About this episode
What happens when you thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and set your sights on 200-mile ultramarathons?You architect a life around adventure.In this episode, Kelly Hays joins the show to talk about:Nearly 3,000 miles on the CDT in just five monthsHiking 120 miles straight through Wyoming’s Great Basin with zero sleepEmergency surgery six days into the Appalachian Trail — and getting back on trailWhy mental toughness is built by putting one foot in front of the otherThe transition from thru-hiker to ultrarunnerPulling out of races to protect longevity (and why that decision matters)Balancing ambition with patienceWhy she’s obsessed with 100s and dreaming of 200-milers like Cocodona 250Kelly doesn’t just chase miles. She designs her life around growth, challenge, and freedom.This conversation is about more than running.It’s about stacking bricks, showing up daily, and becoming the kind of person who can endure hard things — on trail and in life.If you’ve ever wrestled with ambition, injury, comparison, or the desire to go all-in on adventure… this one’s for you.Kelly Hays is an ultrarunner, thru-hiker, and content creator who has built a following of hundreds of thousands of people as she documents her journey's of adventure, running, and building a life of adventure.SHOW LINKS:Register for our race, The Desert Peak Ultra 100K + 50K at desertpeakultra.comWant to work with me to crush your next ultramarathon in our group coaching program? Sign up for our group coaching program here: https://www.theeverydayultra.com/group-coachingWant to be coached by me and my team to crush your next ultramarathon in our 1:1 coaching program? Book a free call here with one of our coaches to see if we are a good fit!Follow Joe on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joecorcione/Everyday Ultra YouTube Channel:
