Colorado Trail Prep: Part One with Tara Dower - Running Wild and Breaking a 20-Year Record

In Part One of our Colorado Trail Prep Series, we chat with professional ultramarathoner, record breaker, and thru-hiker Tara Dower. Inspired by her Appalachian Trail thru-hike, she has dedicated herself to spending as much time in the wilderness as possible. On August 1, 2023, Tara broke the Colorado Trail women’s supported fastest known time (FKT) with an unofficial time of 8 days, 21 hours, and 59 minutes. The previous record, set by Betsy Kalmeyer twenty years ago in 2003, was 9 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes. In the episode, Tara gives Dyana some sage advice for taking on the Colorado Trail, as well as tips for anyone looking to get into running.

Follow Tara Dower on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tara.dower/
Follow Tara Dower on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@taratreks
Follow ChumpChangeFKT on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chumpchangefkt/

0:00 - Intro & Dyana’s Big announcement

2:11 - What is the Colorado Trail?

5:20 - Tara Dower and her competitive spirit 

13:49 - Training for an Ultramarathon

18:46 - Advice for amateur runners and letting go of intimidation 

27:50 - Dealing with Anxiety on the Appalachian Trail

35:29 - What makes the CT so special?

36:53 - How Tara tackled a CT FKT

50:21 - Favorite section of the CT, best moment and thunderstorms 

1:05:51 - Goals for the hiking community & switching the narrative

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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro & Dyana’s Big announcement
• 2:11 What is the Colorado Trail?
• 5:20 Welcome Tara Dower
• 8:49 Where does your competitive nature come from?
• 13:49 Training for an Ultramarathon
• 17:14 Is training your full-time job?
• 18:46 Advice for amateur runners
• 21:39 Letting go of intimidation on trail
• 23:40 Running as a punishment
• 26:05 Fueling your Run
• 27:50 Dealing with Anxiety on the Appalachian Trail
• 31:28 Jen’s Big Goals
• 32:35 Dyana’s reason for wanting to hike the Colorado Trail
• 35:29 What makes the CT so special?
• 36:53 How Tara tackled a CT FKT
• 50:21 Favorite section of the CT?
• 52:38 Finishing and best moment
• 1:00:43 Thunder storm watch
• 1:04:36 What is in store for the future?
• 1:05:51 Goals for the hiking community & switching the narrative