Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live At Daybreak

Interview with Keith Furman

Aired August 29, 2002 - 06:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: You know, some of us may have picked up a "Guinness Book of World Records" and wondered what you could do to get your name in that book. Well, one man went above and beyond breaking more records than any other person.
No doubt Keith Furman's name will appear in the 2003 edition of the "Guinness Book of World Records." And he joins us live now from New York to tell us what it takes to achieve such greatness.

Good morning.

KEITH FURMAN, NO. 1 GUINNESS RECORD HOLDER: Good morning.

COSTELLO: How many records did you break?

FURMAN: I'm up around 70 right now of official records, and I currently hold 15.

COSTELLO: That's crazy. And one of them is juggling.

FURMAN: Right.

COSTELLO: Can you do a little demonstration for us?

FURMAN: Sure. Well, actually, I have a record for juggling, but this is something combining jogging and juggling, which we call "joggling," and it's actually very difficult, because you have to concentrate on the balls while running as fast as you can. I've done this for a marathon, and also I currently have the record for 50 miles in 8 hours and 52 minutes.

COSTELLO: Wow! And you can talk, too, and do that. So you've run the greatest distance nonstop, carrying a nine-pound brick.

FURMAN: Oh, yes. Yes, that was tough.

COSTELLO: The greatest distance milk bottle balancing, what's that?

FURMAN: Right. Oh, that's really -- for me, I love this, because it's sort of -- it's characteristic of many of the records in the Guinness book. I mean, it looks silly and it sounds a little nutty. You have to walk as far as you can while balancing a bottle of milk on your head. But it really requires intense concentration.

COSTELLO: Yes.

FURMAN: Because at this point, you have to keep going for 23 hours was the last time I did it, I covered 81 miles.

COSTELLO: Why do you do all of these things?

FURMAN: Well, you know what it is? It's the challenge of it -- to be the best in the world at something. You go through the book, find something which seems almost impossible, and then train for it. And you really have to go deep within yourself to overcome the obstacles to become the best in the world.

COSTELLO: How long does it take you to practice for these different, amazing feats?

FURMAN: Usually, it's a two or three-month period, where I learn the skills involved, and you know, I'm able to get up to the point where my body is ready to break a record.

COSTELLO: Well, I'm looking through the new Guinness World Record book, and I see your picture in here.

FURMAN: Yes, right.

COSTELLO: There you are. You are jumping rope.

FURMAN: Yes, I'm in there, yes. I just love the book, the "Guinness World Record Book," and to me, it represents the best that human beings have ever done. So it's fascinating to me. And I think it's coming out this week, so it's a very exciting time for me.

COSTELLO: Well, let me ask you this question. Does a book like this push people to do -- oh, push people to do things they probably shouldn't?

FURMAN: No. You know, one thing about the Guinness World Records is they discourage things that are dangerous or that could possibly hurt you. And I think it's just all very innocent, sort of good-natured fun and challenge. So I think it's a very, very good thing. I don't think it's a bad influence at all.

COSTELLO: OK. Well, quickly now, what's next for you? Are you thinking of breaking yet another record?

FURMAN: Oh, yes. I'm always working on things. Right now, I'm working on doing the fasted mile of lunges. I'll do a little demonstration.

COSTELLO: OK.

FURMAN: This is a lunge, like this. So you know, it would be walking for a mile in the fastest time. And it kills your quadriceps.

COSTELLO: Oh, you're not kidding. You're a crazy guy. But thank you for brightening our morning. We appreciate it.

FURMAN: OK, thank you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.