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
Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
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
Where to find and support Bush & Banter: