Talking with Charity Fitness Advocate Healthy Ashley
Motivating, inspirational, determined – these are all words that describe Ashley of the blog Healthy Ashley. A regular reader, I am drawn to this runner’s positive attitude and her philosophy on life, physical activity and wellness.
I had the chance to ask Ashley a few questions about her passion for running and commitment to charity fitness events. I think you’ll find her responses to my questions inspiring. If exercise is not yet an important part of your life, Ashley is here to tell you what you’ve been missing!
What initially sparked your interest in fitness and exercise? How long has it been a passion for you?
If you had told me 5 years ago I would love exercising I would probably have laughed! Growing up I never participated in sports or any other forms of exercise.
Right before summer of my senior year of high school I joined a gym in hopes it would relieve stress. I had no idea what I was doing, but that was the first time I really worked out.
My passion for fitness and exercise sparked when I started running with the Couch-2-5K program last February. I started challenging myself and beating my goals. Exercise was fantastic; and I was hooked. Now, fitness consumes me!
What types of charity fitness events do you regularly participate in and what motivates you to support these causes?
I have participated in countless running races and I did the public relations for one kayaking race. I’d say 9 out of 10 of these events benefit one or more charities. Fitness creates an immediate connection between participants and I believe that is even better when those participants come together for a great cause.
My favorite race, Run for Innocence, raises money to keep kids safe. I am happy to contribute my $25 every year since my own family has been damaged by molestation. I remember being so overwhelmed with emotion the first year and crying as I crossed the finish line!
Charity events raise money, bring awareness and bring like-minded people together. I think it’s fantastic to combine that with a personal goal. Find races that support causes that mean something to you!
What would you name as your biggest accomplishment when it comes to fitness events?
My biggest accomplishment (fitness and life in general) was completing my first half marathon. All my life I believed I couldn’t run. With my asthma and bad knees running one mile seemed impossible. When I set the half marathon goal for myself I had no idea what I was getting into. Each training run brought a new mileage record, sweat and a priceless sense of accomplishment. Every minute of that half marathon was beautiful- from the feet pounding the pavement and butterflies in my stomach at the start to mile 10 when I realized that was the farthest I had ever run. Crossing that finish line was the proudest moment of my life so far.
You can read more about Ashley’s running journey and her first half here.
You keep a blog called Healthy Ashley? What would you describe as the main motivation for your blog?
My motivation with healthy ashley is sharing and discussing the fitness and nutrition in relation to real life. Diet and exercise play a huge role in everyone’s lives- whether that role is positive or negative. We’re all shooting for that healthy balance, but with blogs we’re able to do it together!
Do you find that blogging about your activity and creating a community through your blog helps you with your training?
Blogging definitely pulls me through the toughest parts of my training! I get ideas and inspiration from other bloggers and readers. Many questions have been answered through a desperate blog post of mine. Plus, thirty people leaving words of encouragement before/after a race isn’t bad either.
What advice would you give to a beginner who has their sights set on a completing a competitive event for charity?
My first line of advice would be “You can do it!” Seriously; start small, get hooked and you will be surpassing your goals in no time. When you participate in a charity event you’re not only doing awesome things for yourself but you’re also supporting a cause. Good luck!
One of the greatest things about the running community is that the money raised from most road races go the different charities. Is nice to be able to do two good things with one effort. Exercise for you and helping charities.
Sally – I agree. I’ve gotten to the point where I only choose to do races for charity. There are so many to choose from and I enjoy supporting different causes through my exercise.