Barefoot Ted's Adventures

Join me! 6 Day Running Adventures in Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:49:00 +0000

I am currently in Istanbul exploring the city on my Solowheel preparing for two Turkish runs later this year - both are six day adventures ;-) (learn more about Solowheels here www.LaptopVehicles.com)

RunFire Cappadocia Ultra Marathon
& 6 Day Adventure Run - July 20-27
http://bit.ly/RunFireUltra

Lycian Way Ultra Marathon
http://www.likyayoluultramaratonu.com/EN/

Will be in Prague at end of May for a barefoot event and launch of LUNA sandals. Then to England for a three week LUNA sandals launch. While in England I will be part of an amazing run along the coast of Cornwall from Lizard Point to Lands End on June 8.

See http://www.endurancelife.com/event-new.asp?series=71

BFT

PS. See you in Turkey!

EL MONO LOVES LAPTOP VEHİCLES

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:51:00 +0000

I started riding Solowheel on November 23rd last year. It is the most amazing vehicle I have ever ridden. It is my new car.

The future is now...the first vehicle that honors the human form and rewards good running posture with effortless movement with an engaged core and active legs. The new age of exhilarating commuting is here.

Learn more at www.LaptopVehicles.com

The Monkey Spirit: A Chinese Folktale

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:22:00 +0000

The Monkey Spirit: A Chinese Folktale

Monkey eats Immortal Peach...the rest is History.

A monkey was born from a stone egg that had been fertilized by the wind as it lay on the peak of a mountain. For having found a heavenly grotto in which other monkeys would reside safely, the stone monkey became the Monkey King of the monkey tribe. He soon became very adept at magic arts and learned skills from a Taoist immortal who among other things gave him the personal name of Discoverer of Secrets, and taught him to change his shape at will and to fly through the air. The Monkey King organized all the monkeys and slew a monster who was persecuting them. He obtained a magic weapon from the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea with which he began to make himself a master of the four quarters.

After a great feast given in his honor, Monkey fell asleep in the shade of a pine tree. In this sleep he saw two men approach. They tied him with rope and dragged him to the King of Death, who had him chained in the Region of Darkness.

However, he broke his bonds and stole the register of deaths from which he deleted his own name and that of all monkeys making them immortal. As a result of all the trouble which he caused he was summoned to Heaven Stables to keep him quiet.

All was peaceful until the Monkey King learned from the other ministers that his new position was one with no rank. He started angrily breaking everything up in heaven and then withdrew to a mountain. The Lord of Heaven called for a siege of the mountain, but was repulsed by the Monkey King. Seeing that the only way to keep him from doing more harm was to keep him in heaven under their watchful eyes, the Lord of Heaven and his followers agreed that the Monkey King would be accorded a new title, The Great Sage, Equal to Heaven. When the Monkey King heard of his new position, he agreed once again to behave himself. Unbeknownst to the Monkey King, his residence was built next to the Garden of Immortal Peaches, a source of immortality. But because he had no duties, he idled away his time becoming chummy with various stars and heavenly constellations. Other immortals were afraid that his idleness would lead to more roguery. They asked the Lord of Heaven to give him a duty to perform. Thus, the Monkey King was made Superintendent of the Garden of Immortal Peaches.

Unfortunately he was not invited to come to the Peach Festival (held every 3000 years), and to revenge himself he not only ate all the food and wine prepared for the feast but also stole the Pills of Immortality. As the Monkey King had already eaten the peaches, he was therefore made immortal.

He retired to his mountain kingdom, but his irresponsible behavior had now infuriated all the gods and goddesses. After a long siege in which the Monkey King employed all his magic skills to avoid defeat, he was finally captured and brought before the Jade Emperor, who condemned him to death as a criminal in revolt agains the Heavenly Throne. The sentence could not, however, be carried out because the monkey King was protected both by the peaches and the pills. He was handed over to Lao Tzu(the father of Taoism) to be distilled in the alchemists' furnace.

The furnace was heated to white heat for forty-nine days, but at the end of this time the Monkey King lifted the lid and threatened to destroy Heaven. In despair, the Jade Emperor sent for the Buddha, who asked Monkey King why he wished to possess Heaven. The Monkey King's reply was that he knew with certainty that he was sufficiently powerful to rule Heaven. When the Buddha demanded proof for his claim, the Monkey King explained that he was immortal, invulnerable, able to change his shape in 72 different ways, to fly through the air and to leap a distance of 108,000 li (1li = 1/3 of a mile) = 36,000 miles.

The Buddha doubted whether the Monkey King could even jump out of the Buddha's palm, but agreed that if the Monkey King was successful, then he was surely entitled to rule the Heaven. So the Monkey King leaped into the air and sprang across Heaven to the furthest corners of the earth, where he came to rest at the base of a great mountain, where he urinated as animals do when they wish to make out territory of their own. Then he returned in a single bound and confronted the Buddha.

But the Buddha laughed at his claim of having traversed the whole universe at a single bound and showed him that the mountain where he had urinated was but the base of one of the Buddha's fingers and that he had not even escaped from the palm of the Buddha's hand. Then the Buddha created a magic mountain and shut the Monkey King up within it.

