(Lander, WY) – Ashley Martinez, formerly Lynch, recently accomplished a feat that will make most get tired just from reading it; as of December 12th, she has officially completed running a race in all 50 states.
The current Casper resident, former Riverton local recently sat down with 1330 KOVE AM / 107.7 FM’s Coffee Time host Vince Tropea, where she filled us in on how and why she decided to run a race in every state despite having no background or previous desire for long distance running, and also shared a number anecdotes from along the way.
(Our personal favorite was the story of how she turned a potential disaster in the form of a missed event, into signing up for a last minute, impromptu race through the vineyards of a winery.)
Ashley told us that she initially took up running as way to quit smoking, and to set an example to her young daughter.
What began as a goal “that started while laying on the couch recovering from my first Grand Teton Relay,” just culminated in her 50th and final race in Honolulu, HI.
(It should be noted that the 50th state would have happened sooner if not for COVID-19.)
Check out the full Coffee Time interview below, where Ashley shares her inspirational story of perseverance, strength, and overcoming one’s fears, which begins around the 7 minute 15 second mark.
To follow Ashley’s journey, click here for Facebook, and here for Instagram.
Be sure to tune in to Coffee Time every morning at 9:30 AM on 1330 KOVE AM / 107.7 FM, or stream it live right here.