2024 Appalachian Trail Announcement 🥾

[@campbub]

Congratulations Tara! You did it 🫡

[@seekingotheropportunities2280]

I’m happy with 53 miles in a week 😃

[@scotbotvideos]

I know, right! 🤒

[@BullfrogHikes]

Wow, this is a mammoth undertaking! We're all rooting for you! And the rest of class 2024 💪🏃🏞️

[@TiggerTreks]

You can do it!! I’ll be pulling for you. Meanwhile I’ll probably be setting the SKT on the Appalachian Trail going NOBO 2024 😂 Can’t wait!!

[@trailrunningforlife]

You did it! Amazing dedication and grit. Kudos having set your intent here before starting the challenge.🔥

[@Jazmin_Ortega]

GAHHH so excited for you! So many good things are coming your way and you deserve it all! With any luck, I may even run into you if I'm able to get back on trail this year. Had to cut short my thruhike last year and I'm getting back on to finish Virginia and keep heading north. Good luck Candy Mama!

[@taratreks]

Thanks so much J!!! Appreciate you 🫶

[@markviers998]

Awesome! Can't wait to see you break the current record. Living here in Lynchburg David H and his races are well known and it's always amazing to see everyone that comes to do the various races. I'm sure he'll be rooting for you along with all of us.

[@taratreks]

thanks mama

[@martinoutside]

I’m excited for you, can’t wait to follow your training and prep

[@matjobin]

This is fantastic! Excited for you and rooting for you! You got this! ⛰️💪

[@Wondering_Fireball]

You go girl! Me support is always with you and the Shiriff. I love yall both. You for challenging your self and him for his service he is doing for our country.

[@EnglishmanJustWalking]

Wow. I’ll definitely be watching. I completed my thru hike 14-Aug-23 and I think about it every day, so I understand the draw Any positive vibes I can give; you have them all…

[@taratreks]

Yes! We can’t seem to get enough of the AT. Thanks!

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

This will be amazing. Can't wait to follow along, thanks for vlogging it when you do. 😊

[@TravelingOutsideTheBaatz]

That is amazing. Good for you. I am glad we met you in 2019 because, I would never have been able to keep up with you and say hello. 🎉

[@gardenstatehikes]

so excited for you!!! gonna be rooting for you. you can do it!! youve been training so hard. love following all of your runs and hikes!!

[@jonathanwalker5233]

CONGRATULATIONS!! Can’t wait to hear the details on how you pulled this off! I’m doing this in 2026 with hip dysplasia!

[@betsybarbera9806]

Very Exciting!! Looking forward to this journey. (BTW - I also completed my AT thru hike in 5 months, 10 days) huh! I can't imagine doing what you are attempting. Best wishes for success!

[@taratreks]

Thank you :)

[@michellesharpe6159]

Amazing!!! Can't wait to hear what it'll look like. If there's opportunity for folks to join for a section let us know. You're an inspiration!

[@ReboundontheAT]

Wow. I'm so excited for you. I didn't know anything about FKT's until I read JPD's book, and I was fascinated. I can't even wrap my head around how exhausting doing something like that must be! My questions: When did you first become interested in 'trail running' and FKT's? Were you a runner before you thru-hiked the AT? What is your biggest fear/worry about your upcoming FKT? Which section do you anticipate will be your most difficult? YOU GO, GIRL! I hope our paths cross, and I'll give you a 'HIGH FIVE' as we pass each other! ...and I'll look forward to watch the 'replay' when I get back home. 🙂

[@lynnmccoig5487]

You rock. We are behind you, watching on the sofa

[@maxkotlarchyk4242]

Saw that you actually accomplished this goal. Jaw dropping accomplishment. After falling in love with trail running I have recently started dabbling in mountain races. Just did the kismet which was a half marathon up cathedral ledge in New Hampshire. Excited for vulcan fury next week. I love hopping on the AT when I’m in the Berkshires for short section runs. The top of the AT is absolutely gorgeous with Kathadin and Baxter state park (acadia near by). Thank you for inspiring me to build even more. Perhaps some ultras in my future.

[@wildflowersadventures]

I’m so excited for you!! Go Tara!! You’ve got this FKT!!! 😂💙🙏🏼 We’ll wave and cheer as you blow past us on our NOBO

[@Fortuneadventures]

Wow you get it!!! I believe you can do it!! I'm also doing the AT this year starting in about 7 days nobo...and not in 41 days lol

[@taratreks]

Enjoy your journey!