Here he would have remained but the Goddess of Mercy obtained his release so that the Monkey King might accompany a monk on a great pilgrimage to the Western Paradise (India) to get authentic versions of the Buddha's teachings. The Monkey King swore faithfully to obey his new master and to protect him from perils. He did this despite many temptations and dangerous situations on the way.

On their return, the turtle who was carrying them across a flooded river left them to sink, because the Monkey King's companion had not fulfilled the promise he made to turtle on the way to the destination. But they swam safely to shore and were greeted with great honors by the Emperor of China and the people.

Their final honors came from a heavenly committee of welcome presided over by the Buddha Yet To Come. The Monkey King was made God of Victorious Strife. At the beginning of the pilgrimage a helmet had been fitted on the Monkey King's head which contracted upon his skull when he was wayward or wanton. The agony of the contractions had caused him to refrain from wickedness. When, therefore, he was given his new title, the Monkey King begged to have his helmet removed since he had now become an enlightened one. The answer that was given was that if the Monkey King Was indeed enlightened, the helmet would have gone of its own accord. The Monkey King reached up to feel his head and found that the helmet had disappeared.

The interpretation of the Chinese folktale below (from Pacific University's Asian Studies Resources).

I never did write about my Japan trip in May...

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Before the UTM Fuji 100 miler

Japanese Born to Run - Foot Stamped and signed in Japanese ;-)

In Fukushima at a shrine for peace and a barefoot run

Fukushima

Kobe friends

Kobe mountain barefoot adventure

No go...stopping 1/4 through the race...done.

Training Tips: Barefoot Running - National Geographic

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:52:00 +0000

Ted McDonald trail running in Copper Canyons, Mexico
Photograph by Leslie Gaines

from National Geographic Adventure's Kate Siber

“Barefoot” Ted McDonald played a lively and central role in Christopher McDougall’s breakout book, Born to Run, with a simple but revolutionary message: “Some of the best technology you’ll ever own when it comes to footwear is the one you’ve already been given by your ancestors,” he says. The barefoot-running guru still runs shoeless, coaches barefoot newbies in Seattle, and owns Luna Sandals, a running sandal company. He has also become a leading spokesman for the wonders of barefoot running, particularly for those with injuries stemming from footwear. But there’s also the pure pleasure of running as we were designed. “There’s this feeling of lightness and connectedness to our own bodies,” says McDonald.

Continue reading article here.

---

Caballo Blanco's Legacy

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Caballo Blanco's Legacy - A Monkey's Perspective

Geronimo, Caballo's hero, print gifted to Maria at the Memorial

Caballo's wisdom was expressed in his authenticity. He did not teach us to be just like him, but rather, I believe he taught us the importance of finding and being our own authentic selves.

The following quote from American philosopher J. William Lloyd sums up what I imagine Caballo telling us to gain from his life...

This is My Interpretation, but I am not asking you to make it your interpretation. Rather its aim is to inspire you to make your own interpretation. I am not posing as a Master, or asking you to be my disciple. If you were seeking to be my disciple, I would tell you to question every word that I said, to weigh, measure, test, and finally accept only what seemed to you true and good, assimilating that into your own spiritual life -- in brief, to find your own Road to the Center. What I would want would be to awaken and stimulate your own spiritual powers. from Author's Preface in "My Interpretation of Truth and Life" by J. William Lloyd, 1937

Caballo's legacy lives in each one of you who were touched by his persona, by his dream, by his life...and that was a lot of people...the vast majority of them through the book Born to Run, a book that helped blossom the fully budded dream. We are witnessing a blossoming.

And indeed Caballo's dream lives on. CCUM 2013 is certain. Caballo's Norawas de Raramuri organization continues and the Caballo Blanco Foundation is born. All dreams. All coming true. KEEP DREAMIN'

Patrick Sweeney's illustration sums it all up for me. Perfect.
Live your life authentically...and always RUN FREE!!!

¡Gracias Caballo!

BFT, El Mono Hablador

Printable Version

BAREFOOT TED INTERVIEW by Ultra Runner Podcast

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:58:00 +0000

from: Ultra Runner Podcast

Barefoot Ted, Ultrarunner

Barefoot Ted takes a break from his work at the Luna Sandal Factory in Seattle, WA to share with us his philosophy about running barefoot. We also talk about making the transition from shoes to shoeless, barefoot running cultures, skateboarding, Born to Run and his recent return to the Copper Canyons and so much more. Kick off your shoes and relax, Barefoot Ted has a lot on his mind.
www.barefooted.com

Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon 2012 - Luna Crew Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:42:00 +0000

Thanks to full-blown Mas Loco Lunar Monkey Patrick Sweeney and friends for an awesome Luna Experience. I vote for the LUNIFICATION OF THE WHOLE WORLD!!!

Thank you for being a friend!

BFT

Last Year's Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon Photo Montage (incomplete)

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:09:00 +0000

This video includes footage of Caballo leading us down into Urique and race day events of last year's event (2011).

BFT

Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:13:00 +0000

¡Viva Chihuahua, Viva Urique! ¡Gracias amigos!

The 2012 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon was a mind-bogglingly awesome success. Thanks to Caballo Blanco's dream, the race has grown to be over 500 runners, mostly locals, with 80 international runners this year. The town of Urique has been inspired and inspires. The future of the celebration looks bright indeed. ¡Gracias a todos!

