Our mini warriors always watch us. They watch during those great runs when it seems the wind is at our backs, and they watch us on the days that seem like a constant uphill with strong headwinds. Most importantly, they see us endure through both situations…deciding to push harder towards a PR when the run feels smooth, and deciding to fiercely press-on when the run feels harder than normal. In both situations, our mini warriors are seeing us push- persevering by overcoming challenges and accomplishing goals. Now, the “eyes have shifted” for many Stroller Warriors. Now, it is the Stroller Warriors often watching their once mini warriors embrace their own fitness endeavors. Now, it is the Stroller Warrior’s eye who is trained on their athlete…watching the lessons they taught their once mini warrior manifest into kinetic action!
We recently interviewed a Stroller Warriors mom-daughter team, Ryanne B. and Finley. Ryanne completed the Couch to 5K program with Stroller Warriors, then continued with the “Have to Half” series with her running partner Analisa J. Ryanne also volunteered as a Stroller Warriors workout leader.
Questions for our Warriors:
Name: Ryanne Baker
Stroller Warriors chapter(s): Stroller Warriors Camp Lejeune
What was your favorite thing about Stroller Warriors? The amazing community-- it gave me a place where I felt like I belonged, and the group encouraged me to run further than I ever imagined possible. When I joined, I could not run 10 consecutive minutes without stopping. During my time with Stroller Warriors, I ended up running a half marathon every month for a year and the Marine Corps Marathon. I totally drank the cool-aid!
Did you suspect your mini warrior would have his/her own running career one day? I did not run until after I had my first 2 kids. I never ran as a kid-- I never really thought about it [running]. There was an opportunity [for my daughter] to join Cross-Country and I am not going to lie-- we totally made her do it! At first, she was not happy, however we watched her develop, progress, and really grow to enjoy running (even though she will not admit it). She proudly wears her Cross-Country shirt and gets excited about PRs and new running shoes. I really think it is going to stick! Our family is so proud of her for doing hard things!
We recently interviewed a Stroller Warriors mom-daughter team, Ryanne B. and Finley. Ryanne completed the Couch to 5K program with Stroller Warriors, then continued with the “Have to Half” series with her running partner Analisa J. Ryanne also volunteered as a Stroller Warriors workout leader.
Questions for our Warriors:
Name: Ryanne Baker
Stroller Warriors chapter(s): Stroller Warriors Camp Lejeune
What was your favorite thing about Stroller Warriors? The amazing community-- it gave me a place where I felt like I belonged, and the group encouraged me to run further than I ever imagined possible. When I joined, I could not run 10 consecutive minutes without stopping. During my time with Stroller Warriors, I ended up running a half marathon every month for a year and the Marine Corps Marathon. I totally drank the cool-aid!
Did you suspect your mini warrior would have his/her own running career one day? I did not run until after I had my first 2 kids. I never ran as a kid-- I never really thought about it [running]. There was an opportunity [for my daughter] to join Cross-Country and I am not going to lie-- we totally made her do it! At first, she was not happy, however we watched her develop, progress, and really grow to enjoy running (even though she will not admit it). She proudly wears her Cross-Country shirt and gets excited about PRs and new running shoes. I really think it is going to stick! Our family is so proud of her for doing hard things!
Questions for our mini warriors:
Name: Finley Rose Baker
Do you remember your first Stroller Warriors event? How old were you? I do not remember my first Stroller Warrior event, but I remember playing at the playground ALOT. Every time my mom would go for a run, I got to play with lots of friends.
What memories do you have of Stroller Warriors? Any favorite SW memories to share? I remember skinning my knee on the playground and screaming “THERE IS SO MUCH BLOOD!!!”. There were moms everywhere, but I could not find my own.
Are you currently in touch with any mini warriors you have met along the way? No, we moved to Alabama. Hannah and Jackson J. did visit us once after we moved here.
What team do you run with now? How long have you been running? I run for the cross-country team at Madison County High School. This is my first season, we started practice in July and I could not run AT ALL. Running was terrible at first and it is still terrible, but now I can run 4 miles and I do not even cry anymore!
What inspires you to keep running? MCDONALDS and my coach, aka my Dad, who yells at me if I stop.
Have your parents inspired you? If so, in what way? My dad runs daily, and my mom works out every day. They told me I could be a runner when I did not believe I could. Turns out they were right.
What lessons did you learn with Stroller Warriors and how have those lessons influenced you today? At some point running will be fun. They [SW members] all seemed to have a good time. I am not there yet, but it gives me hope.
Name: Finley Rose Baker
Do you remember your first Stroller Warriors event? How old were you? I do not remember my first Stroller Warrior event, but I remember playing at the playground ALOT. Every time my mom would go for a run, I got to play with lots of friends.
What memories do you have of Stroller Warriors? Any favorite SW memories to share? I remember skinning my knee on the playground and screaming “THERE IS SO MUCH BLOOD!!!”. There were moms everywhere, but I could not find my own.
Are you currently in touch with any mini warriors you have met along the way? No, we moved to Alabama. Hannah and Jackson J. did visit us once after we moved here.
What team do you run with now? How long have you been running? I run for the cross-country team at Madison County High School. This is my first season, we started practice in July and I could not run AT ALL. Running was terrible at first and it is still terrible, but now I can run 4 miles and I do not even cry anymore!
What inspires you to keep running? MCDONALDS and my coach, aka my Dad, who yells at me if I stop.
Have your parents inspired you? If so, in what way? My dad runs daily, and my mom works out every day. They told me I could be a runner when I did not believe I could. Turns out they were right.
What lessons did you learn with Stroller Warriors and how have those lessons influenced you today? At some point running will be fun. They [SW members] all seemed to have a good time. I am not there yet, but it gives me hope.
Thank you Ryanne and Finley for sharing a piece of journey as a Stroller Warrior and mini warrior, and what unfolded afterwards! Best wishes on your future endeavors! If you and your mini warrior(s) are interested in sharing your Stroller Warriors story, please contact us at strollerwarrior@gmail.com.
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