Exploring the Story of Glory: "Hold the Record Lightly."

7.13.2015

"Hold the Record Lightly."

Photograph by Luis Escobar

Since May 27th, ultrarunner (and Minnesota-native) Scott Jurek has been heading north on the Appalachian Trail (AT) at record speed.

Scott's stated goal has been to cover the 2,160 miles of trail between Georgia and Maine faster than anyone else ever has. The previous fastest known time (FKT) for the AT was 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes set by Jennifer Pharr Davis in 2011. To break her record, Scott needed to cover an average of 47+ miles a day. That's a lot of miles, for a lot of days straight.

Despite some setbacks along the way, Scott ended up breaking the record by a mere 3 hours and 13 minutes by reaching the top of Mount Katahdin in Maine at 2:05 pm yesterday.

While establishing a new speed record is impressive, I find the reaction of the former record holder Jennifer Pharr Davis to Scott's attempt/record to be even more impressive. In a world where accomplishments often stoke the fires of ego, it is refreshing to read reactions like these:

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.” ...

My greatest reward that summer [that she set the FKT] 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 ...

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...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.”

Scott Jurek: "For the past month and a half I dreamed of getting to the top of Katahdin. After 46 days, 8 hours and 7 minutes it was a reality and the feeling was unlike anything I've experienced. The path takes us places we never imagine."
(Photograph by Luis Escobar)

Read Jennifer Pharr Davis's full article here: