Tara Dower, a 31-year-old professional runner from Boulder, Colorado, recently set a new fastest known time for running the entire length of the roughly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail on the East Coast. In 40 days, she completed the trail, beating the previous record by 13 hours. Dower had previously hiked the trail the year before in five months and ten days, but decided to attempt a faster time this time around. She wanted to challenge herself and push the limits of her abilities.
Throughout her 40-day journey, Dower ran roughly 75-80% of the trail with a pacer, but still experienced tough moments, including sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and multiple falls from exhaustion. Despite the mental and physical challenges, Dower was determined to push forward and break the record. Her mom and crew chief were there to support her, making sure she was well-fed and taken care of along the way, viewing themselves as the “pit crew” to her “race car.”
Running the entire length of the Appalachian Trail typically takes a thru-hiker about five to seven months to complete, but Dower was able to achieve this feat in a fraction of that time. Consuming about 300 calories an hour while running, she had a variety of snacks and protein shakes to fuel her energy and keep her going. From the rugged terrain in Maine and New Hampshire to the challenge of climbing literal boulders, Dower faced numerous obstacles along the way and pushed through to eventually set a new record.
Despite doubts and fears of potential injury, Dower kept pushing forward until she completed the trail in record time of 40 days, 18 hours, and five minutes. This momentous occasion marked a significant achievement not only for Dower personally but also within the running community. Her perseverance and determination throughout the journey showcased her strength and endurance as a runner. After finishing, Dower focused on recovering from the physical toll the trail had taken on her body, looking forward to rest and relaxation.
Before Dower’s record-setting run, Karel Sabbe held the fastest known time for running the Appalachian Trail in 41 days, 7 hours, and 38 minutes back in 2018. Dower’s accomplishment has garnered attention and praise from the running community, highlighting her dedication and commitment to achieving her goal. Her story serves as an inspiration to others looking to challenge themselves and reach new heights in their own pursuits. Moving forward, Dower plans to focus on recovery, rest, and enjoying some well-deserved treats like ice cream as she reflects on her remarkable achievement.
