Last month, Tara Dower achieved a monumental fastest-known time on the Appalachian Trail. In a follow-up interview, she emphasized the importance of teamwork in this accomplishment. To delve deeper into that aspect, we spoke with her Crew Chief, Rascal.

In our conversation, we explore the learning curve of supporting multi-week efforts, the physical and emotional challenges involved, and what a typical crew stop and pacing section entailed. We also discuss various logistical considerations and Rascal's advice for future crew teams taking on this ambitious project, along with other insightful topics!

Timestamps:

• (1:47) - Rascal's thru-hiking and crewing background
• (6:16) - the learning curve to crewing this FKT attempt
• (13:27) - mental aspects of crewing
• (19:57) - criticism of the style
• (23:37) - what crew stop execution looked like 
• (31:42) - how taxing this was on the crew
• (41:45) - miscellaneous logistical considerations
• (50:14) - future storytelling about this achievement
• (53:43) - advice to future crew teams, next steps for Rascal

Partners:

• Naak - use code SINGLETRACK20 at checkout on their website (https://www.naak.com/) to get 20% off your purchase.
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Related Episodes:

• #339 - How Tara Dower Shattered The Appalachian Trail Record
• #335 - Will Peterson | Inside The Fastest Known Time On Vermont’s Long Trail
• #329 - Exploring Appalachian Trail History and Endurance Records with Warren Doyle
• #284 - Jennifer Pharr Davis | Appalachian Trail Reflections, State of FKTs, Pursuits of Endurance

Additional Links:

• Follow Rascal on Instagram
• Follow Tara on Instagram, YouTube, Website, Girls On The Run
• Follow Finn on Instagram, Strava, Youtube, and Patreon

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