I will add more stories and photos to this blog post as time goes on, but wanted to get this up now.

BFT

My Facebook photos uploaded while in Mexico
thanks to wifi and iPhone...love it.

Some more FB photos of the trip.

India!

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 17:01:00 +0000

Mumbai photos link

Wrote this report on my iPhone while making my way down to this year's Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon (Ultramaratón Internacional Caballo Blanco) in Urique, Chihuahua, Mexico.

India Mosaic

India, India, India. Such an amazing journey it was to be. Thank you to my good friend Anand Anantharaman who hosted my trip and made me an honorary member of his family and running community. Because of the success of the book Born to Run in India, the character Barefoot Ted is known and thankfully, from my personal experience, loved. Thank you for such a warm welcome!

In many ways India has been playing an important role in my life for all of my life. Vivid memories of Disney's Jungle Book movie that I first saw in 1967 age 3 undoubtedly helped jump start my imagination's grasp of India as a place of wonder and mystery and beauty. As a young adult, intellectual and spiritual ideas birthed on Indian soil added richness and depth to my own unique path. And more recently I've gained a deeper appreciation of Indian brain power and economic and technological exuberance and its unique place in history and its cultural richness. India has been very good to me all of my life.

Pune photos link

The first opportunity to travel to India came last year. I was to be part of the Navi Mumbai Marathon in November 2011. I was selected as the Brand Ambassador and was going to be part of this historical, record breaking event with 1000 barefoot runners in a race. Sadly, the event had to be cancelled at the last minute. I found myself with a ticket and nowhere to go. Instead of completely loosing the value of the airfare, I postponed the trip as far into the future as I could and randomly picking February 1-15. Turns out that was a good thing.

In January, Anand began to plan my visit. An excellent plan he created! Did you know it takes essentially 24 hours+ to fly from Seattle to Mumbai? That is a LONG time to spend on a plane for this monkey me!

Auroville photos link

I was met at the airport by Anand's driver holding a sign reading "Barefoot Ted". My plane had been 5 hours late! At 4am we finally arrived at Anand's place in Seawoods Estates, Navi Mumbai, a lovely place to stay, a mini paradise that I was able to use as my home base in India. I became a fully fledged Anantharaman family member for 2 weeks...and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you!

India has left an indelible mark on me. I experienced deep connections with

Ramaswara photos link

people and places while visiting several areas around Mumbai and participating in several barefoot running events, while visiting Pune and running barefoot through the university streets with a local running group, and while visiting Chennai, taking a train to Pondicherry and visiting Auroville and speaking before the Auroville Marathon and then running the half marathon barefoot, and while taking the train down to Rameswaram and visiting the temple and taking the 22 baths, and while jeeping out to Adam's Bridge (Rama Seta) near the lost town of Dhanushkodi.

Thank you India, my life will never be the same.

Barefoot Ted Interview by Primal Lifestyle's Matt Wallden

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Please Facebook or email me with your favorite quotes in this interview. BFT

Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run Experiment

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:06:00 +0000

Feet after 50 miles in Lunas.

It has been over 3 weeks since I ran the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run...and I am now finally getting a moment to take some time to record my thoughts on this event and share some photos...while sitting at my friends house on the other side of the world in Navi Mumbai, India.

Firstly, and most importantly, I want to point out that this run was a total experiment. I continue to test my idea about the least amount of training that works. Folks, I really don't train in a traditional sense anymore. I mean that I don't have a traditional training schedule. All I do is try and move well every day. I trot to the coffee house or market. I run the dogs. I trot over to the Luna Factory. I use my own two feet to power my life as much as possible and I error on the side of quality instead of quantity. My biggest inspiration to move is to see and feel natural beauty. My running is more like surfing and play. It's about exhilaration and joy and unexpected awesomeness and crazy gorgeous vistas (examples here). It's about freedom.

View from our rental

My working theory is to avoid turning running into a duty and instead turn it into a passion, an art of living. By listening to my body's own desire and need to move, I dance my running. Running barefoot or in sandals automatically encourages me to stay focused on form and keeps me tuned in. I believe that this style of running alone makes me a stronger runner and person. No junk miles along with no junk food. Running, walking and trotting between 2-5 miles a day maximum is enough to keep me fit and ready to run 50 mile plus events. This has been my experiment. Ultimate goal? Health and happiness and quick recovery leading to a stronger, healthier, happier me, and so far it's working!

Ready to start

So as I got on a plane to fly to LA, I really had to wonder if this style of "training"was going to be enough to allow me to complete a tough 50 mile course on Catalina Island. I was looking forward to finding out. Furthermore, I was going to be running in a pair of Leadville Lunas. It would be the first time running an ultra with the new ATS lacing system. In LA I met up with fellow Lunar Monkeys Patrick Sweeney and Reese Ruhland and we all got on a ferry along with Tracy Thomas (first Luna customer ever in 2007) and her partner Laura Vossman heading for Catalina. I had arranged for us all to share a rental house overlooking Avalon Bay. Good choice of monkeys and venue.

