Hoop Time
08-12-2008, 20:35
By CHRIS A. COUROGEN
Karl Meltzer is behind schedule, but he is not worried about it.
That is the word Tuesday evening from Gorham, N.H., where the Speedgoat was reportedly digging the chicken, black bean and rice burritos whipped up by new crew member Tommy Chandler after Meltzer pulled in following a 31 mile day.
"It was a really challenging route," reported crew member Marit Fischer, who is rotating out, replaced by Chandler for the next month or so of Meltzer's effort to set a new record for a supported through hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Despite being behind his projected schedule, Meltzer is sticking to his plan of spending each night at a road crossing with his support crew.
"The goal is to sleep in the RV every night. Sleeping on the trail would be a worst case scenario," Fischer said.
One change in Meltzer's approach will kick in when he hits the trail Wednesday morning. For the first time since he started his quest. he will be hiking alone. Matt Hart, Meltzer's ultra running buddy who hiked all of Maine with him, has left the trail.
Meltzer is expected to do a short day -- around 25 miles -- Wednesday, positioning himself to start early Thursday morning to attack Mt. Washington.
"He is still fully confident he can make up tons of time when the trail gets easier," said Fischer.
Aside from an early blister, Meltzer has had no injuries. His shoe sponsor, La Sportiva, is shipping out a foot maintenance care package to help keep it that way. Fischer said La Sportiva is sending Meltzer new shoes and socks and a box full of foot care products
Karl Meltzer is behind schedule, but he is not worried about it.
That is the word Tuesday evening from Gorham, N.H., where the Speedgoat was reportedly digging the chicken, black bean and rice burritos whipped up by new crew member Tommy Chandler after Meltzer pulled in following a 31 mile day.
"It was a really challenging route," reported crew member Marit Fischer, who is rotating out, replaced by Chandler for the next month or so of Meltzer's effort to set a new record for a supported through hike of the Appalachian Trail.
Despite being behind his projected schedule, Meltzer is sticking to his plan of spending each night at a road crossing with his support crew.
"The goal is to sleep in the RV every night. Sleeping on the trail would be a worst case scenario," Fischer said.
One change in Meltzer's approach will kick in when he hits the trail Wednesday morning. For the first time since he started his quest. he will be hiking alone. Matt Hart, Meltzer's ultra running buddy who hiked all of Maine with him, has left the trail.
Meltzer is expected to do a short day -- around 25 miles -- Wednesday, positioning himself to start early Thursday morning to attack Mt. Washington.
"He is still fully confident he can make up tons of time when the trail gets easier," said Fischer.
Aside from an early blister, Meltzer has had no injuries. His shoe sponsor, La Sportiva, is shipping out a foot maintenance care package to help keep it that way. Fischer said La Sportiva is sending Meltzer new shoes and socks and a box full of foot care products