Meet Ashley Paulson: Mom, Athlete, and Dreamer

My name is Ashley Paulson. I’m 43 years old. For decades, I’ve pushed the limits of human performance — as a professional triathlete, marathoner, and ultra runner. My name has become synonymous with some of the most grueling races on the planet. I'm a two-time champion of the Badwater 135, widely regarded as the world's toughest foot race. I’ve conquered eleven 100-mile races — emerging victorious in every single one. My resume includes two 200+ mile races, 130 marathons, and over 30 full-distance Ironmans. I’m also a two-time Double Ironman champion.

These achievements have shaped me, tested me, and taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and self-belief. However, while I’m deeply proud of my athletic accomplishments, they pale in comparison to what I consider my greatest success: For 24 years, I’ve been blessed with a loving marriage, and together we’ve raised four incredible children. Recently, our family joy multiplied with the arrival of our precious granddaughter. This balance of professional athleticism and personal fulfillment has been my life’s work. It’s a testament to the fact that with dedication, love, and unwavering support, you can achieve greatness in all aspects of life.

1. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as a mother?

As a mother, there’s nothing quite like witnessing your children chase their dreams with unwavering determination. It’s a journey filled with pride, excitement — and sometimes a touch of anxiety. But the most rewarding part? It’s seeing them understand that success isn’t handed to them on a silver platter. Instead, they learn that hard work and perseverance are the keys to unlocking their potential.

Watching them pour their hearts into their passions, push through obstacles, and refuse to give up — that’s when you know you’ve done something right. It’s not just about the end goal; it’s about the growth, the resilience, and the self-belief they develop along the way. As they face challenges head-on, you see their confidence bloom and their spirits soar.

This journey teaches them life skills that extend far beyond any single achievement. It’s about instilling a work ethic that will serve them well in all aspects of life. As a parent, there’s an indescribable joy in knowing you’ve helped nurture this mindset — equipping them with the tools to navigate their own paths. Ultimately, the most fulfilling aspect is seeing your children believe in themselves as much as you believe in them — ready to take on the world with determination and hope.

2. Are there specific lessons from your training or competitions that you try to pass on to your children?

Throughout my athletic journey, I’ve encountered invaluable lessons that I’m eager to share with the next generation. One crucial insight stands out: not everyone will be in your corner.

It’s a harsh reality, but an important one to grasp early on. In the world of competitive sports — and life in general — you’ll inevitably face critics and naysayers. These “haters,” as they’re often called, can be a significant source of negativity and self-doubt. But the key is not to let their voices overpower your ambition and self-belief.

Instead, focus on nurturing relationships with those who genuinely support and believe in you. These are the people who will drown out the negative noise and help you stay focused on your goals. They’re your cheerleaders, your mentors, your pillars of strength.

Surrounding yourself with this positive energy is crucial for maintaining motivation and resilience. Remember — success often attracts criticism, but how you handle it defines your character and shapes your journey forward.

3. How do you balance your personal athletic goals and your family?

Ah, balancing personal athletic goals and family life — it’s like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Over a pit of hungry alligators. In a hurricane. You know — just your average Tuesday. Let’s be real. Sometimes your “personal best” is just managing to put on matching socks. But hey, we’re all in this chaotic circus together!

Now, I’ve discovered a secret weapon in this high-wire act of life: my husband. Yes, that bewildered man who’s often found folding my laundry and helping run the kids around so I can get my training done. I ask him for help. A lot. And by “a lot,” I mean roughly every 7.5 minutes. “Honey, can you feed the kids while I go for a run?” “Darling, can you come get me? My tire is flat AGAIN.”

It’s a delicate dance of delegation, desperation, and occasional bribery. But remember — it’s okay if some days your only marathon is a Netflix binge. And if your idea of cross-training is carrying a kid under each arm while chasing the dog, well, you’re still winning at life.

So keep pushing, keep laughing, and keep asking for help. Because in the grand relay race of life, teamwork makes the dream work — even if that dream is just five uninterrupted minutes on the treadmill.

4. Has your role as a mother changed your perspective on competition or performance?

Becoming a mother transformed my entire worldview — especially when it came to competition and performance. It’s fascinating how life’s biggest changes can reshape our ambitions and motivations.

Before motherhood, I never saw myself as a competitor. But something shifted when I had little humans to raise. I felt an overwhelming desire to push my limits — to show my little ones what’s possible when you dare to dream. This newfound drive led me to step into the world of competitive sports — a realm I’d never explored before. The journey hasn’t been easy, balancing late-night feedings with early-morning training sessions. But every challenge overcome, every milestone reached, became a lesson I could pass on to my children.

Motherhood didn’t dim my competitive spirit; it ignited it. It taught me that performance isn’t just about personal glory — it’s about setting an example of perseverance and dedication. Now, when I compete, I’m not just doing it for myself. I’m showing my children that it’s never too late to start, to try, to push beyond your comfort zone. This unexpected path has not only made me a better athlete but a more inspired mother. It’s proof that life’s roles don’t limit us — they can propel us to heights we never imagined possible.

5. What advice would you give a mother trying to take on both motherhood and her athletic goals?

First off — cut yourself some slack. You’re already a champion for even considering both!

Now, here’s the real talk: it’s gonna be tough, but so worth it. Start small — maybe sneak in a quick workout during nap time or turn playtime into a mini fitness session. Get creative! Babywearing workouts? Totally a thing.

And don’t be shy about asking for help. Your partner, family, or friends might surprise you with their support. Remember — your goals might need adjusting, and that’s okay. Celebrate every little win, whether it’s a longer run or just managing to shower that day.

Oh, and find your tribe — other athletic moms who get the struggle. They’ll be your cheerleaders and keep you motivated.

Most importantly, listen to your body. Some days you’ll crush it. Others, you’ll need rest. Both are perfectly fine. You’re not just raising a child — you’re raising a future fan who’ll be amazed by your strength and dedication.

So lace up those sneakers (when you can), take a deep breath, and know that you’ve got this. You’re not just a mom or just an athlete — you’re a powerhouse combo of both.

6. What message do you hope your children take away from watching you pursue your athletic journey?

It’s not just about winning medals or breaking records. It’s about demonstrating perseverance — showing that hard work pays off and proving that it’s possible to chase your dreams at any age.

I want them to see that success is built on a foundation of countless small efforts, often unseen by others. My journey teaches them that setbacks aren’t failures — they’re opportunities for growth and learning.

I hope they understand that true strength comes from within, and that mental resilience is just as crucial as physical prowess. By watching me, I want them to realize that age is just a number — and that passion can fuel you at any stage of life.

Most importantly, I hope they learn that the joy is in the journey itself, not just the destination. It’s about pushing your limits, discovering what you’re capable of, and continuously evolving.

I want them to see that discipline and hard work can open doors and create opportunities. Ultimately, I hope my athletic pursuits inspire them to find their own passions, to set ambitious goals, and to pursue them with unwavering determination — regardless of the obstacles they may face.

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