Catching up with Captain Ashlee
Quick Facts
Where are you from?
Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!)
How long have you been running?
10 years!
What brought you to DC?
A fellowship program that helps people transition from for-profit to social impact work. Was ready to ‘change the world.’
What made it home?
DRC had A LOT to do with it. I’ve found great community, impactful work, and my Husband. :)
Any new obsessions during quarantine?
Spending more time outdoors and going for walks in my neighborhood. I’ve discovered so much.
Gatorade or water on a run?
Water with Nuun.
Current running goal
To keep moving until this Nugget drops. Running, walking, yoga or some combination of all 3.
Fave distance to run?
Pre pregnancy, I loved a good 10K. These days, I’m lucky to get in 2 miles. And I’m proud of both of them.
Life during a pandemic
Honestly, I’m just happy to be here. Four months into a global pandemic, civil unrest, and pregnancy is a lot to navigate. The one thing that has remained constant through it all is movement.
Movement to stay well physically and mentally.
Movement as a form of resistance.
Movement that connects me to the life growing in my belly.
It sometimes feels like we, as runners, have been running as practice for this very moment in time. Practicing finding solitude and being ok being alone, and challenging ourselves to be better despite the external factors that might be trying to hold us back.
Three things that have helped me keep moving:
The need/desire to get outside.
Let’s face it, staying inside all the time sucks. But to keep myself and my community safe, it’s the best thing I can do. I can’t think of anything better right now than exploring new parks, new trails, and getting after a few miles to stay sane.
Staying connected with the DRC community.
I’ve been quiet on social media, and in our DRC membership group chat, but! – the energy I get from the community is still unmatched. It makes me super happy to see people out there still getting after it and still sharing resources (and jokes) in the chats.
Nuggie, duh!
The fact that I’m about to become a whole mama! This body is a temple (ha!) and I’ve gotta keep it in tip-top shape for both of us.
If nothing else, I hope everyone is able to use movement to find a little peace in these wild times. I’ll look forward to seeing everyone and these miles on the other side. :)