Why do it?

(KARL): It's a new challenge for me. It's different; it's raising the bar. If I did a bunch of 100's again (Karl holds the record with six 100 mile wins during 2006, and 23 lifetime) it wouldn't mean anything. But if I get the AT Record, it will be like, "Hey, Karl's done something".

It's definitely taking a risk. But I like putting pressure on myself … at Hardrock with Scott last year, then again at the Tour du Mont Blanc … pressure makes it interesting, stirs things up a bit. It makes me a well-known ultrarunner.

On the other hand, I have nothing to lose. If I suceed I'm a hero, and if I don't, I don't … I'm not concerned with what people say about me. And mostly it's going to be fun one way or another!

Support on multi-days is crucial; do you have it?

I have good support. Backcountry.com is really helping the whole Attempt. I'm hoping they'll supply an RV for the crew; that would be sweet.

For pacers, Matt Hart, Jared Campbell, Sherpa John just to start; my Dad has offered to come down. Mostly I like to be alone (Karl is not requesting others), but these guys are good friends.

Food: I'm going to eat a lot of fat. Supplying food is where my crew comes in. Exactly how much I don't know; whatever I can stuff in my face.

And as you know, I'll have my iPod (Karl was not happy when the USATF banned mobile music at races).

And I want to track it with a GPS. We're still working out how to do that.

What's going to be the crux?

If I get thru the first 10 days in Maine and New Hampshire and don't feel too horrible, I'll be confident. I'd like to get a good start, be comfortable, become my own little zombie. If I get stuck on Mt Washington (some of the world's worst weather) and can't move, I'll be bummed.

The Itinerary is my own; I didn't look at any of the previous schedules. That's the way I am; I just did it, and it came out to 48 days! I always run my own race.

This is the earliest date I could go. I have States (the WS100) on June 28, and my own race (Speedgoat50) on July 26; hey, this is when it works for me.

For added perspective on the AT Record, we asked three of the most notable multi-day runners in the world their thoughts.

David Horton

David started the modern era Appalachian Trail Record attempts with his standard-setting 1991 run/hike of Fifty-two days, nine hours, and 42 minutes, which broke the previous record by ten days. He currently holds the Supported Record on the Pacific Crest Trail, and will go for the Supported Record on the Continental Divide Trail on June 7.

(DAVID): Karl on paper looks as good as anyone who's ever tried a long trail. In terms of ability, talent, and history. This is good; it lends credibility to the Record and all previous Record holders. It makes it interesting. I remember talking to Brian (Robinson, see below) when Squeeky was going for Brian's Triple Crown Record. Brian said, "I hope he does it". "Really you do?" I asked. Brian replied, "It gives me legitimacy."

Will he do it? I don't know … he will start it … but will he finish it? I'm actually wondering what he'll do if he gets behind his schedule … is it "all or nothing?" As you know, Andrew Thompson was only a week from finishing on his second attempt when he got stormed in just after Mount Washington on the Presidentials … he had made a vow to "only climb Katahdin if I'm setting a record" … he couldn't make up the time lost, so stopped the trip right there. A few years later he started on Katahdin, and set the record.

Has Karl done any multi-day training? I know he is doing States. Hard to do both; the two are totally different.

I'd like to see Karl post his own odds on his website like he does for other events!

Brian Robinson

"Flyin Brian" is an ex-software engineer who in 2001 did what only a few had only imagined doing: he hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail in one calendar year. That's 7,371 miles, with self-support only, in 300 days. Then on his third try this April, he not only joined David Horton as one of seven Barkley Ultramarathon finishers, but set the Course Record.

(BRIAN): Karl Meltzer's AT record attempt is a hard one to call. On the one hand, no trail runner of his caliber has ever attempted to run the AT, so I could argue that he'll beat the record easily. On the other hand, 46 miles a day for 47 days is completely different than the 100-mile races Karl has so convincingly dominated. Because Karl's unproven in multi-day events, it would be unfair to Andrew Thompson and David Horton to presume that their experience will not prevail. If Karl struggles, I expect it will be with the physical and psychological wear and tear of having to give 100% day after day after day.

I have the greatest respect for Karl and am extremely excited to see what he can do.

Andrew Thompson

"Traildog" is the current AT Record Holder. He set the time of 47 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes in 2005 after two earlier near-sucesses. Andrew stays busy, doing the Barkley and helping his friend Jonathan Basham set the record on the Colorado Trail in 2006.

(ANDREW): I know Karl has the physical means of breaking the record. No one can dispute that. So, physically, no problem. Our 50 mile bests are probably similar, but I could never win a 100, let alone 3-5 in one year!

I have never met him, although we have some of the same close friends. He seems fired up which is important. I think he has a thru-hike under his belt already, right?

I just read his itinerary last night and I see that he plans on being in Crawford Notch at the end of Day 8. I was on the Maine State line on that night, and didn't reach Crawford for 2 full days. So right off the bat he's taking 2 days off of the record within the hardest 8 -10 sections of the whole trail.

Things I don't know about are his crew - who? How many? His vehicle?

The hiking itself is not much of a mystery. It will be a lot of walking and some slow running. None of his projected daily mileage looks outside of the norm. He's gotta want it.

As far as speed records go, I really emphasize with the concept of standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before you. Without David's record of 52 days on the AT, we never would have dreamed of sub-50.. or beyond! In some way (or in many ways) the theories and impressions of the previous record holder will impact the following effort. So in that way it is more like joining a club than it is eliminating a competitor. Being the "Champ" it is something that can never be taken away. David Horton will always be an AT "Champ".

Jonboy and I have always been proud of our effort. We'll see if it can withstand a challenge.

Traildog - Ga-Me '98, '01; Me-Ga '05