Tara Dower's Epic Appalachian Trail FKT: A Crew Perspective

Last month, Tara Dower achieved a monumental fastest-known time on the Appalachian Trail. In a follow-up interview, she emphasized the importance of teamwork in this accomplishment. To delve deeper into that aspect, Tara's Crew Chief - Rascal, joined Finn Melanson on the Singletrack Podcast to talk about this aspect.
In our conversation, we explore the learning curve of supporting multi-week efforts, the physical and emotional challenges involved, and what a typical crew stop and pacing section entailed. We also discuss various logistical considerations and Rascal's advice for future crew teams taking on this ambitious project, along with other insightful topics!
Timestamps:
(0:47) - Rascal's thru-hiking and crewing background
(4:16) - the learning curve to crewing this FKT attempt
(11:27) - mental aspects of crewing
(17:57) - criticism of the style
(21:37) - what crew stop execution looked like
(29:42) - how taxing this was on the crew
(37:45) - miscellaneous logistical considerations
(46:14) - future storytelling about this achievement
(49:43) - advice to future crew teams, next steps for Rascal
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[@runsingletrack]

Hope you enjoy this one! On these multi-week efforts, the importance of crew is exponentially heightened. Rascal is one of the best in the game at what she does.

[@John-se5vc]

Rascal, Tara is not the only person who learned a lot of lessons, AND not the only person who accomplished great things. I expect to see you in high demand based on your huge success in this endeavor. You also point to others who were absolutely indispensable in the project. You are a great lady!

[@smoketownjane]

Rascal is so cool, what a great friend. Thanks for a great interview, so interesting. What a great feat for Chump Change, Tara is amazing

[@MrJom139]

Amazing interview. Great questions and presence from Finn and mad respect for Rascal (I've got a bit of a crush) who seems genuinely talented and forthright. Thanks for the conversation. And congrats Tara! What a cruiser!

[@ultracrewhub]

These are the golden conversation's. Thanks Rascal and Finn for bringing to light what the AT is all about from this perspective! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@doodlebug1820]

This sport is amazing

[@monique6604]

Thank you Finn, another great listen. Great job of the whole team and really cool to hear Rascal about the whole project. keep them coming!

[@jriddle599]

Fantastic interview as usual!

[@The_MidwestMisfit]

All day, Everyday. That’s what it takes, from all of them. It’s amazing!!!

[@PaDutchRunner]

I still can’t get over all of this! Chumpchange, let’s go for the CDT!

[@WalkingwithWendy]

Congrats to ALL of you! Amazing! 🤩

[@stevebabler7845]

I think Rascal is one hell of a coach and crew chief and would probably have a heck of a future doing it professionally if she wanted to.

[@HikeMichigan]

Fascinating!

[@KrizAkoni]

Really good interview and great set of questions! I think people really underestimate the importance of the crew and how difficult it was to keep everything moving very smoothly. Amazing effort and even more amazing crew making it happen behind the scenes. 💕

[@Brooksimus]

Loved this perspective.

[@andyranaway]

❤❤❤

[@dansouth2088]

♥♥♥

[@shivd3]

Great video with interesting perspective! Thank you for share. What is "run highlands"? Is this Mt Rogers area -- only heard of Grayson wrt "highlands" in VA...

[@TylerGarmanp]

I wondered about this as well. I thought maybe she said Roan Mountains on the TN, NC border, not VA probably just some brain fog :)

[@Vermont53]

Roan Highlands

[@uloutdoors]

Please bring Katharina Hartmuth on the pod!🙏