“He is just a normal guy with a running problem” Eric Beltz, Meltzer´s crew member
This is a short film, available on streaming (Netflix and also on the Red Bull webpage) that follows the 2016 attempt of ultrarunner Karl Meltzer, 48, to break the record on the Appalachian Trail (AT).
We are given some basic information. The trail is 2188 miles long, it goes from Maine to Georgia, crosses 14 states, and has a 25% finishing rate among hikers. A tough course, it crosses mountains and forests, and the bad weather is inevitable. Most hikers do the AT in 4-6 months. Doing it running is a different story. Meltzer will try covering the whole distance, non-stop, and break the 46 days and 8 hours set by Scott Jurek one year earlier.
On his attempt, Meltzer is accompanied by an essential supporting crew, composed by his father and a friend, and sometimes also his wife. No easy work for them, as they must be aware of Meltzer´s every need, including, but not only, food, drinks and clothes, driving a van (that also works as sleeping quarter) from each check point to the next one, for a planned 46 days race.
Experience and careful planning are important, as this is going to be Meltzer´s third attempt, after failing in 2008 and 2014. To break the record, he must run around 45 miles per day for one month and half. Not only will his physical stamina be determinant, but also his mental strength.
We follow his ups and downs, and see him accompanied by some other ultrarunners, Scott Jurek among them, offering support and useful advices. We have the chance of learning how to empty a blister with a surgical needle, and although some physical problems and tiredness make Meltzer fell 12h behind the record pace, an 8h night sleep gets him back on track. We witness his last efforts, as he arrives to Springer Mountain, Georgia, and sets a new record of 45 days and 22 hours: incredible personal achievement.
Score: 4 (out of 5)
Pros: get to know the AT; landscapes; ultrarunning camaraderie
Cons: we never get really empathic with Meltzer´s efforts
Extras: In 2017 Joe McConaughy, 26, set a new record in the AT of 45 days and 12 hours, hiking it self-supported and carrying a backpack. This record was beaten again in 2018 by Belgian Karel Sabbe, 28, who completed the AT running in an incredible 41 days and 7 hours.
