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

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