On August 5, 2008, uber ultra-runner Karl Meltzer set off on the biggest race of his life. His challenge: to run the entire length of the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail in less than 47 days. Definitely daunting. Absolutely grueling. Probably insane. But when he does it, he’ll rule the AT as the guy who conquered it, all of it, the fastest on two feet. This is going to be Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Self, Man vs. Clock – and it’s going to be good.
19.9 miles left. That's all.
Submitted by Marit Fischer on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 22:22
Karl and Billy spent a few minutes refueling at Woody Gap and hit the trail again at 9:15. They have 11.8 miles to go to Hightower Gap. That's 19.9 miles left to Springer. Seriously. 19.9 miles. That. Is. All. Many of you have written that you don't know what you're going to do when this is over. I'm with you, friends. It's been a fun ride. It's been a roller coaster, for sure, with some serious ups and downs and twists and loops. But I love roller coasters and this has been the best one I've ever been on. I know already that I'm going to have a severe case of PWKD – Post Where's Karl Depression – when tomorrow comes and Karl is not out there running anymore. The last day I was on the trail with Karl we talked about his posting about his experience on this site. He is planning on it. It may be a few days, but he is looking forward to sharing his thoughts on the journey once he has had a bit of time to rest and process it all. More on his progress to Springer soon. Please stand by.
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Comments
Veni, vidi, vici
I hadn't commented on this blog before but my wife and I have been watching daily since before your run started.
Congrats Karl, you have inspired us to get serious about planning our own AT experience and though we won't be striving for records, we'll have the memories.
As someone said before, rest up and spend some time reflecting. I look forward to your comments about the trail and curious to hear when/if you might give it another shot. :)
- The Smiths
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Karl. Enjoy a well deserved end of trail celebration and a good long rest. And a big thanks to you, Marit, for keeping us all up to date.
Don in Texas
P.S I will not be staying up to see any more updates.
82 miles at the end of a 2170+ mile adventure
Well, I guess this will be my last comment on this website, since when I wake up tomorrow morning, you will have summitted Springer Mountain! I just have to say that knocking out an 80+ mile day after having logged 2090 miles in 54 days is phenomenal. Karl, you've redefined the definition of a long workout in my book!
Now that you're done, get some rest and take some time to consider what you've just accomplished. Thanks for sharing this adventure with all of us.
Phil "Superfeet"
GA-> ME '02
Get 'er done!
Congrats Karl! You've inspired us all.
AJW
Meredith Emerson
Merideth Emerson disappeared in this area. Never forget her.
I'm with you on the PWKD
And what a ride!! Nicely done, Karl. Way to hang in there and get it done.
Nice job on the part of the crew as well. Great reports, Marit.
--Lloyd
Congrats!
Congrats on finishing Karl, truely an awesome accomplishment!!!
jersey joe