Photo via Pete’s Feet Across America
“It all started over a midmorning beer.”
That’s the start of a New York Times profile on Pete Kostelnick, who last week broke the transcontinental record for running 3,067 miles across the U.S. in 42 days. His new record broke the previous best set in 1980 by four days.
It continues: “He sat in a parking lot with a childhood friend, sipped his beer, and made the gutsiest decision of his life: ‘I’m going to go for the transcontinental record.'”
Kostelnick isn’t the only ultra record breaker to be inspired by beer. Karl Meltzer, a 48-year-old former bartender, recently finished the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail in a record-setting just under 46 days. Meltzer averaged 50 miles and 15 hours of running each day, which he said entitled him to the one or two beers he finished at the end of each leg.
Kostelnick started on his 29th birthday on Sept. 12th at the steps of the San Francisco City Hall, and ended on the steps of New York City Hall. In between, he averaged 72 miles per day.
After being inspired over a beer, the run also ended in a fitting way.
“I need a beer and my wife,” he said upon completing the run. “Right now.”
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