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    • blueridgeoutdoors.com/newswire/hold-the-record-lightly/

      july 12th


      ‘Hold The Record Lightly.’

      12 JUL 15
      BY JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS IN: HIKING, TRAIL RUNNING |
      [IMG:http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JenPharrDavis.jpg]
      It’s Friday morning, July 10th. As I write, Scott Jurek is trying to finish the northernmost 120 miles of the Appalachian Trail. If Scott summits Mt. Katahdin sometime within the next 60 hours, my team will no longer hold the overall record for the FKT on the Appalachian trail. If Scott touches the Katahdin sign anytime after 5:16 pm on Sunday, my team will have bested one of the greatest ultrarunners in North America.
      I have been asking myself, along with the help of reporters from Runners World, Outside magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic, “What does that mean?”
      The word that keeps coming to my mind stays the same. “NOTHING.”
      I am not saying that my experience on the Appalachian Trail in 2011 means nothing. It means a great deal to me. That’s exactly why Scott Jurek’s finishing time does not change anything.
      The effects of such an endeavor cannot be ranked or expressed in numbers. My greatest reward that summer was not the record. The lasting results I cherish the most are a deeper love for my husband, an increased appreciation for my support network, and a better understanding of the sacrifice it takes to accomplish something very difficult. And, like every hike, I finished the journey with a deeper sense of awe for the spirit and significance of the wilderness, and a stronger desire to give back to the trail community.
      I never considered the Appalachian Trail record to be a race. I looked upon it as an opportunity to maximize potential based on the experience of those who have gone before, and the tireless support of an unselfish and dedicated crew. In the book, Called Again, I wrote, “A record holder never really stands alone, but rather climbs on the shoulders of the ones who have gone before him – or her.” If you lined up the past five record holders in their prime and told them to race down the trail, there’s no telling who would win. Each effort has faced different weather conditions and slightly different trail routes and reroutes. Each new contender benefits from the experience and wisdom of previous record setters.
      The overall Appalachian Trail record is not a solo endeavor. It is a team pursuit. I could not have set the record without my husband, Brew, or the countless friends, family members, hikers, and runners who helped us along the way. If Scott is successful it will be due just as much to his support team as to his athleticism.
      When asked about the record in my professional speaking engagements, I try to emphasize that the record is not better or worse than any other type of wilderness experience. I have completed the entire length of the Appalachian Trail three separate times. I do not consider the overall record more or less valuable than my other two journeys. The record should be recognized because it is unique and extremely difficult, not because it is in any way superior.
      To anyone who has followed endurance FKT’s over the past few decades, it is very clear that the atmosphere is rapidly changing. I asked Andrew Thompson- who held the record before I did- how he handled the media interviews as I approached Springer Mountain in 2011. He laughed and retorted that no one interviewed him before I finished.
      Karl Meltzer and Scott Jurek are two of the most high profile ultrarunning icons in North America. They have both tried for the record within the past five years. It has brought a huge amount of publicity to the Appalachian Trail and to trail records. Most of that publicity is very positive. But all record setters should be cognizant of “publicity pollution” on the trail. One person’s endeavor should not detract from another person’s wilderness experience.
      Several reporters with whom I have spoken over the past few days have attempted to offer solace by mentioning the fact that I will still hold the female record if Scott surpasses our mark. Although I proudly claimed the female record on the trail in 2008 and embraced the wording, I no longer think that fastest known times on long-distance trails should be split between male and female categories.
      Heather Anderson, Sue Johnston, and Diane Van Deren have proven that women are able to compete equally with men in a supported or unsupported fashion. If Scott surpasses our 2011 mark, then I will proudly claim the second fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail.
      In spite of all the time and energy that went into setting the overall record, I was surprised by how little actually changed after we accomplished our goal. I had the same friends, the same job, and the same bank account total. These things are unlikely to change if and when the record falls. Ultimately, my self-worth is not based upon the record. It is defined by my faith, my family, and my friends. My two-year old daughter doesn’t know what the Appalachian Trail record is. She just knows that mama loves to hike.
      One reporter asked if I will feel relieved when someone breaks the record. Relieved is not the word I would choose. But it does seem appropriate that someone like Scott will take the record. The truth is, I haven’t hiked another 40 mile day since 2011. I never wanted my legacy to be tied to an Appalachian Trail record.
      I want a lifelong relationship with the trail. I want to get as many people out on the trail as possible – especially women and children. And I want to be able to give back through service, financial donations, and trail maintenance projects. I am starting to realize that a true legacy is not so much about performing when the whole world is watching, as it is a dedication to your cause when no one is watching.
      My words to Scott this Sunday will be the same regardless of the outcome. “Congratulations. Cherish the experience and hold the record lightly.”
      its all good

