Posted on 09/19/2016 3:54:57 PM PDT by MarchonDC09122009
Ultra Runner Karl Meltzer Sets Appalachian Trail Record, Fueled by Beer and Candy - NYTimes.com
By LINDSAY CROUSE September 18, 2016
At a time when endurance running no longer means mere marathons and even 100-mile races are attracting the masses Karl Meltzer, a former ski-resort bartender, has proved he can suffer longer and faster than almost anyone else.
When he staggered onto Springer Mountain in Georgia before dawn Sunday, Meltzer set a record for completing the Appalachian Trail. He covered the 2,190 miles over 14 states in 45 days 22 hours 38 minutes.
Meltzer, 48, is a little different from other titans of the newly booming ultra-running scene. He is six years older than Scott Jurek, who was featured in the best-selling book about almost-barefoot endurance running, Born to Run and who set the former Appalachian Trail record last year (46 days 8 hours 7 minutes).
In a sport checkered with mantras like clean living, Jurek sustained his trek on a vegan diet. Staples of Meltzers diet, by contrast, included Red Bull and Tang.
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/09/19/sports/fueled-by-beer-and-candy-bars-ultra-runner-karl-meltzer-sets-appalachian-trail-record.html?referer=http://drudgereport.com/
(Excerpt) Read more at mobile.nytimes.com ...
Then we'll really see some records broken!
I drink Tang every day.
That said, I’ll never be an ultra-marathon runner.
48 years old, 48 miles a day to cross 2190 miles in 45 days.
Fro Dylan it was dope and candy in the Blonde on Blonde sessions.
Well played -
better watch out for the Nat’l Park Service & Sierra Club thugs now that you’ve mentioned such!
RE: “I can’t wait until they allow ATV’s and motorcycles on that trail.
Then we’ll really see some records broken!”
For any of you who subscribe to Netflix, there’s a good movie, “The Barkley Marathons” that recounts a particularly rugged series of endurance races centered on Frozen Head State park in eastern TN. The people are definitely quirky and it’s fun to watch.
OK - up front I’m not a purist but I have humped a ruck over a few mountains and down some trails. Even hiked a bit of the AT.
He ran the trail carrying water bottles and had a support crew that carried his “camp” items.
The AT is the journey - not a throughway to the end,
Completely agree.
This was entirely about his setting an endurance record.
Very impressive considering his age.
RE: “OK - up front Im not a purist but I have humped a ruck over a few mountains and down some trails. Even hiked a bit of the AT.
He ran the trail carrying water bottles and had a support crew that carried his camp items.
The AT is the journey - not a throughway to the end”
Thx for the flix tip!
Obviously, he was not thee to 'hike' but to speed to the max. Different set of priorities and not what most who do 'hike' would do nor would they have that support crew. Still, like the bicyclists who ride the RAAM (Ride Across America), what they do is to be extreme, to set records. They don't bother bicyclists who aren't there for the effort and probably, these runners just pass the hikers (I hope) on their way.
Still, to do that length and that terrain, 464+k feet in change, on dirt trails is still impressive in that time frame. That our society has enough ability to allow such efforts, assures me that we still have hope for the future!
I wish our trails were like those in Austria . . . sprinkled with guesthouses offering soft beds, hot food and excellent beer.
A few times in August when I’m soaking wet from sweat at sun down and my nylon hammock just doesn’t look right I would have agreed with you.
There’s also a good Hollywood Movie, available on Amazon, not Netflix, “A Walk in the Woods” that stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte about two older men who set out to through hike the Appalachian Trail. Although an adaptation of the book with the same name, which is about an actual hike, it’s mostly true to the book and definitely worth watching.
There’s also a good Hollywood Movie, available on Amazon, not Netflix, “A Walk in the Woods” that stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte about two older men who set out to through hike the Appalachian Trail. Although an adaptation of the book with the same name, which is about an actual hike, it’s mostly true to the book and definitely worth watching.
You can say that again.
Very familiar with Alp hiking, such as The Tour de Mont Blanc (TMB).
100 miles of scenic alpine heaven, beer, wine, fresh cheese & home made bread at Refugios every 3 to 5 miles.
EVERY backpacker / strong hiker should do that circuit at least once in their life...
Check out the hiker photo galley!
http://www.chamonix.net/english/chamonix/photo-gallery
RE: “I wish our trails were like those in Austria . . . sprinkled with guesthouses offering soft beds, hot food and excellent beer.”
Thx for that recommendation, too!
I’ve been meaning to see it for some time.
RE: “Theres also a good Hollywood Movie, available on Amazon, not Netflix, A Walk in the Woods that stars Robert Redford and Nick Nolte about two older men who set out to through hike the Appalachian Trail. Although an adaptation of the book with the same name, which is about an actual hike, its mostly true to the book and definitely worth watching.”
The South American Incas used human runners called Chasqui to send messages up and down the Incan Empire. Most of the communication was oral (God help the Chasqui that forgot the message). It was said that the Chasqui loved hard liquor.
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