Running a Marathon in the Middle of my Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike! | Delaware Marathon 2023

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

Wow, that is amazing. I don't think Taylor realizes what an accomplishment that is. Kudos to her. I hope her knee doesn't suffer from the pounding of the pavement 🌻👣

[@5MillCity]

Seriously, she is a capeless hero!

[@melodioushaste]

I know. I'm worried about that.

[@melodioushaste]

@S. M. I'm worried about her knee acting up and cutting her hike short.

[@dianeralph4642]

Congratulations on your marathon and good luck getting back on the AT! This is for a DD ice coffee and treat on me😃

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thank you!!!

[@cbhelo]

Thanks! Enjoying your story. Thanks for sharing.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Thank you!!

[@alisondare7203]

In the middle of a 2196 mile hike you decided to run a marathon. It's unbelievable how strong you are. One in a million. Congratulations 🎊

[@JackSheahan2012]

Absolutely amazing accomplishment, given all the circumstances. Veteran marathoner here, and one thing I can say with absolute certainty, is there is NO WAY you can dwell on ANY negative from that whole thing. 26.2 is a massive thing for those who've trained and focused for months. To do what you did is a truly fantastic effort. Congratulations and FULL respect. Jack NYC

[@FightforTogether]

We ran a marathon in the middle of our AT hike too 😅. I found that I had a lot of endurance but you use different muscles running vs hiking so my muscles were pretty sore afterwards! -Kami

[@KevinW8BRY]

Great accomplishment running the marathon! I have done 5 and had to walk/cramped up in all of them. I understand the feeling of 13.1 miles where everyone leaves you having done them where this occurred to me. It is very mentally defeating to have all that cheering and then it all go away and you are just left with the thoughts in your mind telling you, there is no way you will complete it. Also, relate to it being in a park and out and back. The worst story I have for that is when I was doing a half ironman we had an out and back course for the run that you had to do twice and it was so difficult trying to do that after all of the other previous events we had completed. Again, congratulations on finishing!

[@maryvish8858]

You did great! As a former runner, my motto always was “If you want a fast race you have to train running fast”. It got me qualified for Boston twice. Hiking and racing a marathon are two different animals. I just hike now. I love it as much as I used to love racing. It’s all good as long as you keep moving! Love your videos 😊💝

[@maidstoneplantfarm8079]

I agree. I was a running coach and the kids that hiked massively were often disappointed that it didn't translate to quick running times. One other point is that I learned to stay clear of combo 5K,10K, Half, and full marathons. Take some time to recover Taylor. Your muscles and ligaments will be tight as heck..

[@carolleslie9312]

WOW! 26 miles with no training! That is amazing that you ran/jogged the whole way. great accompishment.

[@dwonder]

13:16 Chet still is rocking the mustache!! Great job on running the whole time Taylor

[@markviers998]

Every race I've ever run, (no marathons) I always had 2 goals. #1 Finish, #2 Don't Finish last. I figure only the top 3 finishers are going to get something different than the rest of us so don't worry about being slow. I do not know how you did it though going right back to the AT after that. You're tough! 🙌

[@mathfan0918]

I’m so happy to know there are other people out there who run at a 14 min/mile pace. I thought I was the slowest person in the world! The difference is that’s my starting pace, though, so I suppose it’s still not the same. Doing a marathon in the middle of a thru-hike is very, very impressive!

[@ibrewalot]

Great job!!! For "most" people, marathons are about finishing not about where they placed...you looked great during, mile 21 and you weren't even sweating, still smiling, AND you finished. I'd say that's more than an accomplishment for a thru-hiker! Congrats!

[@Crazy-s8s]

Ms Taylor I think what you accomplished was pretty amazing With the AT miles you’ve done and finishing the whole marathon without walking A big thumbs up young lady You accomplished something many others couldn’t have done Enjoy seeing your hubby and friend See ya on your next video Have fun, take care and thanks for sharing your videos 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@lorik7591]

Congratulations!! I love how you narrated the video and shared clips of the marathon. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures.