    • hikerboy wrote:

      blueridgeoutdoors.com/newswire/hold-the-record-lightly/

      july 12th


      ‘Hold The Record Lightly.’

      12 JUL 15
      BY JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS IN: HIKING, TRAIL RUNNING |
      [IMG:http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/JenPharrDavis.jpg]
      It’s Friday morning, July 10th. As I write, Scott Jurek is trying to finish the northernmost 120 miles of the Appalachian Trail. If Scott summits Mt. Katahdin sometime within the next 60 hours, my team will no longer hold the overall record for the FKT on the Appalachian trail. If Scott touches the Katahdin sign anytime after 5:16 pm on Sunday, my team will have bested one of the greatest ultrarunners in North America.
      I have been asking myself, along with the help of reporters from Runners World, Outside magazine, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic, “What does that mean?”
      The word that keeps coming to my mind stays the same. “NOTHING.”
      I am not saying that my experience on the Appalachian Trail in 2011 means nothing. It means a great deal to me. That’s exactly why Scott Jurek’s finishing time does not change anything.
      The effects of such an endeavor cannot be ranked or expressed in numbers. My greatest reward that summer was not the record. The lasting results I cherish the most are a deeper love for my husband, an increased appreciation for my support network, and a better understanding of the sacrifice it takes to accomplish something very difficult. And, like every hike, I finished the journey with a deeper sense of awe for the spirit and significance of the wilderness, and a stronger desire to give back to the trail community.
      I never considered the Appalachian Trail record to be a race. I looked upon it as an opportunity to maximize potential based on the experience of those who have gone before, and the tireless support of an unselfish and dedicated crew. In the book, Called Again, I wrote, “A record holder never really stands alone, but rather climbs on the shoulders of the ones who have gone before him – or her.” If you lined up the past five record holders in their prime and told them to race down the trail, there’s no telling who would win. Each effort has faced different weather conditions and slightly different trail routes and reroutes. Each new contender benefits from the experience and wisdom of previous record setters.
      The overall Appalachian Trail record is not a solo endeavor. It is a team pursuit. I could not have set the record without my husband, Brew, or the countless friends, family members, hikers, and runners who helped us along the way. If Scott is successful it will be due just as much to his support team as to his athleticism.
      When asked about the record in my professional speaking engagements, I try to emphasize that the record is not better or worse than any other type of wilderness experience. I have completed the entire length of the Appalachian Trail three separate times. I do not consider the overall record more or less valuable than my other two journeys. The record should be recognized because it is unique and extremely difficult, not because it is in any way superior.
      To anyone who has followed endurance FKT’s over the past few decades, it is very clear that the atmosphere is rapidly changing. I asked Andrew Thompson- who held the record before I did- how he handled the media interviews as I approached Springer Mountain in 2011. He laughed and retorted that no one interviewed him before I finished.
      Karl Meltzer and Scott Jurek are two of the most high profile ultrarunning icons in North America. They have both tried for the record within the past five years. It has brought a huge amount of publicity to the Appalachian Trail and to trail records. Most of that publicity is very positive. But all record setters should be cognizant of “publicity pollution” on the trail. One person’s endeavor should not detract from another person’s wilderness experience.
      Several reporters with whom I have spoken over the past few days have attempted to offer solace by mentioning the fact that I will still hold the female record if Scott surpasses our mark. Although I proudly claimed the female record on the trail in 2008 and embraced the wording, I no longer think that fastest known times on long-distance trails should be split between male and female categories.
      Heather Anderson, Sue Johnston, and Diane Van Deren have proven that women are able to compete equally with men in a supported or unsupported fashion. If Scott surpasses our 2011 mark, then I will proudly claim the second fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail.
      In spite of all the time and energy that went into setting the overall record, I was surprised by how little actually changed after we accomplished our goal. I had the same friends, the same job, and the same bank account total. These things are unlikely to change if and when the record falls. Ultimately, my self-worth is not based upon the record. It is defined by my faith, my family, and my friends. My two-year old daughter doesn’t know what the Appalachian Trail record is. She just knows that mama loves to hike.
      One reporter asked if I will feel relieved when someone breaks the record. Relieved is not the word I would choose. But it does seem appropriate that someone like Scott will take the record. The truth is, I haven’t hiked another 40 mile day since 2011. I never wanted my legacy to be tied to an Appalachian Trail record.
      I want a lifelong relationship with the trail. I want to get as many people out on the trail as possible – especially women and children. And I want to be able to give back through service, financial donations, and trail maintenance projects. I am starting to realize that a true legacy is not so much about performing when the whole world is watching, as it is a dedication to your cause when no one is watching.
      My words to Scott this Sunday will be the same regardless of the outcome. “Congratulations. Cherish the experience and hold the record lightly.”
      I like she says "my self-worth is not based upon the record"

