There are many ways to see Colorado, and Ashley Forshay plans to explore Colorado's 587 miles on foot. Forshay plans to start on Route 287 at Colorado's northern border and end at the southern border, south of Pagosa Springs. Her goal is to complete her adventure in two weeks, with a small crew to support her.
“For people who aren’t familiar with me and my story, most people would think I’m crazy,” Forshay said. “Those who know me still think I'm crazy, but I know there's a lot of thought, preparation and determination behind that crazy idea.”
The West Vail resident has learned that running is great therapy for her, but she's not just logging miles for herself. She wants to give back to veterans and raise her awareness. She kept thinking about this 600-mile run for two years.
“I longed for something so challenging that it seemed unattainable. But I also wanted to apply a 'why' to my challenge.” So my “why” is running for a good cause. I run this for Patrol Base Abbate, a veteran nonprofit that has given me purpose and community.” Forshay said. “I try to give back to them and give other veterans and service members the opportunity to find their purpose and find a community of support and understanding.”
A native of New York, Forshay attended ROTC in college at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York, where he studied physics and environmental engineering. She decided to serve in the military because her grandfather served in the Vietnam War as a Marine in the Navy.
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“My grandfather is one of my biggest heroes and I loved hearing his stories as a child, but I also saw how much pain it caused him. I wanted to serve and serve my family,” Forshay said.
After leaving the university, Forshay became an engineer officer, training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and spending the next four years at Fort Hood, Texas, serving with the 36th Engineer Brigade. Her contract ended at the end of 2020.
“I left the military as a captain and was looking for some healing methods because I was injured while in the military. I became a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher and worked with active military, veterans, and first responders. I taught a class to that family,” she said.
Mr. Forshay also took the time to receive firefighter training and EMT training, which he continued for several years.
After living in an RV for the past four years, she decided she needed a change of pace and drove and explored the western United States with her dad, running two 100-mile races within three weeks. Although he sometimes runs alone, Forshay said he does it to help veterans find community.
“There are brotherhoods in the military and in the fire department, where everyone is going through the same trials, the same struggles, and just being there knowing that no matter what, the person on the left is the same as the person on the right. Your rights will always have your back,” Forshay said. “There are times, days, weeks, months when you're not with your family. You're spending every second of your day with your team, your squad, your platoon, and they become your family. This family. Once you leave and become part of the real world, it's really hard to go it alone.”
With Patrol Base Abate, Forshay has found a supportive group with communities and chapters across the country that brings veterans and service members together for events and forges bonds that veterans don't have.
“When you feel lost or alone, you can find brothers and sisters who have your back. They will forever support your goals.”
Forshay found a different kind of community in Vail. When she first moved here, she was looking for a job where she could do something different. This winter, she worked as a ski technician at Troy's Her Ski Shop in Vail Village, learning how to tune skis, renting equipment and getting to snowboard during breaks from rides.
“The staff at Troy's Ski Shop are some of the hardest working and kindest people I've ever worked with. They embraced me and taught me a wealth of ski knowledge in my first season.” Forshay said.
Forshay is headed to the Wyoming border to begin the challenge on Saturday. Her average daily mileage is 58 miles, her longest day is 112 miles, and her shortest day is 32 miles, with strategic stops in towns along the way. Her route will arrive via Wolcott on May 14, and she and her support crew are scheduled to stop in Vail that night. On the morning of May 15th, Ms. Forshay will be leaving Dowd-Her Junction for Leadville, and she is inviting people to join her on the route at any time.
“I have some friends who would be happy to meet me for a few miles of a run or follow me on their bikes for a while and keep me company,” Forshay said.
If you would like to follow Forsh's adventures or donate to her efforts, follow her Instagram account @ashforsh. Link in her bio.