Stefani Pyle Finds Joy, Community Through Passion with Running
As a girl playing sports during her school years, Stefani Pyle of Joplin, Missouri, didn’t like one of the key aspects of training. She says, “Running was a punishment when we lost a basketball game. Our coach made us run down (the court) and back.
“I played basketball and volleyball growing up, and running was necessary to help us stay in shape, but it wasn’t enjoyable at the time. I loved basketball growing up and still do. I play in our alumni games every year.”
Now, Stefani loves to run. Explaining how her journey has evolved over the past five years, she says, “I picked up running in college but stopped after some hip pain due to my scoliosis. In hindsight, I wasn’t stretching enough or wearing the best shoes.
“I did a lot of walking when my son was a baby/toddler while pushing him in a stroller. I had him during the COVID-19 shutdown in April 2020, so getting fresh air and exercise helped me at that time. I started jogging and eventually got back into running by the end of 2023.”
It has become the ideal workout for her. Stefani says, “The mental clarity and stress relief it’s brought to me is unlike lifting weights, playing sports or any other activity I’ve ever tried. Running is the perfect mix of mental and physical fitness for me.
“I struggle with anxiety. Running slows my mind down and lets me process stress and overthinking. When I finish a run, my head is clear and I’m more ready to be present in my day. The physical benefits are also important. I love to be active with my son, so being in shape helps me keep up with him.”
While becoming more active by running, Stefani has participated in several competitive events. She says, “I like 5Ks that are for a good cause. I like seeing people from all walks of life come together and be part of something that helps others. I love a race that lets people walk or run at whatever speed they enjoy.
“I run six to seven races a year. My favorite races have been the Pittsburg, Kansas, 4th of July 5K, Ronald McDonald House Charities St. Patrick’s Day 5K, Flip the Script 5K, ROCC The Journey 5K, The Eliminator 5K, and the Bass Pro Half Marathon (Springfield, Missouri).”
Stepping out of her safe space this past year, Stefani says, “The Eliminator was not on my 2025 bingo card, but the Social Miles Club (local group of runners, walkers and bike-riding enthusiasts) talked me into doing something out of my comfort zone.
“It’s a backyard ultra-marathon-style race where you run three miles every 45 minutes until you can’t make it anymore. I went into the race hoping to run 15 miles and ended up finishing 27 miles.
“Before that, the most I had ever run at one time was 10 miles. I had no idea I was going to run a marathon that day, but the power of a supportive group and grit can do powerful things.”
As far as event preparation, Stefani says, “My weekly runs mimic a 5K, so repetition is my training for those. I trained for a half marathon last summer and focused on three runs a week: an easy run, fast run and long run. I also lift weights two to three times a week and do yoga every day.
“When I was training for the half marathon, I was running four hours per week. The longer runs would be about two hours, and the shorter runs for about 30 minutes. My average time when I’m not training is about two hours each week.”
Her favorite place to go for a run is “running the Frisco Trail with the Social Miles Club. It can be broken down into smaller sections or a long run down and back.
“It has a steady incline/decline, so the elevation is manageable. There is always a variety of walkers, runners and bikers. I love seeing how busy it gets on nice days. I also prefer gravel trails over paved roads and treadmills.”
Stefani’s passion is running, but there are demanding aspects. She says, “My main challenge is pulled muscles and dealing with soreness. Because of scoliosis, I have a natural tilt to the right, so my left knee and hip aren’t as strong and are susceptible to pulled muscles. I’ve learned that stretching and good shoes helps.
“Another challenge is the weather. I love running in the spring and fall. Summer and winter require more planning with layers of clothing, hydration/fueling, sunsets/sunrises, etc. The weather has a way of testing your mental stamina.”
Despite the demands, Stefani finds it invigorating. “In the beginning, it was a way to clear my mind and provide stress relief, and that’s still my main motivator.
“Over time, it has turned into so much more. I used to run alone. Now I have a group (Social Miles Club) to run with weekly. My nephew (Oakley, 14 years old) joins me on holiday 5Ks, and I love the quality time with him during these runs.”
Stefani clearly loves being part of Social Miles Club as well. She says, “A friend shared their Instagram page with me on New Year’s Eve (2024) and said, ‘Let’s go try this.’ I was nervous. I’d never run in a group and didn’t know what to expect. I thought, ‘New year, new opportunity, so why not?’
“I was pleasantly surprised how laid back and welcoming everyone was in the group. I loved that I could show up and walk with a stroller, jog or run. The inclusion and positive environment kept me coming back.”
Stefani appreciates what this ‘family’ represents. She says, “I met the couple that started the club. I was inspired by their story and the values of the group. People show up to get movement in, regardless of their speed or skill. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged. It’s become one of my favorite parts of my week.”
This connection has influenced Stefani greatly. She says, “Social Miles Club has brought so many positive things to my life. It’s given me the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new friends, set new running goals and achieve those goals, become inspired by other people’s stories and share my own story.
“Life is too short not to try new things. That’s why you should try running or walking or biking or yoga. Try something new to get active and promote mental and physical health. I promise you won’t regret it.”
Stefani Pyle Why I Run Fast Facts
Age: 31
Husband: Brian Pyle
Children: Jordan and Tucker
Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
Current Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
High School Alma Mater/Year Graduated: Diamond High School/2013
College Alma Mater/Year Graduated: Missouri Southern State University/2017
College Degree: Bachelor’s Degree/Criminal Justice Administration
Career: Assistant director of operation for a local property management company
Hobbies: Running, walking, biking, and bug hunting, coloring and puzzles with her son