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.
8.1 miles to Springer Mountain
Submitted by Marit Fischer on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 02:23
Karl and Billy left Hightower Gap at 1:41 a.m. "after several blister repairs to Karl's left foot and shoe modifications," Cheryl reported. "Shoe modifications" usually means that they either cut a hole in the shoe to allow for more foot room, or they cut and reshaped the insole. Karl affectionately calls his insoles "The DeWalts" because John DeWalt, the 72-year-old, strong-as-an-ox, tough-as-nails ultrarunner who's completed the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run – considered by most to be the toughest there is – an unbelievable and impressive 13 times, gave them to him, out of his own shoes, when he was with Karl through PA. The actual insoles that Karl's wearing now are replacements for the ones John gave him, but they're the exact same kind. "They're like running on carpet," Karl said, and they're kind of his good luck charm. There are only 8.1 miles left to Springer now. Karl says he's walking, but as Cheryl put it: "We'll see." 8.1 miles left. Out of 2,174. I cannot even imagine the emotion.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comments
nah
NA NA NA NAAA
NA NA NA NAAA
HEY HEY HEY
GOOOOOOD BYE!!!!!!!!!!
insoles
Curious what type of insoles?
Been of the loop.
Bet you enjoy sitting and vegging for a bit.
Fine job!
Congratulations and thank you
Karl and crew - CONGRATULATIONS! I have really enjoyed reading the day-to-day adventure of Karl and the crew. As many before me have mused - I wonder what will I do without Karl's AT challenge to read about?
I cannot fathom the emotions that must be coursing through his mind. I can only applaud his determination and "guts" in getting the job done despite the pain. Karl, your mental and physical toughness are the stuff legends are made of.
Thank you all for the privilege of allowing us to follow along.
George - Galena, MD
Thanks for the ride. It's
Thanks for the ride. It's been a lot of fun. Bumpy at times, but a lot of fun. Congrats to Karl and crews. That's an insane final day. It took me 2 plus change just from Springer to Neel's. I sincerely hope to see another go at it in the future.
Congrats
I think you're getting very close to the finish now. Congrats. The AT in under two months is absolutely ridiculous. You took some zero days too for an injury. That's quite an amazing accomplishment. I did the AT SoBo last year and it was the best experience of my life, I hope you feel similar.
Awesome job Karl, very well done. On to the next.
Blake aka "Deluxe"
MEGA 07
Pace
If he continues at the same pace as the last section he will arrive at the Springer Plaque at 4:41 am.
Hang in there, Karl & Crew. You're 99.6% done! Amazing that he is doing Georgia in one continuous trek. Don't blame him for just walking the last 8 miles. That's got to be tough to keep going. And probably a lot of emotions and thoughts running through his head as he nears the finish.
GO SPEEDGOAT.
trailangelmary