Ashley Althaus: “A few little changes can add up to big gains.”
Why do you run in the first place?
I’m a grouch if I don’t! Running is my cup of coffee for my mood (totally need coffee to be a functioning adult too).
Describe your favorite type of run.
Favorite run is one that I don’t have to be back at a certain time and is followed by brunch or coffee with friends!
How’d you first find out about RCTC?
I was running the Apple Tree Marathon in 2018 or 2019 and thinking “who are all these fast runners” passing me by. then these fast people were at every race it seemed! They always looked to be having so much fun
What motivates you to train and be your best?
Seeing how much farther I can push and improve myself. It’s addicting. I recently started getting more serious about training and it’s amazing how a few little changes can add up to big gains. Science!!! I thought my 20s were my prime but now that I’m in my late 30s (cringe) I feel that I am still not at my peak.
You recently ran the Mesa Half - tell us about that experience!
Signed up a week before the race. really went to support a friend who trained so hard for the full. The experience of being able to support her during her training cycle and tag along for her race weekend to cheer her on was great! I was able to run the last 4 miles of her race with her and see her cross the finish.
Watching the success of others is always so motivating and reminds me that even though running can feel pretty solitary at times it’s not. The community support rooting for you along the way is huge. The sunny weather in February and net downhill course has me considering the full next year.
How does being a PT affect your running?
Can PT work by osmosis? Asking for a friend all kidding aside. I feel grateful to be able to move my body and exercise. I have two mottos: “exercise is the best medicine” and “don’t stop moving”. Witnessing what happens to the body when you stop moving is motivation enough. Seeing amazing gains when just a little bit of movement and strength is added back is magic. I also feel a little bit of that pressure to practice what I preach.
What about being a mom?
Being a mom has definitely made me more efficient with my time when it comes to running. If there is only a little bit of time you make those minutes count! Or wake up before the rest of the house does to get it done. OR bribe your partner to “babysit” (even though it’s not babysitting when it’s your kid) so I can get a run in. I also hope my daughter likes running. I don’t want to force it. She begs to run around the block with me and I call that a win.
Where do you want your running to take you next?
Literally to London and Tokyo so I can finish my 6 majors.
Are you reading any books right now?
Ha! I wish. There’s a book that’s been on my nightstand and I’ve read these two pages at least 20x but fall asleep and keep re-reading the same damn pages. Podcasts? Lol