Race started at 5am on Saturday morning in darkness and immediately started with a long climb. One of the first things I noticed was the sound...of runners running in normal running shoes. It is loud...real loud. If we were a hunting party we would have been out of luck. In my Lunas, I was silent. I love the sound of silent running...am addicted to it. Up we climbed until we reached the ridge line. And then the most beautiful thing happened, we were all greeted with the most spectacular sunrise I have ever seen. Photos don't do it justice.

Stunning sunrise

It was a super clear day. It seemed as if you could see San Diego to the South and Santa Barbara to the North...a huge, dark coastline with the orange of the sunlight highlighting the silhouettes of dark mountains all along the mainland. Only the lights of Los Angeles could be seen. All else was black with the sunlight streaking across the 25 miles of ocean between us as if it were a smooth puddle. It was so inspiring, reminding me that regardless of all the baubles and gadgets humans create, nothing compares to the inspirational power of raw natural beauty of this caliber. Breathtaking. I had to stop and take photos. Something I continued to do for the entire 50 miles!

Mile 37's beauty

So, how does one run 50 miles on less than 25 miles a week of "training"? One thing I don't do - I don't waste any time worrying about time. No watch. No planned times to here or there. I just stay in my zone, my sweet spot. Running to me is a practice, an art of staying in the place that allows me to run effortlessly, smoothly and gently. My breathing remains lite and is primarily nose breathing...like yoga. Because of the beauty of the course I was continuously being awed by the views all around me. A deep sense of gratitude for being alive filled my mind. Music by Seattle composer Michael Maricle made up the background music along with wind and waves and birds and runners. I use headphones that leave my ears open, so I can hear music and the world at the same time. Highly recommended.

Breathtaking views everywhere

Light and smooth and gentle I made my way through the course...and what a course. Perfect for running in Luna Sandals, perfect for those who have learned how to run lightly even on the hardest surfaces. Much of the course is on fire trails. For many this was a bane. For me it was pure joy. It was sandal running territory par excellence. One long section after mile 25 had an out and back section that allowed one to see all the runners go by...over 300 of us. It was great getting a chance to see many old friends from the Southern California running community! Lots of smiling faces. I was beaming the whole way.

Loved my Lunas

The mile 40 aid station was one of the finest I have ever encountered in all my running days. Indeed all the aid stations were awesome. At mile 40, how about fresh Buffalo burgers and lobster? How about cold mixed fruit salads and a icy beer if you want it? How about a cool shower? They had it and more!

The last 10 miles are perhaps the most difficult. From 40 to 46 you are no longer on the coastline. The heat increased. But lucky me, I started picking Toyon Berries...and they happened to be the best tasting ones I had ever eaten. I was also admiring the profuse abundance of California native plant species on this section of the course. Most of them slightly different from the mainland varieties. All very interesting.

Cold ocean swim = priceless

Finally the last section came. 4 miles straight down a switchback road. After 46 miles of running, the legs are not as well prepared for so much downhill, but I was feeling good and let myself fly as smoothly as I could. It feels so good to be nearing the end of such a long race.

Now for the best part of all. When you are finished you are a stone's throw away from the ocean. Nothing is finer than a nice, cold ocean swim after 50 miles of running. Heaven on earth.

All in all a truly awesome experience. And to make things even more interesting, my best time for a 50 miler, a PR - 9 hours and 32 minutes and 69th out of 308 finishers. 22nd out of 59 in my class. All this without "training", taking pictures and having fun the whole way. I am onto something!

Adios for now, BFT

PS. One very cool fact is that another runner ran the race in Lunas!!! And it was his first 50 miler too. Congratulations Rusty (see photo below).

PSS. Lunar Monkey Patrick Sweeney wrote his own report...which will put a smile on your face to read http://bourbonfeet.blogspot.in/2012/01/avalon-50k-2012.html

100 mile circumambulation of Mt. Fuji in Japan in May

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:10:00 +0000

Very pleased to be invited to this year's inaugural Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji, a 100 mile trail event in Japan. It is an awesome opportunity to spend 48 hours in the wilderness of Japan circumambulating the most sacred symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji.

I am honored to be able to be part of this event.

from the official website (really love this me)

Self-Exploration

This race is not about being the fastest runner or about competing against other people. This race around Mt. Fuji is an incredible 160 km journey. A journey that covers an extraordinary distance by foot. They will be physically and mentally challenged and pushed to explore their limits and discover new possibilities within themselves.

To cultivate respect for the natural environment

Japan's culture has always been very deeply interconnected with the natural environment. However, in recent times, people have started to lose sight of this important connection. This race aims to make participants realize the importance of our coexistence with nature. It will cultivate and promote respect towards the natural environment through the outdoor sport of trail running while rigorously endeavoring to minimize any damage to the environment.

To share the trails with everybody

These trails have been created over many years by the people who live, work and enjoy the mountains. It is important for those that use these trails for recreation to understand and respect the fact that these trails are still actively used by these people. This race aims to provide a mutual understanding between these different users and help communicate and promote the sharing of these trails.

Katsushika Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji – Kanagawa-oki nami-ura (The Great Wave off Kanagawa)"

“Red Mt.Fuji” by Hokusai Katsushika.

Auspicious? I was born the year of the dragon and this year is the year of the dragon
and this box with Mt. Fuji and a dragon sits at the base of my Butsudan.

The Great Dance - A Hunter's Story | Film about the San People

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:01:00 +0000

The film shares the San perspective of tracking thus:

"Tracking is like dancing because your body is happy. It's telling you the hunting will be good. You feel it in the dance. It tells you. When you are tracking and dancing, you are talking with God." (You can view the full film at bottom of this post. )

This film simply blew my mind. Here you have all the secrets you need to know about the nuance of understanding our ancestors had with their bodies and their environment: the animals, the plants, the winds and rain, fire, and the sun. They were highly skilled and tuned beings who could see the world so deeply, see the connections between things, read the signs all around them, and retell the story through words, hand gestures and movement, sand drawing and painting. They read their world well.

As a seemingly highly evolved 21st century Great Ape, I am fascinated by our genetic, cultural and spiritual heritage. I am also amazed at where we are now. Shaman-like, I believe it is our job to connect the past to the future, thereby creating the present. That's what I like to do, and I get a lot of inspiration from a deeper acquaintance with our hunter-gathering ancestors and their ways of being.

This film starts out with this quote:
"/XAÁ is the word for DANCE in the !Ko language of the Kalahari and also means to REVERE, or to show ONENESS."

It is so powerful, especially when you reconnect it to the idea that tracking is like dancing "because your body is happy". Our ancestors knew how to be happy in their bodies by being in the moment and connected to themselves and their world. We can do the same. I recommend it.

Now enjoy the film below and let me know what you think. I plan on sharing more of the insights I have gained from this film and these people in future blog posts.

"This is a film dedicated to the ancient !Xo San people, whose harmony with this vast Kalahari desert landscape inspired the movie. Use this to learn more about the !Xo San - the Kalahari Desert Bushmen - or to travel into their minds, hearts and landscapes through the unique images."

BFT

PS. I recommend supporting www.kuru.co.bw. An organization whose vision is that:
The San peoples of Southern Africa will achieve permanent control over their lives, resources and destiny. I want to see that happen too!

Inspired by "Born to Be Barefoot" by Christopher McDougall

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:22:00 +0000

Born to Be Barefoot
Article by McDougall
Download PDF here

Reading Christopher McDougall's recent article titled "Born to Be Barefoot" was a great pleasure. His article succinctly confirms and validates for me the worthiness of the pursuit of personal understanding through self-experimentation and hints from the stories and traditions of our most ancient ancestors.

Christopher McDougall's book "Born to Run" has moved a lot of us to reexamine what it means to be human, what it means to locomote with two feet over the world. He has reminded us that we are not broken by default and that some of our most basic primal capacities are awesome before the admixture of anything, that we embody some pretty impressive ancient technology worthy of remembering and rediscovering.

Testing the Original
Vibram FiveFingers
January 2006

Since 2004, I have been committed to rediscovering for myself the joy of running, the joy of primal movement, the joy of tuning into my own body's sophisticated and time-tested tools for survival and play. That led me to the bare foot, but my investigation did not stop there.

I started becoming fascinated by the footwear of our ancient ancestors, footwear that has played a role in our species' ability to get to every nook and cranny of this planet on our own two feet. I looked for modern versions of these most fundamental designs and in late 2005 hit pay dirt when I was among the first to recognize the original Vibram FiveFingers as the perfect shoe for human beings, the first modern shoe that achieved full expression of the most amazing footwear design ever...the foot itself. (see my blog article "Paradigm Shifting Trojan Horses - Vibram Five Fingers")

Tarahumara Huarache Sandals
Made by Manuel Luna in 2006

One thing the footwear of our ancient hunter-gathering ancestors share is an elegance of design, a functional simplicity based on an underlying assumption that the foot is just fine as it is and at best requires protection from the extremes of hot, sharp and cold. Sandals and moccasins have played a role in our success from the very beginning. Go hither and thither on this planet and do some investigating...you'll find fine examples of minimalist footwear everywhere.

It is no mistake that the Tarahumara Indians of Northern Mexico happen to be among the greatest long distance mountain runners on the planet. They have remained true to a tradition of running and sandal making that goes back into our distant past. Simple sandals have proven themselves through the natural selection of human experience and use. The simplest, most elegant solutions that work tend to rise to the top: sandals like the Tarahumara huarache and the traditional Japanese waraji and the San people of South Africa's giraffe-hide sandal.

Traditional Japanese Waraji
Part of a long footwear tradition

Regaining an acquaintance with our own bodies is a first good step in getting a chance to taste what it means to be fully human. Learning how to move well in your own bare feet directly connects you to an aspect of the human condition that is as old as time and older. Every able bodied 21st century primate of the genus Homo can relive the magic and majesty of our species' bipedal mastery of movement in their own default equipment. It is a human birthright available to all, and when practiced well, brings health and happiness by virtue of being what our bodies and minds have evolved to crave. We know it when we feel it and humans have been practicing this amazing art for some time now.

Sandals of the Bushmen
Among our oldest ancestors

In the end, is barefoot and minimalism for everyone? Is it the new cure all? Will it make me faster, better, stronger? It has yet to be determined, after all, we as a cohort of humans in modern urban societies are the among the first who have ever been so differently-abled as to literally need therapy and coaching to reconnect to our own bodies' basic primal abilities. With insights from evolutionary biology and the cultures of our most ancient ancestors, we can pick up on a powerful riff of movement that when played through the instrument of our own bodies is instantaneously recognized by many as being the most perfect solution.