    • max.patch wrote:

      this is not meant to be negative although i can see how some will take it that way.

      i think JPD will be an ambassador for the trail her entire life. i think SJ will look at the trail as just another notch on his belt.
      more than just a notch in the belt, his crowning achievement. it remains to be seen how much of an ambassador he will be, but i'm inclined to agree with you.
      its all good

    • hikerboy wrote:

      max.patch wrote:

      this is not meant to be negative although i can see how some will take it that way.

      i think JPD will be an ambassador for the trail her entire life. i think SJ will look at the trail as just another notch on his belt.
      more than just a notch in the belt, his crowning achievement. it remains to be seen how much of an ambassador he will be, but i'm inclined to agree with you.
      yup, I'm in that boat as well, just a feelin' don't make him a bad guy, it just is what it is.

    • max.patch wrote:

      this is not meant to be negative although i can see how some will take it that way.

      i think JPD will be an ambassador for the trail her entire life. i think SJ will look at the trail as just another notch on his belt.
      that said, and if we're honest about it. I think people goin into these type tasks have to have a wee bit of an ego that drives them, upon finishing, maybe things change.

    • He's not a hiker he's a runner, and he will use it as experience and knowledge in training and guiding other athletes in endurance sports. I predict he will write another book within a year based on his experience and it will have nothing to do with hiking.

      I love JPD, what an awesome lady.
      Lost in the right direction.

    • TrafficJam wrote:

      He's not a hiker he's a runner, and he will use it as experience and knowledge in training and guiding other athletes in endurance sports. I predict he will write another book within a year based on his experience and it will have nothing to do with hiking.

      I love JPD, what an awesome lady.
      Agree, I love to see women and blacks excel (and I wont spot them a damned point), I was hoping her record would stand just for that reason...her greatest accomplishment is on her back in that photo...she's cutter than a specked puppy.
      I may grow old but I'll never grow up.

    • hikerboy wrote:

      baxter state park isn't happy about any of this. They issued a statement condemning Scott Jurek say commercial aspect as well as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for supporting such endeavors it was fine for public drinking and his team received several summonses
      thanks for posting that. i was able to poke around the internet and found the statement. powerful stuff.

      props to baxter for taking a stand on an issue they believe in without any fear about who it may or may not piss off. that is in direct contrast to the atc on controversial subjects.

      i'll post it below.
      2,000 miler

    • copy from BSP facebook page.

      the following 4 pictures were posted by BSP along with this document.

