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/
Ep. 870: The Colorado Crush - Robbie Balenger
Ep. 869: Managing Outdoor Companies While Biking Across Africa - Revisited - Jen Gurecki
Ep. 868: Downriver Nomad - Rob Hutchings
Ep. 867: Overcoming a Fear of the Ocean to Become an Open Water Swimmer - Revisited - Alexandra Heminsley
Ep. 866: Icelandic Traverse, Gone Wrong - Aum Gandhi
Ep. 865: Skiing Self-Supported to the South Pole with Your Husband - Revisited - Chris Fagan
Ep. 864: River Warrior - Paul Wilson
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Ep. 861: Stand Up Paddleboarding the Gateway Drug - Revisited - Kelly Kocher
Ep. 860: The Art of Freediving - Alexander Nilsson
Ep. 859: Crossing Denali - Revisited - Michael Fenner
Ep. 858: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life - Jennifer Strong McConachie
Ep. 857: A Lifetime of Mountaineering - Revisited - Gerry Roach
Ep. 856: FKT of the Sierra Peak Section List - Nathan Longhurst and Travis Soares
Ep. 855: Racing the Tour Divide in Your 60's - Revisited - Marty Johnson
Ep. 854: Dreamer & Adventurer - Alvin Garcia
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Ep. 852: K2 + The Seven Summits - Lisa Thompson
Ep. 851: Paddling 250 Miles on the River Thames - Revisited - Krista Halling
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