[@shoresy6183]

Congrats on your marathon. You're a machine! Enjoy it now. Gets much harder as you get older. The problem I have switching between hiking and running is I use Altra (zero drop) shoes for hiking and HOKA shoes (with big drop) for running. Messes with my lower legs / knees.

[@Jenfuu]

Congratulations! 🎉 you are a super star!

[@dianeralph4642]

OMG! You are amazing!! You should be incredibly proud of yourself 🏃🏻‍♀️ Congratulations Taylor. I’m sending you a few dollars to have a Dunkin ice coffee and treat on me🍩🧋

[@llw8089]

That is quite an accomplishment . You are amazing !

[@loriboyd4923]

What a great accomplishment! Congratulations!

[@196813JSC]

Wow! Wow! Wow! That’s incredible! Congratulations on your accomplishment! 🎉

[@debbymarks9490]

WOW! Hope your knee stays stable!

[@grootsadventures24]

You are a beast! Congratulations!❤👍👏🙌🔥

[@Barbara-pz8ky]

Taylor sooo proud of you….no worries about slower time…think of all of the hiking miles you have already put in . You’re amazing…I’m enjoying your journey…

[@mjperkolator8854]

I am amazed you did so well with the “bad” knee. I’d say your marathon was a success. And getting back on trail the next day is commendable and unbelievable stamina and strength in my opinion. Go Taylor!!

[@jasminedefoore9317]

Out and backs are the hardest! Seeing all the people running to the finish when you haven’t turned around yet is demoralizing. Be proud!

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

You did so great. You finished, you didnt walk and you weren't carried off - like i would have been, lol. Nice family, friend and fun weekend break from the trail. Thanks for the update. 😊

[@davecunningham579]

Wow, I've run 3 marathons and I couldn't imagine getting on the trail afterwards for several days. You are so strong!

[@TeamFish15]

Wow Taylor!! It’s very inspiring that you’d even consider running a marathon during a thru hike. And in new shoes too!! You rock girl!!

[@erics9214]

Amazing! Just finishing was the accomplishment.

[@janetbronner6403]

Unbelievable! You did it!! Congratulations! 🎉👏👏👏

[@stillwaterhiker]

Great job. I still have that on my bucket list. 2023 need to do. !

[@dougstamper6266]

Wow! Marathons are no joke! Congratulations on the finish! Take some time to rest up those legs!

[@dr.mommybudgets3127]

Taylor! You did great! You are a runner and a hiker! You never walked! I did a marathon in February and it was my second and very hilly. It was my slowest time so I totally understand the mental aspect of thinking your time was better. But remember you are putting miles on your body day after day PLUS did a marathon!!! Girl, you ya beast! Super great job!!🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️👏🏽👏🏽

[@kathyt7344]

Congratulations on your accomplishment of finishing a marathon while thru hiking and the goal of not stopping! Huge 💪🏻👏🏻🤩. Love your attitude and positivity and thrilled no injuries so the Thru hike can continue! ❤

[@kathycasey9153]

Congratulations Taylor, You are amazing!

[@leedanielson7452]

Oh my I’m quite impressed!❤️👍🙏🏻🎉🎉🎉

[@frolege1]

Nice finisher medal …. Very different from other marathons you ran (Paris, Chicago)

[@davidpyles8270]

Marathon training is a whole different animal. Lance Armstrong thought all his bike training would benefit him but it really didn’t. What you did was amazing to do in the middle of a thru hike Good luck with the rest of your Nobo

[@qsbroom]

Congratulations..you are something else!

[@doconawalk9367]

Great job Taylor! I did the same experiment last year after completing my AT thru hike and ran a marathon 3 weeks summiting Katahdin! The trail makes you so strong! I had run 3 marathons in the past and trained for them. With no training other than the trail, I ran a PB at age 60, and realized a long held dream of qualifying for the Boston Marathon! It was a crazy year for me… but can’t imagine hiking the trail a second time as it was the hardest physical challenge of my life…much tougher than the marathon. You are a beast!!!