[@Woodthrush]

Yay! Go Tara Go! So happy for you! Happy FKT Trails! 🌄

[@forklifthikes]

I’m so excited for you! I can tell this is close to your heart! You’ve got this! When is your start date? What is your plan for showers/laundry? Will you be doing everything along the trail or still going to town?

[@susietopspin]

So excited Tara. You can totally do this. What an amazing challenge. So am I right in thinking we won’t know you are successful until after you finish or will there be any vlogs along the way. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@taratreks]

No vlogs along the way but I’ll have friends like Rascal posting about it on my instagram to update everyone

[@markgreen6437]

Wow so amazing!!! Can’t wait to watch!!! 🎉

[@AngelOnTheTrail]

I'll be doing an AT NOBO thru hike this year! Good luck and hope to see you on the trail!

[@taratreks]

Absolutely! Have an incredible journey on the AT🤘

[@PatrickNoonan]

Best of luck! I was also out on the AT in 2019. Heading back out in 2025.

[@hikingflyfisherman2521]

You're an amazing trail runner. I believe you will be great . The trail is calling.

[@pawpawmike7372]

You got this, Candy Mama. We have faith in you. Be safe, but have fun.

[@taratreks]

Thanks so much

[@KerryRichter-qj9wc]

Watch out for the dust n dirt I'll be coming the other way full steam ahead. I am a bit short on Marathons n stuff, but I can make up for shortages in generous sizing. Good luck, Kezza

[@Amilliondreams87]

heck yeah so stoked for you, I'm excited to see this journey and learn this side of hiking. I wonder if trail magic counts as supported 🤔

[@clm2417]

If anyone can, you can. This will be an exciting version of an AT thru hike. Best of luck❤

[@taratreks]

Thanks Carol!

[@nickparsons558]

Let's freaking goooo! If anyone can knock down the current record, it's you 😊

[@taratreks]

Thanks Tingers!

[@baskets8429]

Sounds awesome!!! All the best

[@JeffsRedemptionChannel]

So glad you got sponsered. Awesome!!

[@myersa31]

This is awesome! Can’t wait to follow along! If you had must do or favorite sections, which would you recommend? Consider covering 30-50 miles in a couple days.

[@carolynkeane8196]

Tony’s Deli, southbound on Route 22, hikers welcome. BEST DELI! Get the Italian Wedge, dressing on the side. You will not be sorry!! there is also a little bed-and-breakfast in Pawling called the station house. I had friends stay there and it was lovely.

[@hikingmovie]

So excited to see you do this. Good luck!

[@UnboundCrow]

Just wanted to say, I love your hair! It looks great. And also look forward to watching you do this! Best of luck!

[@taratreks]

Thank you so much !

[@KevinRStrauss]

Best of luck Tara! I'm a new follower and am enjoying watching your adventures. I see nutrition has posed challenges so, as an Ironman Triathlete & Coach, I wanted to share the great success I've had for 20-years with Hammer Nutrition products. Also, I just posted an injury prevention video on my tiny channel that may be helpful as I'm 23-years injury-free. So excited for you! ☮️❤️🤝

[@taratreks]

Wow! Kevin, thank you! I'll check it out

[@ajf747]

Good luck! Go for it !

[@edfrhes]

I would think your feet would wear out. Hopefully the weather cooperates and you don't have a river that is uncrossable. Unsupported mean no trail magic or groceries delivered? I don't understand the rules. I'll be watching and wish you good luck. 👍💪

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Whoa!!!! 53 miles a day?? That's amazing, best of luck!

[@MudFlap62]

Wow. This should be epic. Cheering for you all the way.

[@KevBoneT]

Looking forward to cheering you on 👏, Will follow. BTW your hair looks great.😊

[@taratreks]

Thanks! I just got it done 😊

[@Garrison-lt6bs]

Doublewide here, you met dirty dawgs and I outside of Leadville I believe?? We took our jackets off and said, “we will never see you again so goodbye” now ur on my KZbin front page. Wanted to say congratulations on the CT. We heard about it as we were still on trail. Cya out there, you got this.

[@taratreks]

Hey!!! Yeah I remember yall. It had just started raining. We were pretty behind on the day at that moment and I believe I was feeling quite anxious. Nice meeting y’all and hope to run into somewhere down the trail again 🤘

[@0zthehikingsailor]

Good luck and have fun. Hopefully to meet you again on the trail. You should check out various military and their natural fitness abilities.