Using health and happiness as a motivator, you will find much to gain in reconnection to the earth and your body. 10 years ago, barefoot and minimalism was barely on the palette of footwear choices available to mainstream America. Now that it is actively being rediscovered, I feel like new-old aspects of movement culture can once again flourish. Running is not just about times, distances and speed. Running is about human exuberance and joy, about allowing the human animal to express and come alive, about mastering functional movements by moving well in one's original hardware. All you need is your own two feet and a patch of earth, the rest is up to you.

Walt Whitman

In my own personal investigation of running and living, I have gained much inspiration from the American Transcendentalists like Emerson, Thoreau and Whitman. In particular, I have been amazed to rediscover a similarly inspired anarchistic philosopher named J. William Lloyd who in 1890 wrote the first treatise on running as an exercise where he suggests that health and pleasure should be our primary motivation for movement, not competition. I plan on sharing much more about him and his insights in the future. For the time being, here is a great tidbit he wrote in a paper on coed running clubs and games in the 1890s:

"I would advise that each runner leave shoes and stockings at home, but of course this should be optional with the individual; next to bare feet are sandals, next to sandals moccasins, next to moccasins, soft, low shoes."

Deep insights into the human condition are timeless. Gaining access to some profound insights may be a bare foot away. Enjoy with gusto.

BFT

PS. And of course you can always take it one step further and run with the animal that has hung out with us from time immemorial, the loyal, loving dog ;-). I do.

With Hiko and Edgar in front of the BTR store in Seattle

Minimalist Runner - Barefoot, Sandals, Shoes - Since 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Minimalist Runner Google Group
Since 2007

This group seeks to dispel the myth that you need an overly supportive, cushioned, orthopedic shoe-boot in order to push the limits of human potential in running and exploring the world.

We welcome discussions on topics brought up in Christopher McDougall's best-selling book "Born to Run". Since 2007 with over 3000 members.

Click here to learn more.

Part of my talk at Run and Become in London

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:58:00 +0000

Alan Watts on Running as Play and Dance! - 1970

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:36:00 +0000

Alan Wilson Watts (6 January 1915 – 16 November 1973), a British philosopher, writer, and speaker, best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Eastern philosophy for a Western audience, talks about running for joy vs. work, running on ball of foot rather than heel, running as play. Surely he'd be a Lunar Monkey if he were alive today!

You can learn a lot from his perspective on the Universe.

LINCHPIN SERIES: Barefoot Ted of Luna Sandals

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:48:00 +0000

Was recently interviewed by Rachelle over at Barefoot-Running.us for their ongoing LINCHPIN SERIES.

Per usual, it is not easy to capture the torrent of words that stream out of my mouth when I start talking about Luna Sandals (McDougall captured that aspect of my character very well I think)...it flows and flows. She got the gist of my ideas, albeit, not perfectly...but my racing mind doesn't make perfect capture easy ;-)

Here are some tidbits:

"Luna Sandals is the coolest thing I could ever think about doing. It’s my passion. I’m the company’s storyteller. I’m just one of many who have had an ah ha moment, and I’m lucky to do this."

"Where we’ve been is awesome. Where we are is awesome. Where we’re going is more awesome still. It’s a beautiful organic story that is unfolding before our eyes."

"The goal is a better, more sustainable world. It’s growing happy, healthy people."

Read the whole interview here.

BFT

2ND ANNUAL NEW YORK CITY BAREFOOT RUN! September 24-25, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:57:00 +0000

“The Woodstock of Wild Human Animal Mayhem” – Christopher McDougall

Don’t miss the definitive minimalist running event in the world.
Two days of events for both beginners and experts. Barefoot running and natural movement clinics. Minimalist footwear expo. Talks and panel discussions. The Run on historic Governors Island in New York Harbor – walk 2 miles or run a marathon. And a Kid’s Run (a lesson in good form).  See events.

Learn from the best in barefoot running, natural movement, posture, and health.
Christopher McDougall, Professor Daniel Lieberman, Barefoot Ted, Barefoot Ken Bob, Erwan Le Corre, Lee Saxby, Jason Robillard, Michael Sandler, Dr. Daniel Howell, Esther Gokhale, John Durant, and more.  See bios.

Register today – spaces are limited.
Two-day pass costs $75, and will increase closer to the event. Includes access to all events, ferry to Governors Island, tech tee, entry into runners’ raffle, discounts from sponsors, and complimentary food and drinks at events.  Register today.

Sponsored by

Vivobarefoot, Merrell, Injinji, and Luna Sandals

Fellow Space Monkeys Unite

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:42:00 +0000

Lunatics, Lunar Explorers, Fellow Space Monkeys...

...this monkey is riding the biggest wave he has ever ridden...and loving it.

Lots of folks are wondering where I am going with Luna Sandals. Have I become a shoe salesman they wonder. "How can Barefoot Ted sell footwear? After all he's 'Barefoot' Ted, right?"

