Karl Meltzer: “I am not quitting yet”
August 19, 2008 · Filed Under Runners
Some bad news today from Karl and his crew on the attempt to break the speed record running the Appalachian Trail. A swollen left anterior tibialis is forcing him to take an unplanned day off. The inflammation is a direct result of changing his stride to compensate for the pain in his toe due to a blister he is having since day 3. Although he was 23 miles ahead of Andrew Thompson’s course (he holds the current AT record), this forced rest day will make impossible for him to break the record. “Honestly, right now, the record is important, but it’s more important for me to do what I have to do to keep going. I am not a quitter.”, said Karl, “You have no idea how frustrated I am right now.”. After checking with his doctors, family, crew and sponsors, the decision to take a break was made to ensure the inflammation was not getting worse and to avoid having to quit the challenge.
Follow Karl’s progress at www.whereskarl.com
If you liked this, you may want to subscribe to the 
RSS feed and get daily updates on the trail world!
RSS feed and get daily updates on the trail world!
Nope. It’s not impossible. Karl ended his 14th day in the same place Andrew did. And Andrew didn’t have to deal with the torrential rains that Karl did in Maine. Karl’s a runner and the states ahead of him are going to be easier going than the trails behind him. He can make up time. I am not giving up hope. He said himself: “I am not a quittter.” I believe him. And I believe that that if he can get back out there, if his injury lets him, he will still make a go at Andrew’s very impressive record.
I actually believed that he could make up time and stand a chance but then I read Karl’s post a few hours ago at karlmeltzer.com. “Needless to say, the record will remain in AT’s (Andrew Thompson) hands.” Maybe it’s just me, but sounds like Karl feels making up a full day may not be in his hands.
Anyway, as you said, he has done a great job until now – despite the injury and the rains - and he is not someone who quits. Let’s see if today’s rest works in his favor and we have him back on the trail by tomorrow!
Ed
I know. I read that too. But then I put myself in his shoes. He’s obviously really bummed out. I think he probably wrote that in a low moment. Sounds like his crew and family and even sponsors are fully behind him and will do their best to help him out of the funk. Seriously, I think we’ve all felt like he probably feels right now: hurt and tired and stopped. But even us amateurs and age-groupers can pull it together — after some rest and a minute to think — and set to putting one foot in front of the other again.
The difference is, he’s got the whole world watching (relatively speaking). That’s a ton of pressure. It’s hard to say something in a moment’s weakness when everyone is hanging on your every word. Let’s just give him some room and not hold him to what he said. I think he’ll be back.
I’m with you, Ed. Let’s see how he feels tomorrow.
Check this out: http://whereskarl.com/?q=node/151
Yep, I just read it. Looks like you were right and his words were more out of the difficult moment than him feeling he has no chances of making up the time. Great news! (and damn poison ivy!!!)