How to Build a Life That Makes You Better | Kelly Hays on Thru-Hiking & Ultras

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Feb 28, 2026

Kelly Hays, ultrarunner, thru-hiker, registered dietitian, and content creator who’s tackled the Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail. She talks about extreme self-reliance on long trails. Stories include a 120-mile no-sleep push, emergency surgery on the AT and returning, transitioning from thru-hiking to ultrarunning, balancing ambition with patience, and designing a life around daily movement and adventure.

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ANECDOTE

Solo 33 Mile Birthday Run Turned Into A Lesson

Kelly ran a self-supported 33-mile birthday run alone on Mountain Ebo, turning an out-and-back into extra miles when a loop closed.
She started too fast, struggled with uphill and stomach issues, met an ultra veteran who paced her 12 miles, and finished by hiking the last miles.

INSIGHT

Designing A Life Around Adventure Instead Of A Job

Kelly shifted from a corporate nine-to-five to a life of adventure by retraining as a dietitian and personal trainer, then setting a thru-hike goal that aligned her choices.
The Appalachian Trail unlocked new income modes (content, seasonal work) and made a freer lifestyle feel attainable.

ANECDOTE

Emergency Surgery Six Days Into The Appalachian Trail

On day six of the Appalachian Trail Kelly had emergency surgery to remove an ovary, hiked five miles out to a road, then returned three weeks later to finish to Maine.
The incident emphasized her determination and showed how she prioritized getting back on trail despite a major medical setback.

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