Well Space Monkeys, truth be told, I founded Luna Sandals in order to make the best sandals in the world...because my favorite footwear after my own bare feet are my Lunas. It's that simple.

Luna honors the foot first and the age old tradition of sandal wearing. Luna does not make the assumption that the foot is a broken, malformed appendage that lacks the functional ability to do what it does best, i.e., walk and run.

The barefoot alone is a marvel, one of the preeminently engineered human parts. Our foot and our head define us as a species. We are both smart and agile over varied terrain in our bare or minimally clad feet.

Luna's goal is simple. Spread the message of the greatness of the human foot and its capacities before the addition of any accoutrements while at the same time promoting the revival of footwear designs used by our hunter-gathering ancestors updated to fit the needs of 21st century primates.

Luna also wants future happy primates, so we move forward with the goal of using earth and people friendly processes and materials to manufacture Lunas in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Ultimately, Luna looks to facilitate and encourage now living humans to rediscover ancient styles of movement that our barefooted and sandal wearing relatives thoroughly and convincingly mastered over the millennia.

Ancestor worship starts at the feet. Bare, it represents your connection to the earth and all other beings. Sandaled, it finds a way to stay connected without being disconnected. Carpe diem.

Barefoot Ted

PS. Thanks to CodeMonkey Bookis for the new logo, it rocks!

PSS. Luna T-Shirts now available, see www.lunasandals.com

--

Luna Sandal Company Spokesmonkey - Me

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:37:00 +0000

Spokesmonkey at work!

Luna Sandal Company | www.LunaSandals.com

Thank you for your ongoing support. We appreciate your participation in our little company’s expansion and development. We are grateful and love what we are doing.

Our philosophy: we are interested in the designs of traditional sandals from all over the world, sandals made out of natural, sustainable materials that are easy to make by hand with simple tools. We believe that the minimalist footwear traditions are part of our shared heritage and that we should preserve them and encourage others to do the same.

Our production sandals represent the best fruits of our experiences and experiments with old-school footwear and gleanings from insights that we have gathered from both our ancestors and our customers. Through small-scale, sustainable production, we give a growing audience a chance to try what we consider to be fine minimalist running sandals that happen to be great everyday footwear too.

In the coming months the Luna Sandal website (www.lunasandals.com) will develop into a place where you can share your experiences, get advice from other users, find resupplies and view the various production and custom sandals available. Your feedback and shared experiences are crucial to our continued growth and improvement.

Hecho en Los Estados Unidos de América by happy monkeys for happy monkeys.

¡Muchas Gracias! the Luna Sandal Team.

Luna partners include: Barefoot Ted, and the brothers Jules & Bookis Smuin

PS. By the way, we are constantly testing new materials and designs and will be releasing new models featuring recycled tire soles by the end of next month. Stay tuned.

PSS. If you are in Seattle, be sure to come on by the Factory for a Factory Tour...set up an appointment online at www.LunaSandals.com

1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run - AWESOME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:23:00 +0000

How could I resist an invitation to this event?

Here's the info:

Announcing the

1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run

Sunday, October 10th

www.nycBarefootRun.com

It's about time that minimalist and barefoot runners had our own run. Well, now we do. We invite all barefoot, minimalist, or curious runners to join us for the 1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run on Sunday, October 10th at beautiful Governors Island in New York Harbor. More than just a run, this is a whole weekend of events to understand the benefits of barefoot -- walking or running. Saturday clinics, talks and presentations, a runners party, and oh yeah, there's a run too.

Come meet other leading barefoot runners, including:

Dan Lieberman, Harvard professor studying the science of running

Barefoot Ted, larger-than-life barefoot runner in the best-seller Born to Run

Jason Robillard, barefoot ultramarathoner, author of The Barefoot Running Book

Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat and 20-year barefoot running veteran

Daniel Howell, author of The Barefoot Book

John Durant, event host and founder of Barefoot Runners NYC

Participate in a totally unique race format: Run your distance

Everyone starts together, then run as many loops around the island (2.1 miles) as is right for you

Each runner will have to decide when to stop -- emphasizing the importance of listening to your feet and body

Wear VFFs, other minimalist shoes, or go barefoot...or even just wear normal sneakers

* Beginners are encouraged to walk 1 loop of the island *

Come cheer on Jason Robillard as he runs a barefoot marathon!

The events will last throughout the weekend

Saturday barefoot clinics in Central Park

Saturday evening Lieberman talk and panel discussion at the Terra Plana store

Sunday morning run at Governors Island

More clinics and product demonstrations after the run

The location is Governors Island in New York Harbor, with stunning views of

The Statue of Liberty

Lower Manhattan

Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge

Thank you to our lead sponsor, Terra Plana's Vivobarefoot, for being so supportive of the run in its first year!

Registration for this event is limited to 500 runners. That sounds like a lot, but runs fill up quickly in NYC, so it's really not -- register soon. We have people coming in from North Carolina, Boston, New Mexico, Seattle, Michigan, and...Sweden. If you're coming into town on a budget, contact us and we will try to arrange for a member of Barefoot Runners NYC to host you.

All run details and registration at

www.nycBarefootRun.com

See you there!
__________________________________________________________

Some photos from the event...