      Ultramarathoning in Baxter Park – another perspective.

      Our Facebook page is a great place to celebrate the nature of Baxter State Park. On occasion, we need to use this platform for serious discussion.

      Scott Jurek's recent completion of the Appalachian Trail in the shortest time on record is a remarkable physical accomplishment. With all due respect to Mr. Jurek's ability, Baxter State Park was not the appropriate place for such an event.

      Let's be clear and concise, Scott Jurek's physical abilities were recognized by corporations engaged in running and outdoor related products. The race vehicle used to support Scott in his run, as well as Scott's headband, clearly displays these corporate sponsors. The sponsors are providing money and equipment to support Scott's run in exchange for advertisement and engagement that they expect will protect or increase their market share and improve their profits. Included in this exchange are media companies such as “The Game Changers, LLC” of Laguna Beach CA, who were hired to capture video and photographic coverage of Scott's run to enhance the opportunities for commercial benefit from his run.

      When Scott arrived at Baxter Park to complete his run at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, he brought all of this to Baxter Peak, in Maine's largest wilderness.

      Mr. Jurek and the corporate sponsors were careful not to mention in the media coverage that one of the unfortunate outcomes of the celebration party at Baxter Peak at the completion of the event were the three summons issued to Mr. Jurek by a Baxter Park Ranger for the drinking of alcoholic beverages in public places (BSP Rule 7 and Maine State General Law), for littering (BSP Rule 4.5) and for hiking with an oversize group (BSP Rule 2.2). In addition, media personnel were issued a summons for violation of a commercial media permit which prohibited filming within 500' of Baxter Peak. Not much to be proud of there.

      An additional discouraging observation. The Appalachian Trail provided the challenge and backdrop for this event and consequently, provided the conduit for this event to land in Baxter Park. The profile of the AT is large enough to attract the corporate sponsorship necessary to support and carry such an event. The AT is apparently comfortable with the fit of this type of event in its mission. The formal federal designation and authority of the Appalachian Trial does not extend into Baxter State Park. The AT within the Park is hosted at the consideration of the Baxter State Park Authority. The Authority is currently considering the increasing pressures, impacts and conflicts that the Appalachian Trail brings to the Park and if a continued relationship is in the best interests of Baxter State Park.

      Thousands of people, including Mainers and others from all over the world, visit Baxter Park and hike in the Park's wilderness, including a climb to Baxter Peak. People celebrate their accomplishment, often with their families and often many times over, quietly and with appreciation for this precious gift left to us in perpetuity by Percival Baxter. These “corporate events” have no place in the Park and are incongruous with the Park's mission of resource protection, the appreciation of nature and the respect of the experience of others in the Park. We hope for the support of the AT and BSP communities to help us steer these events to more appropriate venues in the future.
      2,000 miler

      The post was edited 1 time, last by max.patch ().

    • Not surprised and also agree. However, their wording is a bit......odd. They reference "The Appalachian Trail" like this inanimate object "encouraged" the FKT event. They don't reference the ATC or really just "who" they think 'encouraged' this.....other than the sponsors that they don't want to name either.
      Pirating – Corporate Takeover without the paperwork

    • Well, from the photo of the group on the peak, anyone know how that compared to when JPD hit Springer? Looks about the same number of people....but then there are not a lot of people at/on Springer and no rules about group size. (that I know of)
      Pirating – Corporate Takeover without the paperwork

    • hikerboy wrote:

      baxter state park isn't happy about any of this. They issued a statement condemning Scott Jurek say commercial aspect as well as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for supporting such endeavors it was fine for public drinking and his team received several summonses
      Wow, hadn't heard this news yet, not surprised though...now the moving forward can begin, good deal!