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Over 40 days, 18 hours and 5 minutes, Tara Dower showed the world what women are capable of in ultra-endurance sports. This record-setting Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail is more than a personal accomplishment. It stands as an inspiration for women to embrace their strength and challenge themselves in ways they might not have thought possible.
The Role of Community and Support in the Journey
The community was an important part of Tara's FKT attempt. From the start, Tara knew she wasn’t alone in this journey, but she never imagined the extent of the support she’d receive. Trail angels, hikers, and friends came out to support her attempt. Some stayed for hours, others for weeks, bringing her food and encouragement. "I didn’t expect to see so many people out there," their encouragement and presence helped her push through, especially during the toughest moments.
The power of community among women in ultra-endurance sports goes beyond being together on the trails. Tara received support from so many women from afar, sharing stories, encouragement, and experiences through messages and social media. She mentioned trailblazers like Heather Anderson and Jen Pharr Davis, who both set FKT records on the same trail. Their achievements inspired Tara, showing her that she could accomplish it too. When women support one another, they create a cycle of inspiration that reaches far beyond the trails.
A Pivotal Moment: "Just be in that mile"
One of the most pivotal moments for Tara came when she and her crew realized they were over 100 miles behind the previous record holder. Her crew chief, Rascal, began pushing her to cover more miles each day, and anxiety crept in. Could she really handle those 58-60 mile days?
Her crew, especially Rascal and her mom, constantly reminded her that she was capable of more than she knew. "Rascal knew I could do it—I just had to believe in myself." As the miles stacked up and the days went by, Tara learned to trust in her body, her crew, and the plan. She kept repeating one mantra:
“Just be in that mile.”
This mindset allowed her to stay present, breaking down the overwhelming task into manageable steps, and eventually accomplishing what had once seemed impossible.
Breaking Boundaries, Not Misconceptions
One of the biggest challenges Tara hopes to overcome isn’t just the physical feat of the FKT, but societal perceptions around women in ultra-endurance sports. These aren’t just misconceptions — they’re engrained boundaries that have been placed on women for years.
“For so long, we’ve been told what path to follow and that women can’t compete in these long endurance events. But we’re seeing now that we can.”
Tara’s achievement is part of a larger movement that’s proving women can compete—and excel—in FKTs, 200+ mile races, and beyond. She hopes her journey inspires other women to get out and attempt their own FKTs.
"We need to lift women up because we are capable of so much."
She’s seen firsthand how much potential women have, and she believes we haven’t yet tapped into our full capabilities. "We are powerful and have this gift of endurance," pointing out how in her 2019 thru-hike, she noticed how much stronger women often looked compared to men at the end of long hikes on the trails.
The Power of Support and Preparation
Her crew, her preparation, and the support from her community were all essential in making this attempt possible. Tara’s team was there for every step, ensuring her success by keeping things organized and well thought out. The only thing that she had to do was run, eat and sleep until she reached the finish.
Her preparation was super detailed, including a “trail bible” filled with stats, information from past FKT holders, and detailed spreadsheets. She recommends that anyone looking to attempt a long-distance FKT focus equally on physical and mental preparation. Long back-to-back days on the trail, 40+ miles at a time, are essential. But the mental preparation of the attempt is even more important. “A lot of people lose the FKT on the mental side. You need to know how you’ll handle setbacks and how to keep yourself going.”
You Never Know Until You Try
Tara hopes her journey inspires other women to chase their dreams, no matter how big they are.
“When women see this FKT, I hope it inspires them to go for that tough goal, no matter what it is. You never know if you don’t try. I want women to see my story and just try.”
Whether it’s setting a trail record or simply taking on a new challenge, she wants women to push past fear and just go for it. Tara's FKT on the Appalachian Trail is a powerful reminder that women belong in ultra-endurance sports—and not just as participants, but as record-setters, trailblazers, and inspirations for future generations. Through community, self-belief, and a little bit of grit, Tara has shown that the toughest goals are within reach if you’re willing to take that first step.
Supporting the Next Generation
Tara's effort wasn't just about personal achievement; it also supported a cause close to her heart: Girls on the Run. Through her FKT attempt, Tara helped raise over $28,000 for the organization, which teaches young girls valuable life skills through running. If you’d like to support Tara’s mission, you can donate through her Girls on the Run fundraising page.