In today’s episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Madison Blagden, the second female thru-hiker of the more than 5,500-mile Eastern Continental Trail. Since her first encounter with thru-hiking in 2017, Madison, aka “Peg Leg” has been captivated by the trails, embarking on epic adventures that defy the ordinary. Despite facing setbacks like losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, she turned adversity into opportunity, spending two years traversing the US in a vehicle.
From tackling 1,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail between college semesters to completing the entire PCT in 2022 via a SOBO/flip-flop hike, Peg Leg's determination knows no bounds. Her latest conquest, the "Bama to Baxter" journey, saw her connecting trails from Alabama to Maine, including the Pinhoti Trail, parts of the Benton Mackaye Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. But Peg Leg's thirst for exploration didn't stop there; inspired by an encounter with an ECT hiker in Vermont, she extended her trek to include the International Appalachian Trail, spanning 1500 miles across diverse landscapes. From Maine to Newfoundland, Peg Leg's footprints left a trail of resilience and passion. Currently en route from Alabama to Key West, Florida, she has become the 2nd woman in history and the 9th person ever to complete the entire Eastern Continental Trail, a testament to her unwavering spirit and love for the great outdoors. Join us as we uncover the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of Peg Leg's awe-inspiring journey.
Madison’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/madisonblagden/
Blog on the Trek https://thetrek.co/author/madison-blagden/
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Ep. 1017: Boating the Mekong River in Thailand - Alonzo Guess
Ep. 1016: Paragliding off Volcanoes - Revisited - Adrian Garza
Ep. 1015: Appalachian Mountain Club President & CEO - Nicole Zussman
Ep. 1014: How to Run 100 Miles - Revisited - "Toddzilla" Lewis
Ep. 1013: Kayaking the Northwest Passage - West Hansen
Ep. 1012: How Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age - Caroline Paul
Ep. 1011: Dog Sledding, the Iditarod, & Life in Alaska - Revisited - Kristin Knight Pace
Ep. 1010: Paddleboarding 1,000 Miles on the Yukon River - Craig Sawyer
Ep. 1009: Alaska Adventures and Packrafting - Revisited - Roman Dial
Ep. 1008: Florida Trail FKT - Hunter Leininger
Ep. 1007: My Adventure Formula - Mason Gravley
Ep. 1006: Paddling the Intracoastal Waterway - Heather Bolint
Ep. 1005: Within Weakness - Revisited - Wesley Trimble
Bonus: Curt & Mason Reflect on 1,000 Episodes
Ep. 1004: The Ohio Project - Alison Alsup
Ep. 1003: Thru-Hiking the Arizona Trail - Revisited - Jacob “Valhalla” Myers
Ep. 1002: Three Years Biking Around the World - McKenzie Barney
Ep. 1001: 76 Days Adrift at Sea in a Life Raft - Revisited - Steve Callahan
Ep. 1000: Shifting From Global to Local Adventures - Alastair Humphreys
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