Tara Dower: Shattering the 2,190 Mile Appalachian Trail Record

This week we are talking with Tara Dower. Tara is an ultramarathon trail runner completing some of the most well-known races on the planet such as the Hardrock 100 miler, Black Canyon 100k, Devil Dog Ultra, Ohio Backyard Ultra running 170 miles, and she has thru hiked the 211 mile John Muir Trail.  Tara recently set the fastest known time on the 2190 mile Appalachian Trail completing it in 40 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes, averaging a mind boggling 56.4 miles per day and breaking the prior record by 13 ½ hours.  Taras goal during the Appalachian Trail FKT was to raise $20,000 for the nonprofit, Girls on the Run. Her hope was to inspire women and girls to go for that tough goal no matter if it’s with running or in life. The very night she finished the AT at 11:53pm, they hit her goal of $20,000. Since the word has gotten out about this record, people have shown up and donated an additional $31,000 bringing the total to $51,203. Her primary sponsor, Altra, has also decided to give $45,000 bringing the grand total to $95,153 as of November 13.

Instagram: @tara.dower

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@taratreks

Website: tara-treks.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower and Her Achievements

03:13 The Role of the Crew in FKT Attempts

06:04 Nutrition and Caloric Needs During the FKT

09:07 Tara's Running Background and Evolution

11:57 Mentality and Mindset in Endurance Events

14:49 Weather Challenges During the Appalachian Trail FKT

17:58 Overcoming Low Points and Hallucinations

20:23 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges During Ultra Running

22:16 The Last Push: Overcoming Exhaustion

26:09 Recovery After the FKT: Physical and Mental Effects

29:44 Life Changes Post-Achievement: New Opportunities

32:27 Fundraising Success: Supporting Girls on the Run

33:30 Working with Sponsors: Building Relationships

34:32 Future Goals: Speed and New Challenges

38:54 Trail Nicknames: The Story Behind 'Candy Mama'

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