Tabbitha Bailey’s passion for running began during high school, when she discovered her love for the sport after struggling with other athletic pursuits.
“I wasn’t very good at other sports,” she admits. “But running was something I could excel at and truly enjoy. I knew from there I wanted to keep going.”
Her dream of running marathons in every state was born from a conversation with her dad, who suggested the idea as a way for her to explore the country.
“I wanted to travel, and he said, ‘Why not run a marathon in each state?’ At the time, I wasn’t sure it was possible, but now I can see how far I’ve come.”
Years later, Bailey has completed an extraordinary achievement: running a marathon in all 50 states. Her final race took place at the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025, but her journey goes beyond just the miles on the road.
From Personal Trainer to Aspiring Physical Therapist Assistant
Marathons were a way to see the world, but Bailey also wanted a career that would allow her to make a difference in people’s lives. This led her to become a personal trainer, a role where she found fulfillment in helping others reach their fitness goals.
“There’s something so rewarding about helping someone achieve what they thought wasn’t possible,” she says.
But Bailey wanted to expand her ability to help people on a deeper level. She turned to physical therapy and is currently enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Eastern Florida State College.
Her classes, which she fits into her already packed schedule of early morning training and marathon travel, are equipping her with the knowledge and expertise to guide others through physical rehabilitation.
“The program has been a game-changer for me,” she explains. “It’s taught me how the body works and how to effectively help people recover from injuries. I’ve always had an interest in helping others, but this program gives me the skills to do it more profoundly.”
Working at Pro-Health & Fitness Center in Viera as part of her clinical experience, Bailey is applying what she’s learning in real time, seeing patients, and assisting in their recovery processes.
From Education to Real-World Practice
Her work as a personal trainer has also benefited from her education.
“The physical therapy program has opened up new ways for me to work with my clients,” she says. “I can help them prevent injuries, recover faster, and understand their bodies better. It’s a more holistic approach to fitness, and I’m excited to offer that to my clients.”
Her marathon journey and her education to become a physical therapist assist have intertwined, each aspect enhancing the other. The discipline she’s developed through her rigorous training schedule — balancing running, work, and school — has reinforced the resilience she teaches her clients.
“Both marathon running and physical therapy require a lot of persistence,” she says. “The mental and physical strength I’ve built from marathons has definitely made me more empathetic and determined in my studies and my work with patients.”
Boston: The Final Race and a New Chapter
Completing her final marathon in Boston not only marks the end of a marathon milestone, but it also represents the culmination of her journey as an athlete and a student.
“Running all 50 states was always about pushing my limits and seeing what I could achieve. But pursuing my degree at Eastern Florida State College has given me a whole new perspective on how I can make a real impact on people’s lives. I’m now ready to help people recover, rebuild, and live healthier lives.”
As she crosses the finish line, Bailey is already thinking about her next step: becoming a licensed physical therapist assistant, helping more patients recover, and continuing her education in the field.
“My goal is to work as a physical therapy assistant who helps people,” said Bailey. “Above all, I want to help people become more mobile so they can also go on great adventures.”
