On Veterans Day, We Thank and Honor NYRR Striders Who Have Served
At NYRR Striders, we believe in the power of movement for all. Striders helps keep adults fit and connected to their communities, especially during this time, by providing free virtual resources that motivate and inspire an active lifestyle and improved quality of life. To learn more, visit our website, follow us on Facebook, or email us at striders@nyrr.org.
In honor of Veterans Day (November 11), some of our Striders share their experiences of serving in the armed forces and the impact their service has had. We thank them for their service and wish all of our Striders—and all of you—a meaningful Veterans Day.
Teddy Gatson, Striders Member at Albany Neighborhood Senior Center
Teddy Gatson has been a member of the Striders at Albany Neighborhood Senior Center for five years. He served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972, achieving the rank of Corporal.
“Being in the Navy taught me discipline and to always have a routine,” said Teddy. “It is very similar to what I learned while attending NYRR Striders. Through both, I learned how to stay active and healthy. I make sure to go for a walk or run every day, even during this pandemic.”
Sid Howard, NYRR Striders Coach
Sid Howard has been coaching at New York Road Runners since 2008. He served in the Air Force from 1956 to 1960, achieving the rank of Airman Second Class.
“I joined the Air Force when I was 17 years old,” said Sid. “I was still a kid and had a lot of learning to do. My four years in the service taught me about having respect for others, discipline, and being consistent. Those three things are what I incorporate now into my coaching. I make sure to respect participants of all ages and I try my best to be a role model for them.”
Ben Navarrete, NYRR Striders Coach
Ben Navarrete has been coaching at New York Road Runners since 2015. He served in the Army from 1967 to 1973, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.
“Being in the Army has taught me so many things that I incorporate into my coaching—adaptability, leadership skills, respectfulness, and discipline,” said Ben. “While coaching our Striders, I make sure to use the things I learned in the military to make our program the best it can be.”
Maria Romano, NYRR Striders Coach
Maria Romano has been coaching at New York Road Runners since 2014. She served in the Coast Guard from 1980 to 1995, achieving the rank of Petty Officer.
“Being in the military gives you skills for everyday life. It taught me that you must have rules and goals for everything that you do,” said Maria. “What I learn from my military service that I transition into my coaching is that we all must have respect for each other, set rules and goals as a team, and be consistent. With those things we are all able to achieve success!”
Mitchell Strong, NYRR Striders Coach
Mitchell Strong has been coaching at New York Road Runners since 2015. He served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970, achieving the rank of Airman First Class.
“During my time in the Air Force, I was stationed in many different parts of the country and the world,” said Mitchell. “Being in these new places taught me that we must get along with everyone, regardless of background. I took that life lesson and incorporated it into my coaching. While coaching my peers, I let them know that we must respect everyone in our group. We are all one team and our team goal is to be better than we were yesterday!”
Get Involved
Our mission at NYRR is to help and inspire people through running. The NYRR Striders program demonstrates that anyone, no matter their age or ability, can be active. By incorporating strength, balance, and flexibility exercises and fitness activities into all our sessions, we offer something for everyone. As the saying goes, “Age is just a number”—it’s never too late to get moving! Learn more about all that NYRR Striders has to offer.