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.
A moonlight hike. A few beers. Sleep. Shower. Food.
Submitted by Marit Fischer on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 14:00
Karl and Billy hiked the last .9 mile to the top of Springer in the early morning moonlight. They stopped halfway up to crack open some beers, and then walked together slowly to the summit where Cheryl and Senior were waiting for them. "Karl's a very happy man," said Billy. "He's so happy to be done. And I think he's really proud of himself for finishing this. He should be, man. To go on when the record was out of reach takes a man with some big balls and a big will. But he did it." I talked to Billy a little before noon Eastern Time. Karl and the crew had all taken long naps and some good "real" showers and were headed out to find the "first best damn restaurant we can find." Later today, Karl, Cheryl and Billy are driving to Memphis in The Rig to deliver Billy back home. Karl and Cheryl will stay the night there, celebrating with Billy and friends, before they head back West tomorrow. I may hear from Karl this afternoon when they're on the road. If he doesn't sleep the whole way. If I do, I'll share some of his thoughts on the finish. For now, though, that's a wrap. It's been a long, good, hard, entertaining, hackle-raising, inspiring, remarkable journey. And now it's over. Huge thanks to all of Karl's crew, running mates and from-The-Rig supporters: Billy Simpson, Cheryl Meltzer, Karl Senior, Pam Meltzer, Matt Hart, Marit Fischer, Tommy Chandler, Jonny Atencio, Justin Barrell, Porscha Doucette, Greg Goodson, Sarah McConkie, John DeWalt, David Horton and High School Randy. Thanks to all of you we met along the way, who shared your love and generosity with us: Trail Angel Mary, JJ, Lone Wolf, Mark and Erin Peters, Zig Zag June, Lane Vogel and the countless but unforgettable others who stopped in to say hello or to cheer Karl on his journey. Thanks to all the supporters of the bearded variety, men and women alike. (The final beard tally, by the way, is 163.) Thanks to all of Karl's AT thru-hike sponsors: Backcountry.com, Marmot, Moeben, SPOT, La Sportiva, V.I.O., First Endurance and Nathan Packs. You made this happen. Thanks also to PowerBar and nuun for the treats you sent to keep Karl going. And to the Where's Karl? home team at Backcountry.com, you guys rock. Most of all, thank you to all who visited this blog each day, whether you shared your comments or not. We're glad you came. Now go hike your own hike.
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Comments
success vs failure
is merely determined by your STATED goal.
Just what is it
about weak minds and huge calves?
what a journey
Congrats to you Karl! What an amazing journey you took and shared with us all. I've never seen more beautiful pics. I'm most impressed that with your running resume, you kept going knowing your goal was unattainable. My hats off to you-you have my utmost respect!! Many would have quit..........
rock on speedgoat......rock on!!!
trail lover
The Header
I don't think Karl wrote that header.
Interesting
Congrats to Karl on a tremendous effort. Following this record attempt has been an interesting read for me. Based on the many posts or lack thereof, I get the distinct impression that past(any maybe current)AT recordholders, save David Horton, resented this whole endeavor by Karl. Why is that? Was it the cocky banner? Was it Karl? I don't know. Do you have to break or attempt to break the record in obscurity with minimal support and sponsorship to be legit? Why does Warren Doyle travel to the top of Springer Mountain to greet Jennifer Pharr-Davis, who was also sponsored and supported, upon her AT completion; yet he's unable to forgive Karl for a banner on his website? I guess it's good drama but it all seems a little ridiculous and petty to me.
Well now
some people need a lot of petting! You know, that ego/self esteem/attention thing. And, life would be so boring without a little drama, don't you think?
It's more of a thru-hiker vs ultra-runner rivalry?
I think it's more of an AT thru-hiker vs ultra-runner rivalry, where Warren epitomizes the 'old guard' of the AT as it were. Many AT thru-hikers go to the AT to get away from the commercialism and competitiveness that is so common in real life, and unlike previous record attempts, whereskarl.com brings these new controversial values back to the most sacred trail for long-distance hikers. On the AT, anyone who finishes wins, most are living as cheap as possible, eating ramen and mac-n-cheese for dinner not steak, powerbars, and Gu, and RV campers are an object of ridicule for the purist thru-hikers, as that's what 'fat, city' people do. Contrast this with the ultra-running scene, where all the (uber) ultra-running heros are sponsored, and the gauge of whether one is elite or not is based on whether you get free shoes and headlamps. Ultrarunners also riducule people- fat people, those who run on pavement, or those who run shorter races (short including marathon length-runs). Just making the cut doesn't count any more ('rule the AT' means more free sneakers). Ironically, I think most ultra-runners I know got into the sport as a way to spend time in the mountains and forests alone away from city life, as training to better hike and climb mountains; the same passions that led many AT hikers to try the trail.
Look, backcountry's trying to sell gear. It's not Karl. It's the commercialism. So many AT hikers start out with every piece of gear REI told them to buy; so many of them send home all that crap 500 miles into their hike.
