In Part One of our Colorado Trail Prep Series, we chat with professional ultramarathoner, record breaker, and thru-hiker Tara Dower. Inspired by her Appalachian Trail thru-hike, she has dedicated herself to spending as much time in the wilderness as possible. On August 1, 2023, Tara broke the Colorado Trail women’s supported fastest known time (FKT) with an unofficial time of 8 days, 21 hours, and 59 minutes. The previous record, set by Betsy Kalmeyer twenty years ago in 2003, was 9 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes. In the episode, Tara gives Dyana some sage advice for taking on the Colorado Trail, as well as tips for anyone looking to get into running.

Follow Tara Dower on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tara.dower/
Follow Tara Dower on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@taratreks
Follow ChumpChangeFKT on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chumpchangefkt/

0:00 - Intro & Dyana’s Big announcement

2:11 - What is the Colorado Trail?

5:20 - Tara Dower and her competitive spirit

13:49 - Training for an Ultramarathon

18:46 - Advice for amateur runners and letting go of intimidation

27:50 - Dealing with Anxiety on the Appalachian Trail

35:29 - What makes the CT so special?

36:53 - How Tara tackled a CT FKT

50:21 - Favorite section of the CT, best moment and thunderstorms

1:05:51 - Goals for the hiking community & switching the narrative

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
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• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana cover current headlining stories about Mount Everest, including new world records and the mountain's biggest mission of all. They also delve into the history that made this mountain legendary, including the first ascent back in the 1950s.

Mentioned in the episode:
Follow Kami Rita: https://www.instagram.com/kamiritasherpa/?hl=en
Purchase Kami Rita's book: "How to Climb Mount Everest"
Read more about Purnima Shrestha:
https://gripped.com/news/purnima-shrestha-is-first-woman-up-everest-thrice-in-a-season/
Follow Devon Levesque:
www.instagram.com/devonlevesque/?hl=en
Read more about Retrieving Bodies from the Mountain:
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/everest/mount-everest-dead-bodies-2024/?scope=anon

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana discuss the recently published 2024 list of the world's most breathtaking hikes. They embark on a virtual journey, exploring the rugged peaks of Alaska's majestic mountains, the vast and mysterious deserts of Egypt, the lush and vibrant wetlands of Florida, and the dramatic cliffsides of Bhutan. The duo offers insightful commentary on each location, breaking down what makes these hikes unique. They share personal anecdotes, highlight key features of each trail, and ultimately reveal their top picks from the list.

More on the Carson City to Canada Quest
visitcarsoncity.com/carson-city-to-canada-quest

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman