In this conversation, Tara Dower shares her experiences as an ultra runner and her journey to setting the FKT on the Appalachian Trail. She discusses the emotional challenges of post-trail depression, the importance of crew dynamics, and the lessons learned from her previous failed attempt at the trail. Tara emphasizes the significance of nutrition and planning in achieving FKTs, and how her supportive crew played a crucial role in her success. The conversation also touches on mental health, overcoming panic attacks, and the importance of teamwork in endurance sports. In this conversation, Tara Dower shares her experiences preparing for and completing the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail. She discusses the meticulous planning involved, the balance between training for the Hard Rock race and the FKT, and the importance of having a supportive crew. Tara emphasizes the evolution of FKT training, the significance of sharing knowledge within the community, and her passion for documenting her adventures through vlogging. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in making outdoor experiences more accessible and the joy of creating content on platforms like YouTube. Tara reflects on the mindset needed to tackle big challenges and shares her aspirations for future FKTs, particularly on the Long Trail.

takeaways

• Post-trail depression can be a significant challenge after achieving a major goal.
• Having a supportive crew is essential for success in FKTs.
• Nutrition plays a critical role in endurance events.
• Experiencing failure can lead to personal growth and understanding.
• Mental health issues can manifest physically during intense activities.
• Planning and preparation are key to tackling long-distance trails.
• The journey is as important as the destination in trail running.
• Team dynamics can enhance performance and morale during FKTs.
• Setting smaller goals can help manage anxiety during long challenges.
• The Appalachian Trail is a massive undertaking that requires careful strategy. Preparation is key for a successful FKT attempt.
• Balancing multiple training goals can enhance performance.
• Viewing challenges from a positive perspective can aid in success.
• The evolution of FKT training includes running efficiency.
• Learning from others' experiences is invaluable.
• Sharing knowledge can inspire future adventurers.
• Documenting experiences through vlogging adds value to the journey.
• Social media can make outdoor experiences more accessible.
• Creating content should be enjoyable and fulfilling.
• Embracing failure is part of personal growth and adventure.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tara Dower's Achievements

05:55 The Journey to the Appalachian Trail FKT

11:51 Lessons from Failure: The 2017 Attempt

18:07 The Importance of Crew Dynamics

23:48 Planning for the FKT: The Trail Bible

30:08 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Goals

38:08 The Evolution of FKT Training

46:20 The Role of Social Media in Outdoor Experiences

54:51 Mindset for Tackling Big Challenges

Frank Gielen, a member of the champion Belgium team in the Backyard Ultra World Team Championship and owner of the Backyard world record joins the podcast. Frank shares his journey into ultra running, the strategies he employs during races, and the importance of teamwork and mental resilience. He discusses the challenges of managing sleep and nutrition, the phenomenon of hallucinations during long races, and the camaraderie among competitors. The conversation culminates in reflections on breaking records and the future of backyard ultra racing. In this conversation, Frank The Tank shares his insights on nutrition, training, and mental strategies for endurance events, particularly backyard ultras. He emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, the role of a supportive crew, and the need for a structured plan focused on endurance. Frank also discusses the significance of mindset in overcoming challenges and achieving personal goals, while looking forward to future races and challenges.

Follow Frank Gielen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankdetank_ultraloper/

takeaways

Always nervous for such kind of events.

The less goals you have, the less stress you have.

I learned to appreciate the format more and more.

You help yourself also by helping each other.

The nights are the hardest part of it.

I make sure I have my dose of hallucinations.

We chose to stop together after we break the world record.

I still have the bladder of a 90 year old.

I was always happy to do one more.

Team dynamics are crucial in endurance racing. Portion control is key for endurance nutrition.

Easy digestible foods are preferred in the early hours.

Crew support is crucial for success in endurance events.

Training should focus on endurance with a mix of surfaces.

Mindset can significantly impact performance and recovery.

It's important to learn from past experiences and mistakes.

Fast laps allow for better rest and nutrition intake.

A strong crew can help push you through tough moments.

Training mileage can vary; quality over quantity is essential.

Believing in oneself can help break mental barriers.

Sound Bites

"The less goals you have, the less stress you have."

"I learned to appreciate the format more and more."

"You help yourself also by helping each other."

"I was always happy to do one more."

"The nights are the hardest part of it."

"I make sure I have my dose of hallucinations."

"I see dinosaurs now!"

"We are friends, stopping together."

"I still have the bladder of a 90 year old."

"Every backyard you learn something new."

"You don't need to be as fast as others to succeed."

"Gerald is worth gold. He's a really true friend."

"I focus on endurance, about a 100K a week."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Backyard Ultra Racing

02:58 Frank's Journey into Ultra Running

05:47 Team Dynamics and Strategies in Backyard Ultras

09:12 Personal Strategies for Endurance Racing

11:59 Managing Sleep and Nutrition During Races

15:01 Hallucinations and Mental Challenges in Long Races

18:02 The Experience of Breaking Records Together

20:50 Post-Race Recovery and Reflections

23:59 The Future of Backyard Ultra Championships

34:34 Nutrition Strategies for Endurance Events

41:05 The Importance of Crew Support

42:42 Training Structure and Endurance Focus

49:23 Peak Training Weeks and Race Preparation

56:43 Mindset and Mental Strategies for Success

01:03:23 Future Goals and Upcoming Challenges

In this episode, Jeff Garmire discusses the complexities and challenges of pursuing Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in ultra running, the current trends in the sport, and the upcoming award season. He delves into the intricacies of voting for awards, the importance of training philosophy, and the need for specificity in training for races. Jeff also shares insights on building speed and endurance, and looks ahead to future episodes with notable guests.

takeaways

FKTs require meticulous logistics and mental preparation.

The Arizona Trail is seeing a surge in record attempts.

Award season brings attention to various achievements in ultra running.

Voting for awards can be biased and complex.

Off-season is a time for athletes to focus on speed and recovery.

Building speed is essential for improving overall performance.

Specificity in training is crucial for race success.

Nutrition plays a key role in recovery after long runs.

Future episodes will feature top coaches and athletes.

Engagement with the audience is encouraged for future questions.

Sound Bites

"It's interesting how it goes in waves."

"Nick is doing the FKT. He knows what he's doing."

"The more you eat, the more you recover."

"I have some huge guests coming on."

"Stay elite, my friends."

Chapters

00:00 The Challenge of FKTs

02:53 Current Trends in Ultra Running

05:52 Award Season in Ultra Running

08:48 The Complexity of Voting in Awards

12:14 Training Philosophy and Off-Season Strategies

17:57 Building Speed and Endurance

23:55 Specificity in Training for Races

26:46 Looking Ahead: Future Guests and Questions