Ashley has played an invaluable role in my race training. From 10ks to half-marathons, Ashley expertly assisted with the development of my training strategies and training schedules so I met my goals on race day. Her advice also demanded preservation of my overall health which so important for runners. Ashley’s amazing institutional knowledge and her ability to relate ‘runner to runner’ helped me recognize and work through issues such as needing different shoes, what to do about shin splits, and my diet before race day. It is so easy to have confidence in your coach when you know they ‘ran in your shoes’. I am fortunate to have a coach that knows what she is talking about and inspires me at the same time.
- Alison Z., Denver
I was quite alone in my training, being in Egypt, but I found that Ashley was so helpful and always available to email and answer questions. We never did it, but she also offered to talk over skype if I needed it! She listened to my needs and goals in training and racing and really helped me to meet them. Having someone I knew was there to help me succeed in my race goals was such an encouragement. Your friends want you to succeed, sure, but Ashley is a professional who knows what it takes to succeed and will tell you just what you need to do to meet your goals. Also, the weekly lessons were SO helpful, both in training and life in general. The things I started to work on in the weekly lessons will carry over into the rest of my training for a long time to come. I plan on having Ashley as my coach as I try to [qualify for Boston] this autumn. Bring it, Ashley!
- Kate S., Egypt
“I’m not a runner.” If you’ve ever said, thought, or felt those words, I am living proof that anyone can enjoy the virtues of running if given the proper professional guidance and inspiration. Not only was I a non-runner, I had also been away from exercise and physical activity for some time. After much internal debate, I put myself in Ashley’s hands and faced my fears. Ashley listened to my concerns, helped me define my goals and showed me the value of adding a running program to my life. I quickly discovered I was not on a path solely to finish my 10k, but I was reaching a destination far greater: a new appreciation for my mind/body relationship. Ashley’s weekly lessons refocused areas of my life that I had expressed a desire to improve. I faced obstacles during my routines, both physical and mental, and having Ashley’s tailored knowledge a call, text, or email away saved me from giving up. I enjoy going back and reading some of my early notes and seeing how far I’ve come. In an era of fitness when women have endless options for personal training or diet advice, in my opinion there is no better value than She Runs Strong. Ashley has expert knowledge of running goals and how to reach them, a focus on nutritional health over fads or “quick fixes,” and insight to life structure and mental clarity. Ashley truly has become my running coach, dietician, therapist, and friend. My program with She Runs Strong has brought my life more structure and purpose. My 4 year-old son is excited to see me do something I was afraid to try. My husband is proud of my commitment. Above all, it’s a powerful feeling to do something I never thought I could do let alone come to love.
- Kimber C., Phoenix
