08 September 2025

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

Free Outside

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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.