The Gold Star Race Program is a cornerstone of our community at wear blue: run to remember. This special initiative honors the service and sacrifice of our military families by supporting Gold Star and Surviving athletes as they train for and participate in marathons across the country. For our athletes, these races are not just physical challenges but also a tribute to their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
In July, a dedicated group of athletes will take on the San Francisco Marathon, embodying resilience, determination, and the spirit of remembrance. Their journey to the finish line is one of healing, growth, and profound personal achievement.
Views from the 2023 San Francisco Marathon tribute wear blue Mile.
Meet the wear blue Team: Tara and Emery
Behind every successful athlete is a dedicated group of volunteer coaches and mentors who guide, support, motivate, and inspire. We are proud to introduce two of our volunteers for our San Francisco cohort: Tara and Emery.
Emery Brake has served in the Army Reserve for over 20 years, beginning as a medic and later as a nurse. Emery’s journey with wear blue: run to remember began in 2013 after the loss of her friend and coworker, CPT Jennifer Moreno. Emery found solace and understanding within the DuPont Chapter, becoming deeply committed to the mission of honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Over the years, Emery has taken on leadership roles including Gold Star Race Program Director, JBLM co-chapter leader, and Gold Star Youth Mentor.
As the Director of Running & Training for wear blue, Tara Strassburg provides Gold Star Race Program athletes with personalized coaching for their marathons. With over 20 years of experience as an endurance athlete and 15 years as a coach, Tara has competed in a wide range of athletic events. Her connection with wear blue began at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2016, and in 2018, she became the Director of Running and Training for the Gold Star Race Program. Tara is dedicated to helping athletes honor and remember their loved ones through their training and races.
Emery and Tara, along with support volunteers Curtis Brake and Niki Dorsey, are dedicated to supporting the athletes through the 20-week program and beyond. Our volunteers create a supportive community for our athletes and families to stay connected for years after they cross the finish line.
The Road to San Francisco
As our athletes lace up their shoes and hit the pavement, they carry with them the memories of their loved ones. Each mile run is a tribute, a story of courage and perseverance. Tara has designed a comprehensive training program tailored to the unique needs of our Gold Star Athletes, blending rigorous physical training with emotional support, mentorship, and community engagement.
Monthly calls provide athletes with a vibrant mix of excitement, preparation, and community. Each call begins with athletes sharing what they are excited about and nervous about, along with answering fun "would you rather" questions to break the ice. This is followed by a Circle of Remembrance, where athletes and staff honor those they are running for, fostering a deep sense of purpose and connection. As the marathon approaches, particularly at the four-week mark, additional focus is placed on tapering strategies and final preparations to help athletes peak at just the right time.
Program Highlights:
Personalized Training Plans: Tailored to the individual needs and goals of each athlete.
Mental Health Support: Incorporating mindfulness and stress-relief techniques.
Cohort Calls and Messaging: Building camaraderie and a sense of belonging among athletes.
Nutritional Guidance: Ensuring athletes are fueled for success.
Motivational Speakers: Monthly calls include guest speakers and inspirational stories from previous GSRP participants and the wear blue family.
Join Us at the Finish Line
As we cheer on our Gold Star Athletes in San Francisco, we invite you to join us in honoring their journey. Stay tuned for more blog posts where we will introduce each athlete, share their personal stories, and capture the triumphant moments at the finish line. Together, we run to remember, celebrate, and support our military families.
