September 24, 2025

374. The Runner Behind ‘Runher’: Ashley Mateo Talks Creating a Women’s Running Magazine, Lessons From Injury & The Perks Of Getting Uncomfortable

58 minutes

For years, veteran journalist and run coach Ashley Mateo was sitting on an idea to start a meaningful print publication covering all things women’s running—including meaningful stories and features. This week, that publication comes to life. In today’s episode of Hurdle, Mateo is talking about stepping outside of her comfort zone to start the publication from scratch, and what it took to bring the idea to life. Plus: What she’s learned from her own experience on the run, how injury has been one of her biggest teachers, and how she defines success now that Runher is in the wild.

IN THIS EPISODE

(5:08) The true inspiration behind starting Runher

(8:06) How creating a print magazine is different today than at the beginning of her career

(11:47) The hat that was most enjoyable for Ashley to wear in the creation of this magazine

(16:16) Ashley talks about the mental benefits that the sport of running has brought her

(21:00) What running 17 marathons has taught Ashley about life

(22:30) The tools that empower Ashley to keep the blinders on and focus on her own athlete journey, rather than falling into the comparison trap

(30:20) What a difficult injury taught Ashley about the importance of listening to her body

(35:25) How Ashley felt about pulling out of a race she had on the calendar this fall

(39:15) What Ashley thinks the impact of Runher can be in the media landscape

(45:00) How running clubs can be a helpful tool on your running journey

(52:40) How does Ashley celebrate her big wins, and what she anticipates it to look and feel like this time around

SOCIAL@ashleymateo

@emilyabbate

@hurdlepodcast

@runhermag

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By Emily Abbate

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