If you’ve not heard of Tara Dower before, you should have – she’s a legend of human athletics.
Also known as “Candy Mama,” Dower recently achieved one of the most impressive feats in history. Dower, 31, finished the Appalachian Trail in exactly 40 days, 18 hours and six minutes – faster than anyone, man or woman, ever had before.
As of September 21, 2024, Tara is now the holder of the Appalachian Trail’s fastest known time (FKT). Additionally, the ultra runner is only the second woman to finish the A.T. in 50 days or less. Dower takes the esteemed all-time record from Belgian-runner Karel Sabbe. Furthermore, a female has not held this honor since Jennifer Pharr Davis in 2015.
A hike greater than 2,000 miles, the Appalachian Trail has territory in 14 different U.S. states. Dower completed her 40-day trek from north to south, expeditiously weaving her way from Maine to Georgia.
Less than a month after making trail history, Candy Mama got off her feet for a half-hour to chat with Playboy’s Gabriel Santiago on her upbringing, origin with running, work with nonprofits, Appalachian Trail challenges, the record-breaking daily schedule and more.
Playboy: Tell me about your childhood. Where did you grow up and what was that like?
Tara Dower: I grew up in Wake Forest, North Carolina. My childhood was pretty typical. I have my two parents: Debbie and Tom. Also, my brother Derek. He’s about three years older than I am. Wake Forest is more hustle and bustle these days since Raleigh expanded outward, but when we moved there in 1999, it was relatively rural. There’s a lot of trails around, like Falls Lake. We found ourselves hiking and camping a lot. I was playing a lot outside, and being the younger sister of an older brother, that posed some challenges. I always wanted to be involved.
Playboy: What’s your origin story with running?
Tara Dower: I played soccer growing up. No one else on my team wanted to play midfield, so I was quickly thrust into that position. That turned out to be good because that spot has so much endurance involved. Midfielders are always running back to help and defense and then up again to help the forwards. You have to have good endurance. From there, I ran track in middle school. I did the mile and my mom was like, “Oh my god, Tara found her gift.” Eventually, I ran cross country in high school and excelled at that.
Playboy: When it came time for college, what went into your decision to attend East Carolina University?
Tara Dower: My parents encouraged me to go to school like any parent does, so getting into college was the next step. I got into a few schools and ECU was one of the better. That’s really what it came down to. I’m glad I went there. I met a lot of people. I’m very thankful for that.
Playboy: At what age would you say that you became an ultra runner?
Tara Dower: 25 or 26. When I went to college, I watched a documentary by National Geographic on the Appalachian Trail and it became a goal of mine. I didn’t have a career that I wanted to get into. The thing I wanted to do after college was to hike the Appalachian Trail. I thought that might help me discover more about what I wanted to do with my life.
Playboy: How did your first time taking on the Appalachian Trail go?
Tara Dower: My first attempt at the 2,189-mile journey was in 2017. I had a panic attack and realized I had a lot of anxiety. It was really hard to deal with that. I had to get off the trail. I was having chest pains and migraines. In 2019, I came back to the Appalachian Trail with a new mindset. It wasn’t just about being a thru-hiker but more about taking in the experience, community and culture along the way. From there, I went out and hiked it in five months. I made a lot of friends. That’s where I met Megan ‘Rascal’ Wilmarth, my crew chief on this latest FKT. That really started my trail career.
Playboy: Living in Virginia, you have access to some of the world’s best trails. Other than the Appalachian, what are some of your favorites?
Tara Dower: I’m in Colorado right now and these trails are pretty incredible. I set the FKT on the Colorado Trail last year. These trails are comparatively easier. It’s more single track, dirt and elevation. There’s also a lot more reward in these trails in CO. With the Appalachian, there often aren’t good views on the peaks. In the Rockies, you hike to the top of a mountain and you have the most incredible views. Overall, anywhere in the San Juan Mountains is probably my favorite.
Playboy: How did your trail name “Candy Mama” originate?
Tara Dower: I ate a lot of candy on trail, so much so that I came back with a few cavities after that first completion trip on the Appalachian Trail. Also I “mom’d” everyone. I’ve gotten better with that. I had big mom energy, like making sure everyone was eating and healthy.
Playboy: Tell me about “Girls on the Run International.”
Tara Dower: Girls on the Run is a non-profit that has programs for young girls to teach them about mental, physical and emotional skills. It not only teaches them about running, but also having confidence in life, especially when it comes to entering womanhood which is often nerve-racking. They were a natural group for me to partner with because my big goal over the Appalachian Trail FKT was to inspire women to go for those tough goals.
Playboy: What’s your preferred footwear when hiking these exorbitant distances?
Tara Dower: I’m sponsored by Altra and I love their zero-drop shoes. The “Olympus” by Altra is my preferred choice. It’s a beefy shoe with a lot of cushion. Oftentimes on the Appalachian, it’s very rocky and rooty. That extra cushion works well to support your foot, knees, ankles and hips.
Playboy: Not only have you completed the A.T. in history’s FKT, but you’re just the second woman to do it in less than 50 days. What does that mean to you?
Tara Dower: With distance events, at a certain point, the competitive gap between men and women shrinks. It becomes much more equal. I knew a woman could take back the Appalachian Trail FKT. I didn’t know if I’d be the one to do it, but when it finally happened, it was sort of unbelievable when I finished. Never in my life did I think this was possible. And honestly, it wasn’t possible without my crew who supported me. I owe them a lot for helping me on this latest FKT. It’s been overwhelming and exciting. Especially for the fact that it puts more eyes on women’s endurance running. I’m excited that I’m able to be another positive example like Jennifer Pharr Davis.
Playboy: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey/process?
Tara Dower: Inspiring other women and girls. It’s been really rewarding. I’ve benefited a lot from women role models, myself, so to be that for someone else is both rewarding and eye-opening.
Playboy: On your Appalachian Trail FKT, what did “a day in the life of Candy Mama” look like?
Tara Dower: I’d wake up at 3 a.m. either in a van or a tent. My crew chief, Rascal, would hand feed me breakfast. I’d prepare my feet, slapping tape on any blisters. Next, I throw my socks and shoes on, which takes a long time. The feet are the most painful part of this process. Then, I warm up by doing some leg swings. I’d get moving by 3:30 a.m. either with a pacer or by myself. I have many Rice Krispies Treats and protein shakes along the way to eat about 300 calories per hour. I was hiking about 17.5 hours per day at about three miles per hour. It evens out with all the climbing. I’d see my crew around six times a day. They’d help feed me while on the move. There’s actually a lot you can do while walking. I would have to stop to change my socks and shoes once a day, though. You want those to stay as dry as possible. At night, I would see my crew where Rascal and lead pacer J.P. Giblin would set up camp. After stopping for the day, I stretch for seven minutes. Next, I take off my shoes and clean off my feet, doctoring and drying any blisters and sores. After that, we have dinner, a protein shake and ice cream before laying down. I’d sleep five hours a night, then I’d get up and do it all over again.
For more stories about great feats, check out Kellie Gerardi’s tale of life among the stars.