Running Through Recovery: Ivy Asmus’ Bucket List Journey to the Peachtree

On July 5, 2024, Strava users scrolling through Atlanta Track Club's official group feed may have paused on a particularly striking post - one that gathered over 100 comments and reactions celebrating a decade-long journey. The post came from 44-year-old Lithia Springs resident Ivy Asmus and read:

"10 years, 7 spinal surgeries and 4 of those were spinal fusions, waiting on this moment! With my auto immune disease... I'm never promised my health and mobility the next day. Therefore, I'm shattering my limitations while I can as that's all limitations are good for!"

The Life-Altering Diagnosis

In 2014, Asmus was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine. What she initially thought was back pain from a fall while working as a special education teacher turned out to be something far more serious. Within weeks, she struggled to get out of bed without screaming in pain.

Before her diagnosis, running had been her therapy. It helped her manage stress and gave her strength as she went through a divorce. It became her sanctuary - something she was determined to reclaim.

"It was my release," Asmus said. "When I was sick, I just knew I had to get back to running - I couldn't be like this forever."

Her recovery was long and painful. For months after her surgeries, she relied on a wheelchair to assist with the combination of severe pain, frequent falls and muscle weakness. The recovery process involved relearning how to walk and procedures that temporarily paralyzed her right leg.

Throughout the entire recovery process and hardships, she stayed afloat with the help of her support system, a qualified medical team and a list of activities she was determined to experience one day.

Checking Off the Bucket List

In 2017, seven spinal surgeries later, Asmus scribbled her goals in a journal as a way to garner motivation and mental strength. Written at the top of each page is, "My bucket list: 100+ things to do or achieve before I die."

One of the goals, written on February 21, 2017, was to "Run the Peachtree Road Race at least once post-op from my spinal surgeries."

Seven years later, on July 4, 2024, she crossed the finish line of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race in 1 hour and 15 minutes—a personal best and a personal triumph.

"I wanted to take on the race to prove that my disease didn't win," Asmus said. "This isn't just a race for me - it's a huge bucket list milestone and a reminder of how far I've come."

Eyes on What's Next

Since completing the Peachtree, Asmus had her fair share of setbacks, including a broken foot that derailed her plans to complete the Triple Peach Series - which includes the AJC Peachtree Road Race, PNC Atlanta 10 Miler and Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. But if her story shows anything, it's that she doesn't give up easily.

Now, with her sights set on the 2025 Triple Peach Series and her first marathon at the 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon, Asmus is all-in. She credits Atlanta Track Club's In-Training for Peachtree program for helping her build strength and community. With the help of Atlanta Track Club's In-Training for Peachtree program, Asmus is fixed on the Ultimate Peach Series (the 2025 Triple Peach Series plus the 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon) and continuously improving with each race.

"I told you I was coming back - I wasn't kidding! I'm nothing if not persistent," she said.

Since committing to the series, Asmus has not wasted any time training for her goals. The first step she took was getting fitted and purchasing a pair of running shoes, the adidas Adizero Evo Sl. She is now training, logging long treadmill runs and making sure to listen to her body and promptly ran 18 miles on her treadmill after receiving clearance from her doctors.

She has also taken to her blog, "Uniquely Me & Loving It," to document her story and share how running has impacted her life. Not only has it assisted in healing her physically, but it taught her to train her mind to become an ally.

"Sometimes, I even get amazed myself at what I've accomplished since I decided I was done being a victim to this disease and only I decide what I can and can't do," she said. "This just shows persistence, patience, and above all else consistency pay off."