deming
4/28/2016 12:55:59 pm

This is such a beautiful article. My favorite memory of Tiffany was enjoying some mimosas and water guns after a long run. You are very missed around here. Good luck with your future.

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Tiffany Johnson
4/28/2016 07:47:54 pm

Thanks so much girl! I miss those mimosas! 💗

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Heather
4/28/2016 09:14:04 pm

Oh, my, I'm tearing up reading this. Tiffany is an inspiration. She was my neighbor, and encouraged me to join the group. My first run was with her in the NOLA heat, and I thought I'd die. All she did was cheer me on. I am now running faster than ever, and it's in large part due to her cheerleading and support. Plain and simple, Tiff rocks.

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Tiffany Johnson
5/2/2016 04:46:39 pm

You're killing it, girl! Thanks for being so amazing a supportive during those tough times. I could not have gotten through it without your wisdom and kindness 💜

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