Run for a Reason: How to Change Your Life One Run at a Time

Do you run for a reason?
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When Ashley Cherie was more than 100 pounds overweight, she knew she needed to change. 
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She gained weight during pregnancy. Her weight kept going up after her son was born.
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She knew it wasn't healthy. But trying to manage all the work that comes with a newborn made her feel stuck.
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And then something happened that changed everything...

"I was extremely overweight," says Ashley.
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"My son started to get to the point where he was walking. And I realized I couldn't keep up with him without getting out of breath."
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"That's when I realized, oh my gosh, this has got to change."
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At first, she kept falling back on a long list of excuses.
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But her son kept growing. She chased him around as he learned to crawl, then walk.
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Eventually, she knew it was time to level up...
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"I got him into a jogging stroller," says Ashley. "And I got into running."

At first, it was a walk around the block. Then a jog. And one day she ran.
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But it wasn't easy.
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Her husband was deployed on a military assignment. And she was in the middle of moving.
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"It was a big reality check," says Ashley. "That period really gave me the wake-up call I needed to change."
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"I realized it was up to me to get myself back on track, lose weight, be healthy, and lead by example."
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And that's exactly what she did.
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"That's how it all started," says Ashley. "I learned to make better food choices. I started running every day."
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"I lost over 120 pounds, and I just refused to give up even when new obstacles showed up."

It's been more than 20 years since Ashley dropped 120 pounds from running, making better food choices, and living a healthy lifestyle.
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But weight loss can be a funny thing sometimes...
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"I’ll be transparent," says Ashley. "Body dysmorphic disorder. I’ve had it. And it still shows it’s ugly head at times." 
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Her weight loss journey has included wins and losses, highs and lows, frustration and success.

• She dropped too much weight.
• She left an abusive marriage
• She was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease
• She had more kids.

Trying to balance it all was hard, but she kept going...
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And she learned a valuable lesson along the way.
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"It's not always about the weight," says Ashley. "It's how you feel. Self care is really important," says Ashley. "Taking care of your mind and body is really important."
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"When I finally realized this, I became a better mom and a better person all around."

If there's something in your life you want or need to change, but you're not sure what to do about it, here's some advice.
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"A good pair of running shoes can literally change your life," says Ashley. 
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"Go for a run, and you'll figure things out."

Favorite running shoe

• Asics Gel-Nimbus

Longest run I've done

• 30 miles

Favorite running watch

• Apple watch

Pre-run ritual

• Coffee first

Eat & run

• I always run in a fasted state. I meal prep and eat a light lunch. For dinner, I'll have what everybody else is having.

Running vs. other forms of exercise

• Running is the only exercise I can honestly do that allows me to mentally, completely check out. 

On my playlist

• It depends on how I'm feeling. I have everything from Michael Jackson to classical, and country to rap. If it has a good beat, I'm probably going to listen to it. 

Favorite running route

• A one-mile loop around a cemetery near my home

Advice for new runners

• Just start. Don't compare yourself to others. It's toxic. Just continuously try to work on getting better than you were before.