Scott Jurek - Appalachian Trail day 22

I took a chance on finding Scott Jurek on his AT trail adventure today, and had the best of luck.  I parked in Washington Monument State Park, and after a quick trip to the top of the monument for a look-around I got on the Appalachian trail heading south.  I passed the South Mountain Inn (which marks the top of the Alt-40 hill climb at the start of the JFK 50 Miler) and continued south down the trail.  In less than an hour, I ran into him running down the hill from that antenna farm at the top of the hill.

Scott seems to genuinely enjoy people coming out to run with him - although I have to wonder if he's not losing some real time over the period of his record attempt giving time for selfie photos with fans!  I heard several people ask about what he was missing, and he seemed to be craving Thai food and vegan ice cream (never had that ...).  And any vegan deserts - but nobody had any of that.  There are lots of pictures of Scott running - but here is one of him eating (it is eat and run after all)

Scott has great supporters in his wife and ultra community.  I met Karl Meltzer during his AT attempt last year and saw him momentarily again in Washington Monument Park today,  And I wasted some of his time with a selfie (thank you Speedgoat!).  I didn't get one with Scott - that's  30 seconds saved.

If you bring nice gear out on the trail, it can get a bit trail-worn before you know it.  If it's really good gear though, that's OK.  Scott has taken a couple of weeks of hard wear on the trail.  I think I heard him say this is the hardest thing he'e ever done.  But I was impressed with how well he's moving and how strong he's climbing.

Good luck Scott!

links:
Scott Jurek's Facebook page
Frederick News Post article