virginia | Adventures with Ashley

Falling Spring Falls

June 6, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 0 Comment

One of the most magical waterfalls in all of Virginia! Falling Spring Falls is an astonishing 80 foot (24.4m) waterfall and one of the most photographed and visited spots in the Allegheny Highlands. The convenience and picturesque views make it one of my favorite waterfalls in the state of Virginia. It was February when I first visited and boy did I get soaked! The water was surprisingly warm and I couldn’t help, but to walk underneath the towering 80 foot…

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Roaring Run Falls

June 2, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 0 Comment

Roaring Run Falls is located in the Roaring Run Recreational Area. This waterfall was only about a 0.61 mile hike to the falls with a loop of 1.5 miles. I made my up on the Streamside Trail and back down on the Woodland Trail. The Streamside Trail was very scenic and crossed over a few rustic stone bridges. The trail was fairly easy. This hike even features a natural waterslide! Too bad it was winter time! On the way back…

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Petersburg Half Marathon

May 12, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 0 Comment

This race was located in the town of Petersburg just south of Richmond. Petersburg is known for the Seige of Petersburg during the American Civil War. I found out about this race at the expo during the Richmond Marathon. I saw how massive the medals were and was sold! Plus, they even planned to have a dramatic re-enactment of the Civil War on the battlefields! I figured I could not miss it! I had a little trouble with regards to getting my packet. The…

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Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k

May 4, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 0 Comment

One of Richmond’s most popular races and named one of the best races in the country according to USA Today! I have been wanting to do this race ever since high school and I finally had the chance to do it!! I was stuck in a dag on boot this time last year, so I am thankful to say I have been injury free! *knock on wood* The weather was very cold that morning in the early 40s. The forecast…

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Shamrock TowneBank 8k

April 11, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 0 Comment

It was great to be back in Virginia Beach! I had my eye on these races for a while and was so tempted to do one of the challenges, but I ending up deciding not to do it. I kicked off the start of the race season with the Rock ‘N’ Roll DC Half Marathon just the weekend prior. I am making it a goal this year to not over do anything and at least TRY to not get injured (keyword try!). I…

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Behind the Scenes

March 25, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 0 Comment

The question I’ve been asked one too many times and I’m you all are just dying to know. How on earth did I take this amazing picture? I created a little animated GIF as seen below to give you all a behind the scenes look. There you have it folks! And No, I do NOT have a professional photographer following me around everywhere I go. (Although, sometimes I do have friends come with me). I balanced my Go Pro Hero 4…

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Christmas Town Dash 8k

March 7, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 2 comments

My last race of the year (and also my first 8k). I was worried I was not going to be able to do this race since my full marathon put me in crutches for a good 2 weeks. I was also in physical therapy at the time and was doing my best to recover from the amount of running I succumb myself to. I was surprised after getting my MRI results that my doctor told me I would still be able run this race….

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Richmond Full Marathon

January 21, 2016 Ashley Barlow Comments 1 comment

Oh boy, my very first FULL Marathon! Yes folks if you’re reading this, I SURVIVED!!! Now I apologize for the tardiness of this post. I recently relocated and started a new job and dare I say it, I was stuck in crutches again (for a bit). Yes….. I know…… For those of you who are keeping track, I was just in crutches after my half-marathon in September, but I can happily say that I am back to walking (and running) again….

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Fall Classic Half Marathon Charlottesville

November 15, 2015 Ashley Barlow Comments 2 comments

My very first sponsored race! Wow, I was in shock that someone actually believed in my ability to possibly one day become an Olympic runner (we shall see about that!). I woke up really early for this race at 4 am. I could not sleep much anyways and I like to take my time getting ready in the morning and not feel rushed. My pre-race breakfast included oatmeal with a little bit of all natural almond butter and 100% whole wheat toast…

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Rock ‘N’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon

November 9, 2015 Ashley Barlow Comments 4 comments

Oh man I know I am so behind on this post. I was quite frustrated with this race because I could barley walk when I finished and I ended up being on crutches (ugh a runner’s worst nightmare!). I was too upset to blog about it (I do apologize!). Better late than never, right? My knee had been bothering me for some time now. My trainer told me it was runner’s knee and that I needed to reduce my mileage….

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