I'm still not defending Warren, I'm defending everyone else who didn't like the banner. Clearly Warren has strong opinions about the way things should be done.
Record
Warren Doyle is the only past record holder that resents Karl's effort. Trust me.
I would have reacted to
I would have reacted to Karl's attempt somewhat differently if the content of the banner heading was different in tone. I still wonder why the banner heading wasn't modified when it was apparent that the record was out of reach.
I react the same when I hear politicians promise to do things during the election year that they know won't happen after they get into office.
I don't believe in false and/or misleading advertising whether it is for a credit card, cellphone, car or an AT record attempt.
I also feel the tone of the banner heading was a little disrespectful to the previous AT record holders who approached the trail with a little more respect and humility.
Warren Doyle
Who are you?
And how do you know this?
Palmer has spoken a few times on this site. Not as positively as Horton; not as negatively as Warren.
I want to hear from Ward..
You'll never hear from Ward
RIP
you da man!
Karl- i dont know if u received any of my posts or comments but i have been following along since the begginig... congrats on finishing ur challenge! u are an inspiration! great to c u in all the pics... hopefully i will make it to snowbird this winter, will try to get totgether w/ u then.
Snowbird Joe
Congrats
Forget about all the Political Bullshit. It was really fun and very informative to be able to check in daily from my work computer and check your progress.
I'm jealous that I can't get away and do this so the next best thing was to follow you via the internet.
Great Job
a great team!
All,
getting to the start line sometimes is what really counts (not the finish). Thanks for sharing your dream and determination to finish, team. My dad (a long time boy scout leader) hiked the AT many times; I saw Karl on I-80 in Wyoming, he caught my interest. GREAT job
From a Ironman (somebody that gave up alot to qualify and race and finish, and it wasn't pretty due to a bike crash and concussion), following your dream and giving it your all is what matters. Everybody get out there and take a risk, follow a passion, LIVE as you can. Thanks Karl and team!
UNREAL
Hey Karl...
I followed you day by day and am honored to say congratulations. You inspire me. Thank you
Craig
Recovery
Although you have had many hours of contemplation, it will take your mind much longer to recover than your body. Let it fully recover before you make any rash decisions.......on anything.
Good job, Karl!
Good job, Karl! Congrats!
Steve and Deb!
Karl the Bearded One
Well I'll be bald headed Nellie, Ya done good Karl. I hope you experienced everything you thought you would and then some. The adventure was even more rewarding due to you overcoming what looked like near defeat early on.
Good on ya for stickin with it. In the end what the trail has to offer is more important than any record or time.
Will there be a 2nd attempt some day?
rest up and enjoy some hearty grog and get some barbasol on that beard, or at least dye it white to look more goatie.
Wynn
Congratulations
Karl. An amazing feat. I'm impressed and I've enjoyed the ride.
Warren Doyle
I guess someone attached my
I guess someone attached my name to a post I didn't make.
Warren Doyle
Warren is not impressed.
Warren- why aren't you impressed?
It's not a record but it is an impressively fast AT trip. Try to overlook the hype, commercialism, and presumptive claims of "ruling" the AT.
If someone quietly cranked out a 55d thru-hike on their first try, you'd offer congrats.
Try to see through the bullshit header, and see Karl the person, not Karl the "uber-AT-conqueror".
Kicked your butt by 11 days.
you can say that again
"Not the uber-AT-conqueror" by a long shot.
Congratulations Karl--Next Time
Great job Karl. As I said earlier, I was very impressed with you going on after you saw that you were not going to break the record.
I feel for you in the fact that most folks expect you to be back out there after the record next year. I have been fortunate enough to complete three long multi-day events. It takes a tremendous toll on you both physically and mentally. It takes a long time before you can really enjoy running again. I was never ready to do something that hard again for 3 or 4 years each time.
Enjoy what you have accomplished and rest. Don't make ANY plans for races or runs until you feel like it.
You now know how special the AT is.
in Christ
David Horton
AT--1991
doyle
obviously not the real WD. what a crock of shit.
The finish
No matter how you cut it - is always bitter sweet. I hope it's not too sweet, yet not too bitter. It's been amazing to follow the journey, thanks to all involved. thanks to Karl for sticking up and continuing when the things went bad so early on. You proved to be a Man. I am very happy to say I know you. thanks to all who maintained the blog and allowed us to be a part of this magic, the hike of AT. Things can be done when the head is clear and the heart is strong. The legs will follow. Thanks to all who helped Karl along the way. I am looking forward to Karl's own blog where he'd say a word or few (I don't expect him to write a book, no pressure:)). Go drink a bunch of beer now. Lots. You guys deserve it.
Olga
Thanks Karl!
It was pretty awesome being able to witness this feat. 54 days is nothing to sneeze at, and I hope you come back again to go for the record.
http://another-mile.blogspot.com
Well done!
I am really happy to see you finish. Congrats to the entire team and everyone who supported Karl. It's not always about winning, it's about the experience and the fortitude to finish something.
