Dodging Death on the CDT, Crewing Tara Dower's AT FKT, and Triple Crowning with Megan "Rascal" Wilmarth (BPR #353)

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are 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 Tara Dower’s supported southbound FKT on the AT in 2024. 

In this one, Rascal walks us through what it actually takes to crew a 40-day record attempt, how a near-death situation in the San Juans changed the way she thinks about approaching the backcountry, what goes into a 109-mile push through the Wyoming Basin, and the gear, mindset, and mile-eating habits she's refined across thousands of miles on trail. This one is just a good old fashioned hiker trash chat we think you’ll enjoy. 

We wrap the show with the 411 that Trail Correspondents is coming this week, news of a hiker rescue on the AT, what gear lasted the full length of Peg Leg's 10K mile year, whether we'd rather get a million guaranteed or flip a coin for a billion, the triple crown of Jim Carrey movies, and reminiscing about movies with leeches.

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Gossamer Gear: Use code "backpackerradio" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. 

Shady Rays: Use code “TREK” for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com.

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Interview with Megan “Rascal” Wilmarth

• Megan's Instagram
• Megan on Hiker Trash Radio

Time stamps & Questions

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

00:08:52 - Introducing Rascal

00:12:29 - Give us a specific example of childhood mischievousness

00:13:55 - Discussion about ADHD and why backpacking works well for neurodivergent people

00:15:47 - How did you get into hiking? What put the AT on your radar?

00:19:50 - Do you remember a specific moment where the lightbulb went on?

00:22:24 - Discussion about shedding your old life/identity after the AT

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 does a week look like for Tara training-wise?

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

00:32:50 - What are your favorite day hikes in Durango?

00:35:47 - How did you get so dialed in, gear-wise?

00:39:05 - Do you have tips on do's and don'ts for someone accumulating gear for a thru-hike?

00:46:41 - Discussion about Rascal's AT hitch gone wrong in Maine

00:49:31 - What are the red flags that trigger you not getting in a car?

00:50:41 - Any other standout stories from the AT?

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

00:55:02 - Tell us about hiking the JMT

00:58:59 - Discussion about the Half Dome cables experience

01:02:17 - You set the intention to do the PCT after the JMT — did that happen?

01:07:30 - Discussion about tracking stats

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

01:12:50 - Tell us about the rescue you almost needed in the San Juans

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

01:27:32 - Discussion about the 109-mile push through the Wyoming Basin in 38 hours

01:31:00 - Had you done any ultras by this point leading up to the CDT?

01:33:31 - Do you have any non-obvious tips for pulling a big mile day?

01:36:11 - Discussion about getting giardia on the CDT

01:41:25 - Fuck, Marry, Kill: AT, PCT, CDT

01:43:10 - Discussion about the Te Araroa

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

01:48:37 - At what point did your world collide again with Tara for her AT FKT?

02:00:01 - How exhausting is crewing compared to your own thru-hike?

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

02:06:17 - Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into running after thru-hiking?

02:08:52 - What do you look for in a running vest?

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

02:10:25 - Stay Salty Question: What's your hottest take in the world of backpacking/trail running?

Segments

Trek Propaganda:

• Injured Hiker Rescued After Two Days on the Appalachian Trail by Katie Jackson
• The Gear That Lasted Me 10,000 Miles in 1 Year by Peg Leg

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

Triple Crown of Jim Carey movies

Mail Bag 

5 Star Review

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