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.
       Beard TallySubmitted by ggoodson on Mon, 09/08/2008 - 21:08I asked Karl over dinner "hey, what is the beard count at?" Without hesitation, Karl replied "157". I've seen a few, but Karl is obviously still keeping count. Internet Service at LastSubmitted by ggoodson on Mon, 09/08/2008 - 15:48This morning has been a rough morning. Not for Karl, but for the crew. Karl opted to get up early and take advantage of the weather and the terrain here in the Shenandoah NP, so we awoke to an alarm clock at 3:30am. Shenandoah DaySubmitted by Marit Fischer on Mon, 09/08/2008 - 14:58Karl got an early start again this morning and is out there running the southernmost third of the trail along the ridgeline in Shenandoah National Park. Greg and Billy have very spotty cell phone and no Internet access right now, but Greg will post an update as soon as he can. On the RidgeSubmitted by ggoodson on Sun, 09/07/2008 - 15:59We’re following the Skyline Drive now in Shenandoah NP as Karl is up on the ridge. The trails are much smoother than yesterday, and the weather up here is phenomenal. Billy's PerspectiveSubmitted by ggoodson on Sun, 09/07/2008 - 11:18As you all know, Billy Simpson started crewing Karl on his southbound trek in New York. He is an integral part of Karl’s crew, and definitely a key step to Karl’s continual success. Here is an entry from Billy himself on Karl’s progress: Delay this morningSubmitted by ggoodson on Sun, 09/07/2008 - 10:21Karl had a small set back this morning. His feet are doing well for the most part, but he has two spots that have been rubbed raw on the back of his ankle and the top of his foot that needed attention. These spots haven’t been getting worse, but with the rain yesterday, they haven’t been improving. Done for the nightSubmitted by ggoodson on Sat, 09/06/2008 - 21:09Headed to bed... looking forward to the Shenandoah NP tomorrow. Karl finished a little earlier than normal today, running 46 miles in the rain. Smooth trails and clear skies await! The RV is Parked!Submitted by ggoodson on Sat, 09/06/2008 - 16:28The RV is parked and may be done driving for the day. Currently it’s just Binger and I, while Billy and Karl are headed southbound in the long green tunnel. Or should I say long green rainforest. Up to Keys GapSubmitted by ggoodson on Sat, 09/06/2008 - 08:43Karl came through the first station at Keys Gap around 7:00am, only staying for a quick bite and a quick refuel. The next section of 13.5 miles is all on a ridgeline, and we just got word that he has made it halfway. Hitting the Trail AgainSubmitted by ggoodson on Sat, 09/06/2008 - 05:32Karl got off this morning after a good night rest around 5:08am. Last night brought a few rain showers, but it is still very muggy out. |
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