[@johnsandell4501]

You finished, CONGRATULATIONS AND YAHOOOOOO!!! Family and friends time too. Continued successes and Nobo smiles with each mile. 👍👍👍

[@johnp8625]

Nice!!! Two thumbs up.👍👍

[@johnholliday1695]

Taylor! Wow!! You are such an inspiration!! I'm trying to catch up, watching your current dailies and picking away at the past ones for this hike. Congratulations!! And thanks so much for sharing 😊

[@johnholliday1695]

Just watched the ending at Harper's Ferry...so familiar to me! I live in Shepherdstown, just a few miles up the Potomac River. Special area...

[@KevinRStrauss]

Wow, what an effort! Congrats on accomplishing some of your goals. My thoughts on your knee pain, based on 22-years of injury-free triathlon - I believe your pain is rooted in your quad muscle and it is knotted up (contracted) muscle fibers. The intensity of running aggravated the knot, which pulls on the tendon, which pulls on the insertion site in the bone, which is right at the knee joint. After running a few more miles, the muscle warmed up, loosened up, and all the soft tissue had a greater range of motion so it wasn't "pulling" out of the bone at the knee and causing pain. The solution is to foam roll and massage (also dry needle, etc.) the quad muscle to release the knot (i.e. stuck contracted muscle fibers) so it no longer pulls on the tendon and insertion site. I don't think it's the fascia, scar tissue, flexibility, or a strength issue as most "advice" tends to follow. Happy to help more, if interested.

[@wildflowersadventures]

Wow! That’s crazy and impressive. You looked great. I’m praying your knee is ok.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Wow...awesome. So glad you videoed. It was fun.

[@deonabellaallan5060]

Congratulations....that is an awesome achievement. Look into the run/walk strategy of marathons...it really does make you faster.

[@jimmurray9214]

I hike to run and run to hike. I think you should do a hill (trail) marathon next time it will be more suited for your legs. I did a 50 km ultra with a ton of elevation gain and it was easier than the marathon I did on sidewalks at sea level.

[@jplum7708]

Amazing accomplishment Taylor! 👏 👏👏 Meanwhile I'm trying to figure out a way move to couch closer to the refrigerator. 😆

[@deborahchadwick210]

You are amazing!! I hike a good bit, but have no urge to run. At 71, these knees talk to me!! You never cease to amaze me. Glad your time with family and friends was good. See you on trail tomorrow!!

[@bethhodges2014]

To complete your test have your runner friend put on a25 lb. pack and hike in Whites with you but only 1/2 distance don’t want to kill her. You’re amazing, AT hiking and running very different endeavors

[@MrMorton]

What an incredible effort to make in the middle of your enormous hike! Who cares the time, I'm so impressed. You are an endurance athlete for sure!

[@dianatheis8623]

You are rock star!! Amazing!

[@cwesley2005]

You are an absolute champion!!!!

[@walterpaton8698]

You just did an AMAZING run. Next up is the Boston marathon.

[@hikergirl5693]

Congratulations, so glad your knee pain eased up and you were able to finish. I agree, this was a great experiment, thank you for sharing this with us. I am so proud of you.

[@valeriee3039]

You did it! Congratulations! Great job! Also impressive that you went back to the trail the next day!

[@codyhikes4054]

She’s a runner she’s a track star ⭐️

[@brianc1651]

Thanks Cody. Now I will have to listen to that.

[@kennysapper9185]

Way to push through!! 🤜🏼💥 YOU DID AWESOME

[@chrissaunders8284]

Congratulations on completing the marathon. I really appreciate your candor.

[@acaciagomez9782]

You are a beast!!! I look up to you girl!

[@CraigVanDusenOutdoorAdventures]

Congrats on completing the marathon 😎 You are in excellent condition. I love doing personal challenges.

[@frankopena6662]

Congratulations! You did awesome ! I could never do a marathon and you completed one with no training which is amazing ! You can be very proud ! Great job !

[@Maureen.walkdontrun]

You really are a machine!

