Selah Yearbook 1991-92

n Appalachian Trail Run Horton was Christ w h o strengtheneth me,' and Philippians 4:19, 'But gaining ground on m y God shall supply all your needs according to his "Maineak" with riches in glory by Christ Jesus,'" Horton said. "He never each step. "I was failed me!" able to keep track O n June 30, Horton became the fastest person to ever of his progress by hike the Appalachian Trail. But this did not come withchecking the regisout a price. During the last one and one-half weeks, the ters at the shelters physical obstacle grew into a mental and emotional one, along the trail," he as well. said.

"The trail was so tough in N e w Hampshire and Maine On day 39 that I started breaking down physically, mentally and Horton caught up emotionally," Horton said. "Every time I thought about with "Maineak" just m y family, home or climbing the last mountain, I would inside the Vermont break down and cry." border, 1,574.6 Another price he had to pay was being separated from miles from the starthis wife Nancy, especially on M a y 21 - their 20th weding point. "I ding anniversary. "At first it was O K , but it got very had only four difficult, because it was the longest w e had been sepamiles left for the rated," Horton said. "My wife was always there and day, so I walked supportive during this entire ordeal." and talked with These prices were not without their rewards. Horton him the rest of the not only set an A T record, he was able to enjoy the climb way," he said. up Mt. Katahdin with his 17-year-old son Brandon and For the next four his friends, Nancy Hamilton, Doug Young, Jack McGiff in days, they played and Glenn Streeter, while his wife drove to the other side leap frog. "He to meet him. would hike until 10 Since the opening of the AT, approximately 2,200 people or 11 p.m. and as a have gone the entire distance, but no one has done it result, would go beyond where I had stopped at 4 or 5 faster than Horton. p.m.," Horton said. "The following days I would pass "There is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction in having him at earlier and earlier points. The last time I saw accomplished this goal," Horton said. "I did it because of 'Maineak' was about 15 miles east of Hanover, N e w the challenge - to be the best. You want to be the best at Hampshire, on m y 43rd day out." something, and this is what I do. I think the Lord has Although the two had not previously met, Horton given m e a talent." enjoyed the time they were able to spend talking. "We Horton has a poster in his office which says, "There is had become good friends, and it was somewhat disap- no greater challenge than to challenge yourself." pointing not seeing him each day," he said. "He was very H e holds strongly to these words. "Dream dreams. If helpful in telling m e a great deal about what lay ahead foryou don't have dreams, you can't see them come true." m e on the trail."

The last 10 days proved to be the hardest. During this time, Horton averaged 13 hours and 37 minutes on the trail. The greatest physical obstacle came in the White Mountains of N e w Hampshire.

"They were unbelievably hard," Horton said. "The trails are extremely rocky and steep and have no switchbacks."

The AT's combined elevation and descent alone totals 465,000 feet. That is the same as starting at sea level and going up and down Mount Everest 16 times. It is also equivalent to making 357 trips to the top of Sharp Top at the Peak's of Otter and back down (seven round trips a day for 52 straight days).

Quitting, however, was never an option.

"Many times when I would be climbing those vertical ascents in the White Mountains, I would claim God's promise in Philippians 4:13, T can do all things through