Mr. Goodyear's Neighborhood - Red Bull UltraRunner Karl Meltzer

Winter has just begun, but it’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation activities.  There’s long days on the beach drinking a cold one, building sandcastles, or going for a dip in the lake.  Some of us will find a zip-line, ride bikes, take the SUP out as the sun comes up or have water balloon fights after mowing the lawn.  Sounds nice, right?   How about running 2,100 miles across the Appalachian Trail and setting a new speed record…did that ever cross your mind? 

Well, it’s official.  Karl Meltzer will attempt to break Scott Jurek’s AT thru-hike record (supported) of 46 days, 8 hours and 7 minutes this upcoming summer.  Being the winningest 100 mile runner ever and coining the term, ‘100 miles is not that far,’ setting the AT speed record is last big goal on ‘Speedgoat’ Karl’s bucket list.  Powered by Red Bull, Karl has multiple wins at the Hardrock 100, Wasatch 100 and Bear 100.  Karl is an ultrarunning original and has always pushed the envelope, even with the shoes he wears.  Ultrarunners, where were you the first time you heard Karl was spotted running in moon-boots on the mountain?  No, Karl didn’t go mad.  Those moon boots Karl was wearing got people wondering and now those moon boots are one of the top selling running shoes on the planet.  We call them Hoka’s.  Maybe you’ve heard of them? 

For some of you who know Karl, this is all part of his legend and you know his story.  But did you know Karl is a romantic?  In this episode of Mr. Goodyear’s Neighborhood, we get the scoop from Cheryl Meltzer, Mrs. Speedgoat herself, on the tender side of Silverton’s most decorated Hardrocker.  The Meltzer’s were good sports as we all jumped into The Banyan Collective’s Tan Van and chatted about everything from speed golf, to Karl’s new shoe and the mess Karl has made in Cheryl’s basement.  It was a fun morning sponsored by Hoka One One, Tailwind Nutrition, Tom Tom Spark , Drymax socks and the Speedgoat 50K.

Thank you Karl and Cheryl, it was an honor and we can’t wait to do it again.  You’re always welcome in the Tan Van.  Cheers!

Thank you to all the runners who came out to support the event at Striders-Ogden that cold Saturday morning.  The following is what occurred in the van while you were out running.  Enjoy!