The greatest endurance feat ever? Woman runs 3,500-km mountain trail in record time
Endurance runner Tara Dower recently made history by breaking one of the toughest records in the world of sports. She conquered the Appalachian Trail (AT), the longest hiking-only path spanning 3,535 kilometers from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, in an astonishing time of 40 days, 18 hours, and six minutes. This impressive feat shattered the previous record set by Belgian runner Karel Sabbe in 2018 by 13 hours.
Dower’s remarkable achievement on the AT, a trail that only a handful of individuals have completed in 50 days or less, was not without its challenges. Despite the accolades she has received, the 31-year-old from Virginia Beach credits her support team, including her mother, for helping her push through the grueling journey. Dower recalls tough days filled with rain, steep mountains, and rocky terrain that left her with painful sores and hallucinations.
Running more than 90 kilometers each day for nearly six weeks, Dower’s physical and mental strength were put to the test. Her resilience and determination were evident as she navigated through 14 U.S. states, overcoming not only physical exhaustion but also mental hurdles. Dower’s first attempt at the AT in 2017 ended abruptly due to a panic attack, highlighting the mental fortitude required for such an extreme endurance challenge.
Dr. Sasha Gollish, an elite Canadian runner and high-performance coach, commended Dower’s mental toughness, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in long-distance races. Hannah Spence, a Welsh-Canadian duathlete and coach, also emphasized the significance of mental training in endurance sports, noting that individuals like Dower have honed their mental strength to perfection.
Dower’s mental routine, which includes a mantra of “It never always gets worse,” helped her push through the toughest moments on the trail. This positive mindset, combined with strategic mental tactics, allowed her to stay focused and determined throughout the 40-day journey. Dower’s consistent running hours and strategic approach to pacing herself set her apart from other competitors, showcasing her ability to endure long hours on the trail.
Furthermore, research suggests that females may have a competitive edge in extreme endurance sports, as they are often more mentally fatigue resistant. Women, who have endured physical challenges throughout history, possess a refined mental toughness that can be advantageous in endurance events. Dower’s fundraising efforts for Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization empowering young girls through running, further exemplify her commitment to inspiring future generations of female athletes.
In conclusion, Tara Dower’s record-breaking run on the Appalachian Trail is a testament to her exceptional physical and mental strength. Her journey serves as a source of inspiration for athletes and non-athletes alike, highlighting the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.
