This guy basically turned the Appalachian Trail into a programmed run on an advanced treadmill: so many miles with so much elevation gain here and so much elevation loss there, etc.
That's how I see it too. I'm the enjoy the scenery type. I've hiked small stretches. Just wonderful.
Kudos to him though. Something for everyone.
While his experience was not that of a typical hiker, I’m sure it was as exceptional as anyone has ever had on the A.T.
And no, it’s not at all akin to a treadmill. Weather, injuries, terrain, illness etc., all came into play. So did the scores of people who came out to support his effort - be it cheering as he passed, bringing food for him, or running miles along with him. All part of the experience.
His last few days were a great testament to how hard one can push oneself in the face of defeat, and overcome it.
HYOH
I'm American. I love my country and I love my fellow Americans but we take the pleasure out of a lot of things and turn them into punishment. I have a theory as to why this is but I prefer not reveal it as it would anger many on this site.
As do I, folks like this are doing the same thing on the Mt. Whitney trail as well...
Good for them, but they have a negative impact on climbers when coming downhill as they don’t like to yield to folks going uphill...
For me, it is about the journey, the scenery and accomplishment.