A 2x Ironman finisher, Ashley Wiles’ struggles with mental health and body image over the years inspired her to launch Sole Girls, an innovative empowerment program that shares, with girls aged 5 to 12, the tools they need for a confident, happy and healthy life.
And she joins me on Sparta Chicks Radio this week.
In this conversation, we dive into Ashley’s story including:
- the ‘kilometre club’ at her elementary / primary school that laid the foundation for her love of being running,
- how she manages her mental state if she can’t run due to injury,
- how she discovered triathlons (and more recently, boxing and parkour), and
- why she says running saved her life.
Plus we dive into broader issues, including:
- the importance of role models,
- the impact a lack of role models has on the number of girls who drop out of sport,
- the role of sports as “playtime” for kids and adults alike,
- why running (and the body awareness it creates) is fantastic for dealing with anxiety or an overactive brain (how do you get out of your head?), and
- why her focus is now on finding her ‘happy pace’.
Get the full show notes for the episode here.
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