Time is flying by. I am reading the February 2009 issue of Blue Ridge Country magazine, it came in the mail a few days ago and I am already 2 months behind!
Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make the morning last ~Simon and Garfunkel
There is a story in this issue about the Appalachian Trail, about Karl Meltzer whose goal was to finish the entire 2000+ miles this year. This idea is not new of course, they are called thru-hikers, those ambitious folks who finish the trail all in a calendar year. But Karl's idea was new and different, he wanted to attempt it without a backpack or hiking boots, in fact he wanted to RUN the entire trail.
Runners just do it - they run for the finish line even if someone else has reached it first. ~Author Unknown
Karl is a world class endurance runner and his goal was to finish the trail in 47 days, to beat a former record of course. He tried this from August 5 through September 29, 2008. His goal, mantra, motto: 1 man, 2174 miles, 47 days. He didn't beat the record, but he gave it a good try, running up and down these Appalachian mountains day in and day out.
Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. ~Henry David Thoreau
The AT as everyone knows is a continuous marked footpath that goes between Katahdin in Maine and Springer Mountain in Georgia, about 2160 miles. The trail has spectacular scenery, is great for exploring, for adventure, for exercise, for nature study, and for renewal.
This all sounds so peaceful, tranquil even. Back to nature, peace and quiet of the forest, walking, hiking, climbing, exploring parts of the country that can only be reached by foot.
In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir
It is hard for me to understand why anyone would want to run on the AT, to rush past all that scenery. To me, it really misses the whole point of hiking in general and especially the AT, bringing it down to just another race, another finish line, another extreme challenge.
Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed. ~Charles Schulz, Peanuts
But to each his own, I guess. At least he is out there getting some exercise and maybe even seeing some of the countryside, even if it is at a blur.
The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again. ~Erma Bombeck
I can’t help wondering if I had been jogging instead of blogging these last 3 years how fit I might be now. ~Colleen Redman
Karl Meltzer's AT stories here and here
