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EPISODE · Sep 8, 2025 · 1H 5M
Inside the Appalachian Trail FKT: Tara Dower’s Record-Breaking Journey [Replay]
from Free Outside · host Jeff Garmire
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/JeffATWe 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 discountGarage Grown Gear – Ultralight dreamlandCS Coffee – My trail coffee of choiceMount to coast – Big things brewingUltraspire - A cool pack is on the way Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements07:52 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT13:47 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt20:03 The Importance of Crew Dynamics26:12 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible32:32 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals41:44 The Evolution of FKT Training49:55 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences58:26 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges01:03:46 Interview with Tara Dower: FKT on the Appalachian TrailSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
What this episode covers
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/JeffATWe 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 discountGarage Grown Gear – Ultralight dreamlandCS Coffee – My trail coffee of choiceMount to coast – Big things brewingUltraspire - A cool pack is on the way Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements07:52 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT13:47 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt20:03 The Importance of Crew Dynamics26:12 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible32:32 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals41:44 The Evolution of FKT Training49:55 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences58:26 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges01:03:46 Interview with Tara Dower: FKT on the Appalachian TrailSubscribe to Substack: http://freeoutside.substack.comSupport this content on patreon: HTTP://patreon.com/freeoutsideBuy my book "Free Outside" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/39LpoSFEmail me to buy a signed copy of my book, "Free Outside" at [email protected] the movie about setting the record on the Colorado Trail: https://tubitv.com/movies/100019916/free-outsideWebsite: www.Freeoutside.comInstagram: thefreeoutsidefacebook: www.facebook.com/freeoutside
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Inside the Appalachian Trail FKT: Tara Dower’s Record-Breaking Journey [Replay]
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