This BHAM Mom Ran 350 Miles in 5 Days
Last year, Birmingham mom and healthcare worker Ashlie Ithurburn shattered the men’s and women’s fastest known times on the Pinhoti Trail. Now, she’s sharing the mindset that keeps her moving through some of the country’s toughest ultramarathons. Image: Ashlie Ithurburn
Between a full-time career, family life, and the occasional carpool run, Ashlie Ithurburn somehow finds time to run hundreds of miles. And we don’t mean collectively! The Birmingham ultramarathoner has tackled some of the country’s most grueling trails, breaking records along the way. When she’s not logging miles, Ashlie works as an exercise interventionist, helping patients with Parkinson’s disease improve their mobility and quality of life. Meet this week’s FACE of Birmingham, whose extraordinary endurance is matched by her passion for helping others stay active.
When did you first start running?
I started running recreationally about 15 years ago. It was a natural progression — 5K, half marathon, full marathon. After several marathons, life changes happened. I got pregnant with my son in 2016, and in 2017, while adjusting to life with a little one, we moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Birmingham.
A few weeks after moving, I signed up for my first trail race, which was only a few minutes down the road at Ruffner Mountain. I showed up in road shoes without a clue what I was doing, but excited to try something new. That’s where I fell pretty hard for trail running. From there, the progression was pretty quick. My first 50-miler was in the spring of 2018, and my first 100-miler was that same fall.
What got me about trail and ultrarunning was the community. Trails bring such an incredible community of people from all walks of life who are out there to push themselves and cheer others on in the process. Plus, in my very objective opinion, trail running snacks beat road running snacks any day!
What does your day-to-day look like? Is this your full-time job?
I wish it were my day job; I just pretend it is. I try to fit everything else in the middle. But I work as an exercise interventionist. I help train people with Parkinson’s in exercise, helping them to move their bodies. I’m like an accountability partner, helping my patients set goals, cheering them on, and helping them stay safe while they move.
How does training fit into your life?
Because my husband is also an avid athlete (a cyclist in Birmingham), we tag-team quite a lot with our son. Finn is in school, so after drop-off, I usually come in, complete work calls, and then do whatever I need to do for training. I just have to find the time to fit it in. As a family, we hop on the Rotary Trail most weekends, ride bikes to the farmers’ market, and go to Oak Mountain for more rides and hikes.
It’s been a year since you set the fastest known time (FKT) on the Pinhoti Trail. What was that experience like?
In October of last year, my husband and I went out to the trail with a crew to attempt what is called a “fastest known time” (FKT). In a race, you’re competing in real time, but an FKT is more of a record to beat.
FKTs fall into three categories: supported, unsupported, and self-supported. I completed it “supported,” meaning I had resources. People brought me food; they ran with me for parts of the trail, things like that. My husband drove along the Pinhoti Trail with me, and there are a lot of road crossings, so he would meet me at different intersections with water or food.
I only slept two or three hours during the whole run. You base it on how you’re doing at the time. “Do I have time? Do I really need to pull back a little, or can I go a little longer without sleep?” I was on the top of Cheaha, and I was about to fall apart, so I took a few minutes to lie down and close my eyes before starting to run again. My friend was with me — that is the benefit of having a crew.
I went with the intention of beating the male and female records, and I did. It was really exciting to do it because they were held by really great out-of-state athletes. I brought it back to the trail’s home. The run took me five days and 17 hours to complete.
What advice do you have for women looking to step outside their comfort zones?
Don’t wait for things to feel perfect to start — just get after it! It’s easy to procrastinate, especially when we are nervous … “When I have more time, when I have the right gear, when the weather is better.” Start small, but start. Period. Whether it’s an exercise-related goal or something completely different, starting is the toughest part. Keep in mind that small, tangible goals over time grow into bigger goals.
With running, specifically, I think it’s great to grab a friend and try it out together. Target a local 5K and put it on the calendar; go together to a group run (Birmingham Ultra Trail Society is a great resource for all things trail running). Set a time and date each week to meet up and stick to it.
As women, it’s so easy to put anything and everything as a priority, leaving the scraps for ourselves. But remember, if you take care of your body and mind, you will be able to better care for those around you.
What’s next for you?
I am training for Pinhoti 100 in November and looking to do another FKT in 2027, if things go according to plan.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Run the mile you are in. Whether you are racing a marathon, an ultra, or 350 miles, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of what you are doing. I find it helpful to remember to be present with where you are and what you are doing, caring for your body and mind in the moment and mile you are in.
I think this correlates so well with other aspects of life, too. It’s easy to fixate on the next big thing —finding a partner, getting that house or job you want, starting a family. The cycle is endless, and one day you will look back and realize it was the journey, not the destination, that you were after.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite place to go on a date night? Juniper or Lucky Stranger are at the top of the list lately.
Your go-to running shop in Birmingham? Track Shak or Alabama Outdoors are both great!
Favorite book or podcast? I love nerding out on good running podcasts, particularly Single Track or Some Work All Play.
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Erin Slay Wilson
Erin Slay Wilson is the Market Leader for StyleBlueprint Birmingham. She lives in the Crestwood neighborhood with her family and their golden retriever, Butter. When Erin isn't writing and building relationships within the community, she loves to read, go on walks around the city, garden, and scope out treasures at local antique malls.