[@susieuramoto7491]

Congratulations Taylor, you are truly an inspiration. Love your approach and attitude towards life ❤

[@johnbresnahan2374]

Congratulations, Taylor. You certainly have accomplished many tough and grueling feats. I've watched every A.T. video this year. My hometown of Holyoke, Massachusetts, has a 10K marathon every March. It's a richual along with the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the country. Keep up the great work and stay safe.

[@shelaghholder6094]

Impressiive!!

[@robertdesrosiers4743]

way to go taylor you did well

[@dannythecamper4186]

Good job, so let's keep on hiking, on the AT 😊

[@vickifg13]

Congratulations young lady 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sandrapaterson1750]

Congratulations Taylor!!!!

[@debsmith7050]

Congrats ❤ Well done hiker Taylor! Glad for your visit with your husband and friend

[@pamfitzpatrick3252]

Wow, you made it! Congratulations!

[@denisebrown2940]

Amazing. You rock.

[@jk-cj2ly]

Not stopping for 26 miles is so incredibly hard. Amazing that you hiked 28 miles only a couple of days ago. I'm so curious to watch your video tomorrow to see how you feel on the trail. Congratulations!

[@jamestaylor1285]

We were thinking of you and pushing you mentally all day. So wonderful to see you cross the finish line. Great job!!! You must have been a Puma in a previous life. LOL

[@user-zl6cl1ql3n]

Your knee are pretty important. Take care. And Hike on!!

[@susietopspin]

Great job Taylor. Happy onward trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@americanclassicmetal7913]

Absolute animal!!!

[@laineym2005]

Gotta confess, a couple days ago when you said you were going to run, I looked up the results and found you - great job!

[@brewerm1718]

Killing it!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 congrats!!!!

[@beckyberbert1945]

Great job! Hiking definitely seems to have helped your endurance. No shame in walking, it's the method used in the Galloway running program (run/walk) and people have great race results. It's how I ran my first 2 half marathons. But I know the motivation to run the whole way!

[@living_myjoy]

Congratulations! You did great.

[@misscandy84]

Congrats Taylor 😊

[@cbhelo]

Way to go!! I did the inverse of what you did in 2017 - ran 2 marathons and thought it would make a week long backpacking trip on John Muir -Yosemite section easy - but it didn’t. I was sore everyday! I did notice my cardio was fine - so opposite of your hill experience. Keep up the vlogs as you are doing great on AT. We love seeing you happy with friends, trail magic, family, etc. I think the AT magnifies your life and makes you appreciate every moment more. -cbhiker4life

[@chosenscv]

Wild. Congrats on finishing AND getting back on trail!!

[@david.conley]

Great job Taylor!!! ONWARD!!!!!

[@bucky716]

Congrats!!! An amazing thing to do in the middle of a thru hike. Good to hear someone else say they were bored during the marathon. I've only finished one but I remember times like you described just thinking this is boring, why am I doing this? And then finished and loved it!

[@sablerubycocoa]

Congratulations on finishing the marathon!!!

[@deborahschwind5939]

You are amazing!

[@christinamattix7907]

All I can say is wow!! You are amazing and I would have been surprised if you had not finished the marathon! Keep Hiking!

[@jewels07]

Great job Taylor!!

[@TheFinFitLifeLady]

You are amazing! ❤ I can’t imagine jogging for 5+ hours straight.

[@adamnichols3506]

Well done. It’s hard running in a running island where you’re alone. Happens to me all the time.

[@lightwalker4558]

Congratulations on completing this during your TH. It reminds me of the Crawford family who went back to Ohio midway to run a marathon. It's just the opposite of what most of us would choose to do mid hike. ❤

[@bukococonut]

Yay! Fantastic!

[@sheilaturner5127]

Wow! You did amazing, coming off your thru-hike! Congratulations on all your accomplishments! You are awesome!

[@hdbinnc8583]

What an incredible achievement!! If I ever go into battle I want you on my team! Well done and congratulations!

[@lcweinstock]

I want to make it abundantly clear anybody reading this, that there is no shame in walking during any length of race. Muscles are creatures of habit and sometimes they need a break. Walking does not make you any less of a runner. 6 minute mile or 11, you’ve got it!

[@wendypelaez9305]

Wow! Just wow!