Free Outside

Inside the Appalachian Trail FKT: Tara Dower’s Record-Breaking Journey [Replay]


Listen Later

In this episode of the Free Outside Podcast, I replay one of my all-time favorite convos — a sit-down with Tara Dower, who absolutely crushed the supported Appalachian Trail FKT and somehow lived to tell the tale (barely).


Consider supporting The Trevor Project https://give.thetrevorproject.org/JeffAT


We talk about everything from post-trail depression to how it feels when your crew spoon-feeds you every meal for 40 days straight. Tara breaks down the power of delegation, what it’s like to lose all decision-making autonomy, and how a dog bite during a panic attack marked the low point of her hiking career (and also maybe the turning point).


She also shares how pacing Kyle Curtin on the Colorado Trail helped her build her own FKT strategy, why her crew was the real MVP, and how she managed to crush Hardrock 100 just weeks before starting her AT attempt.


This isn’t just a recap of a record — it’s an honest look at fear, failure, mental health, and the grind it takes to do something massive. Plus, Tara drops her next FKT plans and talks about the weird joy of vlogging in a blizzard.


If you're curious about how to plan for an FKT this big — or just want to hear two sleep-deprived trail nerds bond over anxiety and peanut butter — you’ll love this one.


Sponsored by:

Janji – Use code FREEOUTSIDE for a discount

Garage Grown Gear – Ultralight dreamland

CS Coffee – My trail coffee of choice

Mount to coast – Big things brewing

Ultraspire - A cool pack is on the way


Chapters


00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements

07:52 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT

13:47 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt

20:03 The Importance of Crew Dynamics

26:12 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible

32:32 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals

41:44 The Evolution of FKT Training

49:55 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences

58:26 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges

01:03:46 Interview with Tara Dower: FKT on the Appalachian Trail


Subscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.com


Support this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutside


Buy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSF


Email me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected]


Watch the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outside


Website: www.Freeoutside.com

Instagram: thefreeoutside

facebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Free OutsideBy Jeff Garmire

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

115 ratings


More shows like Free Outside

View all
Trail Runner Nation by Trail Runner Nation

Trail Runner Nation

1,173 Listeners

Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter by Zach Bitter

Human Performance Outliers Podcast with Zach Bitter

566 Listeners

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running by Jonathan Levitt

For The Long Run: Exploring the Why Behind Running

421 Listeners

The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman by Dylan Bowman

The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman

783 Listeners

Some Work, All Play by David Roche and Megan Roche

Some Work, All Play

1,828 Listeners

Singletrack by Finn Melanson

Singletrack

899 Listeners

Trail Society by FREETRAIL

Trail Society

274 Listeners

COFFEE CLUB: a running podcast about nothing by Morgan McDonald

COFFEE CLUB: a running podcast about nothing

359 Listeners

Choose Strong by Choose Strong with Sally and Eddie McRae

Choose Strong

1,405 Listeners

Everyday Ultra by Joe Corcione

Everyday Ultra

183 Listeners

The Trailhead by UltraSignup

The Trailhead

106 Listeners

Between Two Pines by UltraSignup

Between Two Pines

178 Listeners

Distance To Empty by Kevin Goldberg and Peter Noyes

Distance To Empty

103 Listeners

The Boulder Boys Show by The Boulder Boys

The Boulder Boys Show

171 Listeners

The Trail Network Podcast by The Trail Network Podcast

The Trail Network Podcast

89 Listeners