There are runners, and then there are *runners*

From Colorado Runner magazine, comes this story about someone who has endurance that I just can't even begin to believe. Running the equivilant of over 2 marathons a day, mostly on single track, and at high elevation.

Holy. Shit.

Sam Thompson Attempts Colorado Trail Speed Record

Denver, CO (July 25) - The North Face Endurance team member Sam Thompson will attempt to break the current speed record on the Colorado Trail of eight days, 13 hours and 28 minutes, by covering the historic trail in fewer than eight days. Along the way, Thompson is aiming to average approximately 70 miles a day, most of it run on technical trail cutting over high-alpine passes in highly remote wilderness back country.

"I have dreamed of doing the Colorado Trail for a long, long time," said Thompson.

The "C.T." is a 484-mile trail running from the mouth of Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver, to Durango, Colorado, located in the southwestern corner of the state. The trail traverses Colorado's Rocky Mountains, with its highest point a skyscraping 13,334 feet. A vast majority of the trail hovers above an altitude of 10,000 feet. Along the way, it passes through eight major mountain ranges, seven national forests, and six wilderness areas. The Continental Divide Trail follows the same path for approximately 200 miles.

The trail passes through what is considered to be some of Colorado's most beautiful country. Wildlife abounds and wildflowers, in season, are abundant. While much of the C.T. passes through forests, a good portion of it also reaches above timberline, an altitude inhospitable to the growth of trees. The trail also passes through historic mining towns, along once-used Native American trails, and even through a world-class ski resort.

Thompson expects to encounter many challenges during his record attempt, ranging from sleep deprivation to extreme fatigue. There will likely be some navigational challenges as well -- for both Thompson and his support crew as they aim to meet him at various points to help him re-stock his supplies. High-country summer storms as well as lingering snow from a long winter may also slow him. But for Thompson, it's all a very small price to pay.

For more information on Sam Thompson check out: www.seesamrun.com or www2.thenorthface.com/na/athletes/athletes-ST.html