Episode 23: Ashley Jensen of 2FabFitChicks on Longevity in the Sport, Self-Doubt, Dreaming Big

Summary: In this episode with the other half of 2FabFitChicks, Ashley Jensen, we dive into her collegiate running experience, balancing training with hard work weeks, longevity in the sport, overcoming self-doubt and dreaming big. Ashley Jensen is a former Division I runner for Providence College and the University of Southern California. She is currently working with coach Ray Tracey, has won six trail races this past fall and set two course records. Her greatest running achievement to date was placing 5th at the 2015 Xterra World Championships 21k.  Questions we ask Ashley include: How did you get your start in running? You ran cross country and track at both Providence College and the University of Southern California. What was this experience like? What did you major in? What was your transition from high school to college like? When did you know you need a break from running? When did you know when you were ready to come back? Your events included the steeplechase, 5k and 10k. I am wondering if you would mind expanding on the steeplechase. We haven’t had many others on the podcast aside from Megan! In talking about steeplechase and Xterra races, what would you say draws you to these races? Now that you are no longer running in college you have had the opportunity to run a variety of different races. Do you have a favorite distance, race or event? How do you balance 80+ weeks with your full-time job? What has been your biggest lesson in running? What does the future of 2fabfitchicks hold? Next race? What is currently making you thrive? What would you achieve your longevity in this sport to? What advice would you give your younger self? What does being a Strong Runner Chick/fabfit chick mean to you? How can listeners connect with you? Memorable quotes/themes: Believing in yourself Handling self-doubt: “Put the [doubt] demons to bed… you’ve put the work in, you’ve hit the long runs, you’ve had the buildup… it’s about believing you belong there.”  Dreaming big and setting reach goals: “Don’t limit yourself. You still can hit those PR’s and the opportunities can still keep coming.” Keys to longevity in the sport: fueling your body (food), sleep, knowing when to take a break and always being honest with your coach.