E21: Tara Dower | Candy, Crushing FKTs and Dirt Naps

Welcome to The RUNEGADE Podcast: where we set off to explore the human connection with running, through conversation, big stories, guest interviews and our own experiences - we're your hosts Mark Prociw and Todd Marentette.

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On episode 21, Tara Dower becomes a RUNEGADE.

"You really don't know what you can do unless you try" - Tara Dower

On September 21, 2024 Tara Dower became the fastest person in history to complete the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail, a 14 state journey, she bested the Fastest Known Time by 13 hours - she's an Altra Running athlete, an ultramarathoner, a candy connoisseur and a new friend of the podcast.

Tara's biography:

"An Appalachian Trail thru-hike inspired me to spend as much time on trails as possible; now, I am a professional ultramarathon trail athlete racing all over the country. My favorite ultramarathon distance is the 100-miler because there are so many possibilities for adventure, but I also love the competitive aspect of setting FKTs on longer trail routes. The FKTs I’ve set include the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (1,175 miles), Benton MacKaye Trail (289 miles), the Colorado Trail (486 miles) and now the Appalachian Trail (2,189 miles)"

We followed Tara's journey on Instagram throughout August and September, virtually cheering her on as she stacked 17 hour days, upon days. Like all great trail runners, Tara, surrounded by a great crew - her mom, her friends, trail running mentors and buds (all with great trail nicknames) accomplished an amazing feet of endurance.

Come listen to Tara's journey's from her first Appalachian thru hike attempt, to 100-mile races, to Hardrock and now the FKT record holder - you'll learn all the details of her epic adventure.

More Tara:

• Tara on YouTube: @taratreks
• Tara on Instagram: @tara.dower
• Tara on Facebook: @taratreks
• Tara Website
• Tara's Blog
• Runner's World Article⁠

We thank Tara for sharing her amazing journey.

And if you have the means, consider support those affected from Hurricane Helen, as she wrecked havoc to many folks along the Appalachian Trail by purchasing a "Tara in Southern Appalachia" print block and 50% of the proceeds will be sent to BeLoved Asheville

In a world of runners, be a RUNEGADE.

Connect with Mark and Todd:

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