Karl Meltzer is an ultra-marathoner who regularly runs - and wins - 100-mile races.
But the 40-year-old needed a new challenge. How about running 2,174 miles in 47 days?
On Aug. 5, Meltzer will set out to break the speed record for running the Appalachian Trail. That means running from Maine to Georgia in less time than the current record of 47 days, 13 hours and 31 minutes held by Andrew Thompson of New Hampshire.
Running the Appalachian Trail won't be a walk in the park by any means. Meltzer says about 2,000 of the 2,200 miles are rough and rocky, more difficult to navigate than the smooth trails he knows in Utah and the West.
That's partly why he chose the trail.
"It's not necessarily running hard, it's a lot of hiking. The [trail] is technical, it's hard, it's hilly, and it's not going to work that way. It's time spent on your feet just moving forward," Meltzer said.
Meltzer typically goes through about 14 pairs of shoes a year, but has 12 pairs ready for the trail and expects them all to be trashed when he's done.
Another challenge will be staying in the game mentally. Even with a support team helping with cooking and setting up camp, the pressure to stay on schedule is all on Meltzer.
"After 45 days, I'll be delirious and fried. I think once I get up and eat and get moving, I'll be fine, but getting up in the morning will be hard. It's really a mental thing," he said.
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Follow his progress: Where's Karl
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