Ashley Davidson is a public relations professional who recently chronicled the Tidal Basin Runs and has written for RunWashington since 2015.
Read more of her work here.
Name: Ashley Davidson
Self-described age group: 33 – an “older” millennial
Residence: Alexandria, Va.
Occupation: Public relations
Why you run: In my mid-20s, I ran because I was bored. When I hit 30, I needed the self-esteem boost. Now, I need to alleviate my back pain.
When did you get started running: I ran track in middle school, but then didn’t run again until I ran my first 5K at 23 (which I hated). My next 5K was in 2011 at age 25, and I’ve been running every since.
Have you taken a break from running: Only when the temperature drops below 15 degrees.
Training shoe: New Balance 880
The hardest race you’ve ever run: The first and only time I ran the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in D.C. That second half was brutal, mentally.
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: To run two marathons in three weeks. I never made it to the second one, due to injury. (Who would’ve thought…)
Running mentors: Scott Kaldahl, my coach from my first marathon, when I ran with Team in Training Miami.
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Anywhere with shade.
Favorite local trail: I live near Holmes Run, so it has a special place in my heart.
My best race was: 2018 Chicago Marathon – huge props to anyone that pushed through that torrential downpour.
Favorite local race: Parkway Classic – I’m all about the downhill.
Ideal post-run meal: Depends on the day and the run, but guaranteed after a marathon I’ll want a cheeseburger – and a mimosa.
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: Don’t use them.
Pet peeve: Cyclists that don’t ring their bell and scare the crap out of me as they zoom by.
Goals: Run a sub-4 marathon.
Your advice for a new runner: Get fitted for shoes.
Favorite running book: Wild – it’s about hiking, but I love that Cheryl Strayed took a (somewhat) solo journey on a section of the PCT to figure out her hot-mess life.
Song in your head during a run: I listen to audiobooks, so typically don’t have a song in my head.
Have you dealt with a major injury: IT band – chalk it up to being an over-eager, newbie runner.
Running quote: “If you don’t have answers to your problems after a four-hour run, you ain’t getting them.” (Born to Run)
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: The trail network and the incredible community.
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