[@taratreks]

Thanks Oz! Will do 😄

[@arielmillaud708]

Best of luck Tara! 🏃‍♀️

[@pinkfeathersliz]

So excited for you to have what is sure to be a life-changing experience❤

[@taratreks]

Liz! thanks so much. I am excited for the challenge and adventure. Looking forward to spending a couple days with you out there too. Thanks for being a great friend and mentor over the years. So thankful for our friendship that began on the AT

[@carolynkeane8196]

Hi! I was a trail angel at Hurds Corner Road in Pawling New York, For about 15 years until I moved. I met so many special people I used to leave 6 gallons of water, fruit, watermelon, a list of places in the area if I ran into them, I would take them to the store if they wanted to or down to the village where they could get a nice burger. I’m going to follow you and maybe we could meet somewhere on the route! A tip from those I met, make sure you have pads for blisters. I met a woman from Western Massachusetts, who was a biologist and her feet were so bad. I let her stay overnight inside my house. I trust her so much I went out to dinner and came back. 41 days is pretty short from what I’ve heard. I’m sure you’ve been checking out other KZbin videos of prior hikers. Good luck and happy trails. I’m gonna send some pictures once I find them.

[@carolynkeane8196]

I just did the math. If you did 27 miles a day 😮for 41 days that’s only 1,107. The AT IS 2,198 miles. That’s a negative balance of 1,091 miles. Most hikers I met were doing about 20 miles a day. Granted it was July when they came through where I lived, but I think you should be more reasonable don’t want you being on the summit while there’s a blizzard.!!

[@sticktheeagle]

I look forward to seeing how you prepare for this!! My questions would be: How many hours of sleep do you expect to get at night? If you fall behind FKT pace will you still finish the trail?

[@billthompson4197]

I can't wait to see you CRUSH this! I have No Doubt (my trail name) that you will do great!!!

[@pleok08]

Thursday, January 25th: wishing you success, actually wishing you good weather and smooth trails!

[@FindingNewPaths]

Best of luck, looking forward to following your journey.

[@taratreks]

Thank you so much screwball!

[@lindak2877]

Like the painting behind you!!!!!

[@AlexM-nl6nx]

I remember Scott jurek was supported as well - had an entire team and multiple vans - a few trail homies better get guthook memorized and ask Janet about those sweet backroads

[@smellslikedirt525]

Hmmmm msy have to make you another GO TARA poster like I placed out in the middle of nowhere as you were finishing up the MST trail. Look forward to your endeavor. C

[@taratreks]

OMG THAT WAS YOU?!?!

[@louislloyd6727]

hiked the AT twice, that's just crazy time

[@marlinweekley51]

This video aged well 😀 Huge accomplishment! Amazing 😊🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@miken7629]

Something you probably don't consider but living on Gulf Coast we always watch. August is right in the middle of hurricane season, any hurricane entering the Gulf of Mexico, targeting Galveston Texas to Florida panhandle, usually turns northeast after landfall and heads straight up the Appalachian Trail turning those mountain trails into waterfalls.

[@taratreks]

good point.. we were married in 2018 during hurricane florence in NC.... it turned out okay but most of our guests didnt come

[@AmericanEnglishBrent]

Well, I wish you the best of luck and hope you can do it. That would be amazing. Ha! Candy Mama. Cool trail name.

[@taratreks]

Thank you 🙌😊

[@repsnotregrets]

That sounds awesome! How do you go about documenting and proving this incredible feat, what route is permitted, and do you have to do every single inch or can parts be "skipped" ? As far as taking different blazes ... I'm new to all this so excuse my lack of knowledge and terminology 😅

[@billtidey]

Stoked to follow along! I hiked the AT in 2017. I wonder if I ran into you along the way?!

[@taratreks]

at the time my trail name was bear tooth

[@slp1522]

She said she would and she did ❤

[@starlighthikes]

Maybe I’ll run into you from the opposite direction, I’m heading NOBO in April. Happy trails!!

[@christopherch7307]

👍🐿👍 your strong. Stay strong. I'm looking forward to hear your successful adventure.

[@katherinenicholas7116]

Congratulations!!

[@chosenscv]

Whoa...awesome! That's badass!

[@chriscon8463]

Wow! Good luck! You’ll do awesome!

[@taratreks]

Fingers crossed!

[@lenaboyer6981]

Congratulations!!!!

[@JulieGayheart]

GO TARA GO!! 🙌🙌🙌Behind You 💯

[@taratreks]

Thanks Jester 🫶🫶

[@Happyadventures8]

Good luck!!! You got this! 🙌 what gear do you plan to bring?

[@jamesadams2334]

Good luck! Hike safe, Hike strong, Have fun! geek

[@karlaschaffner6592]

YOU DID IT!!!

