Taylor Woodford (@midsizeinchi) and Her Journey to Becoming a Marathoner

Taylor Woodford first started running in 2020 as a way to stay active when workout classes weren’t an option. Six years later, she has completed 4 marathons and 11 half-marathons, is a part of the Brooks Running Collective, and built a fitness community online where she shares her running journey and inspires others along the way.

Taylor started running in 2020, when working out in group settings wasn't an option. Looking for a way to stay active and get in some cardio outside of fitness classes, she laced up her running shoes and never looked back. She started with just a few minutes of running at a time, and after a few months set her first goal: completing a 5K.

Now a four-time marathoner, it’s hard for Taylor to choose just one favorite memory from all that running has brought into her life. What she loves most about the sport, though, is the community that surrounds it. While running is often seen as an individual sport, Taylor has found that training partners and running buddies are invaluable, providing support, encouragement, and motivation while creating a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

Taylor trains with Fleet Feet Training out of the Fleet Feet South Loop store, where she’s found both support and community throughout her running journey. One of her favorite memories was completing the 20-miler during her first marathon training block with Fleet Feet Training. It was the farthest she had ever run, and she remembers feeling nervous heading into the distance.

That day was when running a marathon started to truly “feel real” for her. While it was a tough day, Taylor looks back fondly on getting to share the experience with her running buddy, who is still her go-to long run partner to this day.

Even surrounded by community and support, running can still be challenging. On the days when things feel difficult, Taylor reminds herself of where she started and the hard work it took to get to where she is today.

She remembers when running for just three minutes during a fitness class felt like a challenge, and when completing a full mile was something she could only dream about. She often thinks about how proud that version of herself would be of everything she’s accomplished, and that perspective keeps her going.

Today, Taylor shares her running journey through Instagram (@midsizeinchi) and is part of the Brooks Running Collective, a program that connects runners and creators while giving them the opportunity to serve as ambassadors for the Brooks brand.

Taylor originally started her account to share midsize fashion and style content, but over time, she began opening up about her journey training for her first marathon. Through her platform, she found herself having meaningful conversations with other new runners who were discovering the sport for the first time. Those connections inspired her to continue sharing her story as someone who picked up running as an adult and started completely from square one.

Taylor is constantly inspired by creators who share the “real” side of running, not just the exciting milestones and finish lines, but also the tough workouts, disappointing training blocks, and the process of showing up through both the highs and lows.

Taylor was excited to join the Brooks Running Collective not only because of her love for Brooks shoes, but also because of the community Brooks has built around inclusivity, support, and encouraging people to move their bodies in whatever way feels right for them.

The brand’s focus on creating connections through running deeply resonates with Taylor. As someone who credits much of her love for running to the community she found through Fleet Feet Training, she values the power of having people around you who encourage you and celebrate every step of the journey.

Up next for Taylor is the Columbus Marathon, and the Indy Monumental half marathon. Follow along on Taylor’s journey on her account (@midsizeinchi), and learn more about how to join the Fleet Feet Training community here.