​​Catching up with Riverside’s Ashley Fallow

Name: Ashley Fallow
Personal bests:
5K- 18:16
3200- 11:22
1600- 5:16
800- 2:32
Hobbies: Young Life and traveling
Academic interests: Biology

How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I ran several fun 5Ks in middle school with friends and realized I had a passion for it so I tried out for the XC team freshman year

Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
Yes, I have a younger sister on the team and it is her second year running.

What roles do you have on the team this year?
Varsity runner but no leadership roles.

What does it mean to be part of your team?
It is great because we were all such good friends even before we started running and I am beyond blessed that the competitiveness of the sport hasn't gotten in the way of our friendships but we can still push each other every workout to be the best we can be.

Riverside's Ashley Fallow pushes herself to county title - 2014

Do you have any post cross country meets plans?
Yes, we are hoping to make it to Nike Nationals in Oregon.

Do you have any specific race strategies that work best for you?
I try not to think about splits or where I am in a race. For me it is better if I can just clear my head and not get too caught up in the strategies so I do not overthink it.

What do you enjoy about the team and being on the course with them daily?
I love the friendships that I have made and even though our team in huge it is nice in meets to see everyone supporting you.

What plans do you have for the future?
I plan to go to a four-year college and go into the nursing field.

Are you looking to run at a college?
It would be a great opportunity for me if I got a chance to run in college and I would at least join a club team if I do not qualify for the cross country team.

Do you remember your first race?
I do not.

How did summer training go?
It went well. I followed coach's weekly mileage plans as we went through summer and swam a little.

What do you remember the most from being a runner?
The importance of stretching before and after workouts properly.

Do you have a specific reason to achieve a goal or goals this season?
Yes, I run so I can use the gift God gave me for his glory because he supports me no matter what.

How do you look at being a part of the no. 1 ranked (no. 3 at time of publication) team in the nation?
I think it is very exciting but humbling because it is hard to stay up on top and it just means that I have to work harder.

What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Riverside team?
The great personalities and the support from everyone on the team.

What helps you stay focused during practices and races?
Reminding myself that God blessed me with running and to not give up for Him.

What responsibility do you feel you have to your teammates? Please explain.
That I shouldn't ever give up. Even if I feel bad one race I still should give it my 100-percent because it is a team sport.

Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
No, I try not to have one because if I forget to do it then I would be paranoid for the race the next day.

How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
I make sure I plan time for studying or make study groups and on weekends I normally do anything I need to for clubs, like service work.

What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
I have had four stress fractures/stress reactions. My injuries motivate me more than when I am not injured. I actually owe where I am now in my running career to my injuries because I realize how much I love to run when I was injured and it motivated me more than I could have imagined.

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
I would love to serve as a role model to anyone who has had injuries or struggles with the mentality of the sport and let them know that they can persevere through anything.

Favorite runner(s): Heidi See
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite bands: For King and Country, and the Script
Favorite quote: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: Mizuno Wave Rider, and Asics XC Maniac
Inspirational person in your life: Grandma