Inspiring
All I can say from this tired and humble heart is thank you. Thank you to Karl for giving me the opportunity to be part of this trip. What I saw and experienced out there will make me a better and stonger person. I have gained an understanding of the limits of human potential that I never thought possible. I've been inspired to live my life with a litle more boldness, to not accept mediocrity in any form, to give the things i put my hand to my very best effort. This one put a few new lines on my face and a few new gray ones on the head and they are worth all of it. The AT is a truly magical place that brings out the best in most people. It sadens me the tone that WD took on this. His attitude is not what the AT is all about. Hike your own hike. To Backcountry, you made it possible for hundreds, maybe thousand to be inspired. In this day and age of corporate greed and sleezy politics, it's good to see a company do something like this. Sure there were some mistakes but what counts is the spirit in which you approached this and I will say imphatically that Backcountry's heart was in this for the right reasons. They all worked exaustively to pull this off. I hope they decide it was all worth it and treat us to more adventures in the future.
Karl Meltzer is the real deal however you slice it.
Billy Woodstock Simpson
Here, Here!
Good post Woodstock. Thanks for sharing your after-thoughts.
trailangelmary
A very nice post Billy,
A very nice post Billy, especially the 'tired and humble heart' part.
I only hope that any banner headings for future long distance trail endurance record attempts can do a better job of reflecting that thought/attitude.
Yep...
I'll second that! Nice work Billy. It was a great thing to be a part of. Great job Karl and the rest of the crew! And thanks to everyone who chipped in along the way.
Tommy Chandler
Thank you for Sharing
Each day I looked forward to watching your progress as I sat at my desk in Corporate America. Your attitude and effort are inspirational to us all. Again, thank you for sharing the beauty of the trail and experience of taking it on balls out. Now sadly back to work. - GMAC
awesome job!
congrats Karl on your epic journey! You are and will always be an inspiration. Now like you always say...I'm gonna go for a run. Rest proudly dude and seya out there somewhere!
Moogy
Inspiring
Karl-
Congrats for toughing it out! That does take some major cojones ;)
You are truely inspiring. Rest well, the snow is just around the corner!!!
Awesome to witness a truly
Awesome to witness a truly remarkable undertaking and performance. Thanks to everybody who made it possible for us to share the experience on line!!!! AMAZING!!! CONGRATS EVERYBODY..... REST & RECOVERY TO ALL!
AWESOME!!
Iggy and the crew from CT at www.mrbimble.com
+1
Congratulations for this beatiful project.
I've been following you from some thousand kilometers distance and it was a true inspiration.
I also posted some entries in my blog (http://ser13gio.blogspot.com/search/label/Karl%20Meltzer): another hundred people followed you too from Spain.
Well done!
Sergio
Congrats
You have continuously motivated me!
Thank you
Rock Solid
Congrats Karl!!
And thanks to Karl and Backcountry and all for sharing your journey with us, and for not packing it up when the record was out of reach. Truly inspiring. Look forward to see what you try next... after several beers and days rest ;)
Best,
Mike V.
Maryland
Hi Karl, congratulations!
Hi Karl, congratulations! Thanks for sharing your travels with us -- and enjoy your upcoming R&R -- crashing on the couch, feet up, watching those Seinfeld reruns :-). It may not have been as fast as you'd hoped and planned, but it was a great run all the same. Certainly from this spectator's perspective, while the planned run would have been amazing, the one you *did* run was even more inspiring. I hope it feels that way for you, too. [Insert one of my favorite quotes by Henry Hitt Crane: Each of us should do something every day...to strengthen our backbone and put iron in our soul.] Anyway, enjoy being done! Best of luck, and many thanks to your crew, particularly Marit, for keeping us all up to speed!
Happy trails,
Jen,
Reno
congratulations karl... it's
congratulations karl...
it's so impressive to me that you were able to stay mentally focused and continue on after the setbacks in maine.
way to go. hope the recovery goes well. i see your name on the HURT roster... i look forward to running with you then.
geoff
Karl and crew, Congrats! It
Karl and crew, Congrats! It was incredible to follow your journey, thanks for the ride. Get some rest, eat and drink a lot of beer, you need the calories!
George
Congrats
Congratulations Karl! And congrats to the crew. It's been great fun following your progress down the trail. Now start practicing that golf swing. See ya back in SLC.
Ho Chi Minh
Congrats!
Huge! What a great trip. The AT is special. Karl had a tough conditions at the start, but instead of chucking it, picked it back up and really got it done. Priceless. The crew and especially bc.com was amazing, so congratulations to all!
Buzz
Well said
Ditto from me!
trailangelmary
Congratulations!
Well Done Karl & Crew!
Congrats, Karl!! You da man!
And many congrats too to your crew and sponsors, who had a huge contribution to your success!
awesome
Such an amazing accomplishment for everyone. I hope the restaurant they found is still in business
Congrats on your
Congrats on your accomplishment. Welcome back to the rest of the world. I image that the AT will always be in the back of your mind.