Dodging death on the CDT, crewing Tara Dower’s AT FKT, and triple coronation with Megan «Rascal» Wilmarth (BPR #353)

On today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, presented by LMNT, we’re joined by Megan “Rascal” Wilmarth, a triple crowner who has completed a long trail every year since 2019, including the triple crown, TA, Long Trail, JMT, Tahoe Rim Trail, and Wonderland Trail. Rascal also served as crew chief for the southbound FKT supported by Tara Dower on the AT in 2024.

In it, Rascal walks us through what it really takes to crew a 40-day record attempt, how a near-death situation in San Juan changed his thinking about tackling the course, which involves a 109-mile trek across the Wyoming Basin, and the equipment, mindset, and eating habits he’s honed over thousands of miles along the way. This is just some good old-fashioned hiker trash chat that we think you’ll enjoy.

We end the show with the 411 that Trail Correspondents are coming this week, news about a hiker’s rescue on the AT, which gear lasted all of Peg Leg’s 10,000-mile year, whether we’d rather get a guaranteed million or flip a coin for a billion, the triple crown of Jim Carrey movies, and remembering movies with leeches.

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Interview with Megan “Rascal” Wilmarth

Timestamps and questions

00:04:56 – Reminders: Listen to Season 5 of Trail Correspondents, suggest a guest for the podcastand listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:08:52 – Introducing Rascal

00:12:29 – Give us a specific example of childish mischief.

00:13:55 – Discussion on ADHD and why backpacking works well for neurodivergent people

00:15:47 – How did you start hiking? What put AT on your radar?

00:19:50 – Do you remember a specific moment when the light bulb went on?

00:22:24 – Discussion about getting rid of your old life/identity after the OT

00:24:23 – How quickly did you find your trail family on the AT?

00:25:47 – At what point did Tara surpass you in speed?

00:29:53 – What is a week like for Tara in terms of training?

00:31:22 – What is your overall goal with hiking every year since 2019?

00:32:50 – What are your favorite day trips in Durango?

00:35:47 – How did you get so marked when it comes to gears?

00:39:05 – Do you have any advice on what to do and what not to do for someone who is stockpiling gear for a hike?

00:46:41 – Discussion about Rascal’s AT hitch gone wrong in Maine

00:49:31 – What are the warning signs that prevent you from getting into a car?

00:50:41 – Any other notable stories from the OT?

00:51:27 – What brought you to the Long Trail after the AT?

00:55:02 – Tell us about the JMT hike

00:58:59 – Discussion on the experience of Half Dome cables

01:02:17 – You set the intention to do the PCT after the JMT. Did that happen?

01:07:30 – Discussion on tracking statistics

01:09:30 – What alternatives did you take on the CDT to increase your mileage?

01:12:50 – Tell us about the rescue you almost needed in San Juan

01:21:49 – Discussion about reconnecting with your trail family

01:27:32 – Discussion on advancing 109 miles across the Wyoming Basin in 38 hours

01:31:00 – Had you done any ultras at this point prior to the CDT?

01:33:31 – Do you have any non-obvious tips for making a day of big miles?

01:36:11 – Discussion on including giardia in the CDT

01:41:25 – Fuck, marry, kill: AT, PCT, CDT

01:43:10 – Discussion on Te Araroa

01:47:10 – Tell us about Tahoe Rim Trail and Wonderland Trail

01:48:37 – At what point did your world collide again with Tara because of her AT FKT?

02:00:01 – How exhausting is being part of a crew compared to your own hike?

02:01:32 – Is there any part of you that wants recognition?

02:06:17 – Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start running after hiking?

02:08:52 – What are you looking for in a running vest?

02:09:40 – What’s next for you trail-wise?

02:10:25 – Stay Salty Question: What is your best vision of the world of backpacking/trail running?

Segments

Propaganda Clues:

QOTD: Would you rather be guaranteed a million or flip a coin for a billion?

Triple Crown of Jim Carey films

mail bag

5 star review

Check out our sound technician. @mi_chico_pauly/ and your coffee.

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