DiscoverThe Midpacker Podcast#94: Ashley “Nelly” Nelson | Flyathlons, Boulder Collective, & Running with Purpose
#94: Ashley “Nelly” Nelson | Flyathlons, Boulder Collective, & Running with Purpose

#94: Ashley “Nelly” Nelson | Flyathlons, Boulder Collective, & Running with Purpose

Update: 2025-09-19
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"Flyathlon has this magical way of forcing you to be both present and patient. You can't rush a river, and you sure can't fake catching a trout."


Ashley “Nelly” Nelson is a Boulder-based trail runner, flyathlon enthusiast, and community builder who brings heart, humor, and intention to everything she does. With roots in competitive sports and a creative spirit, Nelly blends trail running with fly fishing to reconnect with nature and redefine what movement can look like.

She’s the founder of Boulder Collective, a social run club focused on inclusivity and post-run connection, and works professionally in regenerative food systems—aligning her values both on and off the trail. Nelly’s story is a powerful reminder that performance isn’t just about pace—it’s about purpose, play, and building a life you love.



What We Talked About

  • Discovering the flyathlon: trail running meets fly fishing with a side of Type 2 fun

  • Founding Boulder Collective and creating space for runners of all backgrounds

  • Why creativity, rest, and balance are key to staying healthy and happy in the sport

  • Working in regenerative food systems and aligning outdoor passions with career values

  • Embracing community over competition—and why connection is a secret training tool


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trail running, flyathlon, community, sustainability, Boulder Collective, regenerative food, nature, recovery, creativity, inclusive running, environmental values


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#94: Ashley “Nelly” Nelson | Flyathlons, Boulder Collective, & Running with Purpose

#94: Ashley “Nelly” Nelson | Flyathlons, Boulder Collective, & Running with Purpose

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