Tara Dower: Shattering the 2,190 Mile Appalachian Trail Record

This week we are talking with Tara Dower. Tara is an ultramarathon trail runner completing some of the most well-known races on the planet such as the Hardrock 100 miler, Black Canyon 100k, Devil Dog Ultra, Ohio Backyard Ultra running 170 miles, and she has thru hiked the 211 mile John Muir Trail.  Tara recently set the fastest known time on the 2190 mile Appalachian Trail completing it in 40 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes, averaging a mind boggling 56.4 miles per day and breaking the prior record by 13 ½ hours.  Taras goal during the Appalachian Trail FKT was to raise $20,000 for the nonprofit, Girls on the Run. Her hope was to inspire women and girls to go for that tough goal no matter if it’s with running or in life. The very night she finished the AT at 11:53pm, they hit her goal of $20,000. Since the word has gotten out about this record, people have shown up and donated an additional $31,000 bringing the total to $51,203. Her primary sponsor, Altra, has also decided to give $45,000 bringing the grand total to $95,153 as of November 13.Instagram: @tara.dowerYouTube: www.youtube.com/@taratreksWebsite: tara-treks.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower and Her Achievements03:13 The Role of the Crew in FKT Attempts06:04 Nutrition and Caloric Needs During the FKT09:07 Tara's Running Background and Evolution11:57 Mentality and Mindset in Endurance Events14:49 Weather Challenges During the Appalachian Trail FKT17:58 Overcoming Low Points and Hallucinations20:23 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges During Ultra Running22:16 The Last Push: Overcoming Exhaustion26:09 Recovery After the FKT: Physical and Mental Effects29:44 Life Changes Post-Achievement: New Opportunities32:27 Fundraising Success: Supporting Girls on the Run33:30 Working with Sponsors: Building Relationships34:32 Future Goals: Speed and New Challenges38:54 Trail Nicknames: The Story Behind 'Candy Mama'The Co-Movement Gym Podcast is supported by Native Path Supplements and Lombardi Chiropractic. 🌱 Native Path Supplements: Use code COMO25 at checkout for 25% off any order at NativePath or pick up a bundle of our favorite products at a special price!44% off Native Hydrate: nativehydrate.com/comovement57% off Collagen Peptides: getnativepath.com/comovement41% off Complete Protein: nativepathcompleteprotein.com/comovement🩺 Lombardi Chiropractic: Mention the Co-Movement Gym Podcast when scheduling your initial appointment for 50% off Initial Consultation and X-Rays! https://www.lombardichiropractic.com/ 🏋️ Co-Movement Gym is a private movement facility in Oriskany Falls, NY offering Individualized Coaching, and Remote Programming to the best humans on the planet. We have worked with thousands of clients around the world for over 13 years.   For coaching inquiries email: [email protected] 🔗 Website: https://www.co-movement.com/Instagram: @co_movementhq