[@Michael-n6f3u]

You’re going to do AWESOME!! Let me know how I can assist in Virginia, all in to see this happen!

[@katahdinorbust2197]

You did it, girl! 👊

[@JasonSnailer]

I wish you the best of luck. You’re gonna crush it get that FKT.

[@barbaratunnell949]

So excited for you, can’t wait to watch your upcoming adventure. I love the shirt your wearing would you mind sharing the brand/where to buy?

[@taratreks]

Tasc !! I bought it from REI. I believe it’s a base layer top by them

[@CanCanHikes]

Awesome! Maybe I’ll see you in The Whites

[@Jan.harvey]

You go Tara!!!

[@KrizAkoni]

This will be epic! Dig deep, be sure you can do it! A sub 40 would be very cool…set the goal… You got this! 🥰

[@taratreks]

Thanks Alpha “cat” 😂😂😂😂 it for sure will be epic

[@KrizAkoni]

@@taratreksYou got this! 🐈

[@BillWoardman1]

hell ya! you’re gonna crush it lmk however i can help!

[@taratreks]

Thanks Bill!

[@miken7629]

Support team is essential so you can only carry essentials, should not need cold weather gear in August, just bug spray. My support team is named "Jackson" and "Franklin", Jackson is on the $20, Franklin is on the $100. Met “Nimblewill Nomad” the oldest AT hiker @83 and he had a support team on his hike that would drive up ahead to trailheads for resupply.

[@taratreks]

He’s an incredible hiker! What a guy

[@brookebixler1040]

*What can us viewers do to help, if anything I’m sure that plenty of us would be down to help you with rides or slack packing, etc!* *Mad love from Vermont*

[@taratreks]

I'd love for people to come out and cheer and if there are any runner to pace me. I'll include your question in my Q&A though.

[@jeremymeyer3590]

And you did it!!!

[@jasonharvell7071]

Very excited for you I believe you can do this and get the record I want to do entire trail I was just talking about it at my work what size pack do you recommend

[@taratreks]

When we thru hiked we used 50L packs

[@TheSafetysheep]

You’re gonna do awesome!

[@rickweiss20]

Go for it!!

[@mattpelofske4632]

Good luck I'm sure it will be rewarding just wondering are you still running the Hard Rock 100 and if so how do you think that will affect your Appalachian Trail start

[@KellyJPatriot]

You did it ... Awesome and praise God

[@graydogtreks]

As a former RAAM rider (cyclis) cut off all the hair. Personal light weight is a magnificent advantage.

[@hanwagu9967]

Get 'er done!!!

[@richardross7219]

I'm afraid that you will hurt yourself. Please be careful. Carry a necklace type survival kit(like I show on my IG). Good Luck, Rick

[@taratreks]

Thanks! If I hurt myself it better be a good story 👍

[@richardross7219]

@@taratreksSome injuries never heal right. I got hurt in the Army in 1977. It almost killed me again last May. When you are very fatigued, you may not think straight and get hurt. Carry a small survival kit in a necklace container in case you get hurt and are stuck someplace isolated. Good Luck, Rick

[@dgmc3650]

Good luck!

[@abwoodone]

BADASS! 💪💪

[@betasequence4885]

If anyone can right now its you, and honestly it would be foolish if I were you NOT to do it :) You are a superb hiker and you love it, so do it :)

[@Adamnealvelez]

Pumped for you!

[@MrTitanTopper]

LFG!! 👍🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@taratreks]

🤘🤘🤘🎉

[@kenboyd982]

Good morning Tara, I would be far more impressed if your hike was at a normal pace that would allow you to absorb the natural beauty and history of the AT and share in a blog weekly or daily with those who cannot or would not hike the AT. That would be a record to boost about.

[@tammyuren3785]

She has already done the AT in sections and through hicked it. I’m sure she has seen the glory, beauty and hard work that the different clubs have done to maintain the trail. She now has set a different goal for herself maybe not what you would do but I’m sure she wouldn’t judge you and your plan please don’t judge her. Everyone does their own thing and hikers should support each other

[@taratreks]

Tammy, thanks! I'd agree with your comment. Many people have this view of FKTs and don't see the value in them. Have done plenty of thru hiking at a "normal pace" and FKTs at a quicker pace I can say both adventures are valuable in their own way. Also on FKTs you don't normally go faster than a 4mph pace which is just 2 miles faster than most backpackers. The name of the game is spending LONG hours on trail. 14-20 hours of hiking. Ken, I have vlogged my entire thru hike from 2019 and you can watch that on my channel. It's towards the beginning of when I began making videos.