Choose Strong #121 | Tara Dower | A Star
13 snips
Nov 9, 2025 Tara Dower, an ultra runner and thru-hiker, shares her adventurous journey in the world of endurance sports. Fresh from her record-breaking Javelina 100, she discusses her transformation from a soccer-playing youth to an elite runner influenced by a documentary on the Appalachian Trail. Tara reveals her struggles with anxiety and the lessons learned from her first DNF at Mammoth. She also offers insights into trail culture, nutrition mishaps, and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the joy found in every mile.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From A Documentary To A Life-Changing Hike
- Tara watched a documentary about the Appalachian Trail in college and decided to thru-hike after graduating.
- Her first attempt in 2017 ended after eight days with a panic attack that taught her about anxiety and priorities.
Stay In The Mile You’re In
- Tara learned grounding techniques and shifted focus from finishing to living each moment on trail.
- She now applies the same moment-by-moment approach to pacing and mental management in races.
2019 Thru-Hike Defined Her Path
- Tara completed the Appalachian Trail in 2019 in five months and ten days after addressing anxiety and returning better prepared.
- She calls that thru-hike a peak life experience that unlocked her future direction.