2010 Leadville 100 Trail Race Report

noreply@blogger.com (Barefoot Ted) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:48:00 +0000

At the start: Greg Labbe, Cabro & Me

Feeling great after 100 miles in the Rockies.

My fourth summer in a row visit to Leadville, Colorado and my third completion of the Leadville 100 Mile Trail Race...what an experience. Deep gratitude for good friends and a strong body.

Finished!

This year's race was to be my second attempt at running the entire course barefoot and with my own Luna Sandals. Two years ago, I started with sandals, but had to change into VFFs KSOs at the top of Hope Pass in order to complete the race due to horrible weather conditions. This year I was able to run the entire race with my sandals (see www.LunaSandals.com) and in bare feet...a pure joy fest.

At the finish line carpet, McDougall at my side.

I spent the week before the race acclimatizing in Leadville staying at the Labbe Family Compound behind the famous Tabor Opera House. The week leading up to the race included lots of great reunions with old friends along with a couple high mountain hikes. I have thankfully not suffered from any serious altitude problems while participating in the race...which I believe is connected to my practice of deep nose breathing throughout the week and throughout the run.

Pacers Jules and Bookis Smuin and me - Post Race in Proven Grounds

This year, Mas Loco veteran Chris Labbe, aka Cabro, came up with a terrific strategy. Both he and I had not really been training hard in preparation for the race. In his case, he just didn't have time. In my case, I have been purposely finding out what the lowest amount of training is necessary to complete the race well. For me, that meant averaging less that 15 miles per week throughout the year, completing a marathon in May (Copenhagen Marathon - barefoot), a 50K in June (Vashon Island 50k in Luna Sandals) and a 50 miler in July (White River 50 Mile Trail Race - barefoot & Lunas),...and concentrating on running gracefully and joyfully everyday.

I also want to add that I spent one week in West Virginia in July training with Erwan Le Corre and practicing MovNat. Now that added something to my overall fitness for sure.

Matt Mahoney and me pre race.

So Cabro's plan seemed genius: we would run to Winfield (the 50 mile point) in 12 hours and 30 minutes and come back in the same amount of time...thus getting in at or under 25 hours...and getting the big belt buckle prize. Sounded good to me.

The key to this strategy was going be avoiding trying to go too fast...as a matter of fact, we were going to have to go slow...slower than our bodies craved when fresh, slower than most everyone else on the course. No easy feat.

However, I bought in to his plan, mostly because it meant I could take it easy and just enjoy the run through the wilderness...barefoot and in my sandals...and focus on staying focused and smooth and graceful and happy. I think I succeeded.

Me and Cabro entering Mayqueen outbound | Photo Matt Mahoney

All was going according to plan until we started climbing outbound Hope Pass. Cabro just could not keep his speed down. Up he went, passing one runner after another...even though we had already tested the idea of keeping the intensity down on this climb. I tried to stick to the plan, but was sad to see him go, for I was relying on his knowledge of the course and the splits we needed to maintain in order to get under 25.

On my way outbound to Hagerman Pass | Photo Matt Mahoney

By the time I got over to Winfield, I was pretty tired. It's amazing how much energy one must have in order to run 50 miles and still have enough energy to run 50 more. Once into Winfield, I met up with my first pacer, Dennis Shaver, and was given some homemade burritos (thanks Joey!) that really tasted great after having basically been living off of gels for the last 12 hours. Dennis' job was to get me up and over Hope Pass a second time...not easy even with fresh legs, but we did it and found ourselves in Twin Lakes for the second time...and me really starting to feel good.

Matt Mahoney captured this shot of me on my way towards the Hope climb

In Twin Lakes I picked up my second pacer, Luna Sandal wearing Jules Smuin. Jules was in for a treat. As we left Twin Lakes and started our 9 mile journey to Half Moon, I started to feel stronger and stronger. About half way to Half Moon, I started passing runners and would continue to do so for most of the rest of the race. Note: it is a delight to be strong during the last half of a 100 mile race. While others have spent the day running in the heat to gain position, I was able to preserve myself. Running at night is easier, primarily because it is cooler. And with headlights to chase in the distance, one has something to follow and aim for...persistence hunting ones way to the finish.

Crossing river out of Twin Lakes | Photo Matt Mahoney

At the Fish Hatchery I picked up my third pacer, Bookis Smuin sporting sandals too. He paced me up and over Powerline and down to Mayqueen. We were amazed at the power of my newest light, a Fenix PD30 - the brightest light you could ever hope for, small, lightweight, a dream...making it possible for me to run sections of the trail that proved impossible last year without good light.

Tracy Thomas and me, day before race.

Upon arriving in Mayqueen inbound, I picked up my final pacer, Born to Run author Christopher McDougall and he too was wearing sandals. Now, I truly did have a lot of juice left in me, but I was not about to just run without talking to Mr. Oso. We turned the last 3 1/2 hours into a time for catching up...hearing about all the exciting things happening including a possible film adaptation of BTR. Very cool stuff.

Outbound at Powerline

We finally arrived at the finish line at 7:16am...27 hours after I had left. Me feeling great. Feet feeling great. It is great to be alive.

BFT

Sponsors: I want to thank the following folks for providing materials necessary for the success of my run: Chocolate #9 of Seattle, ProBar of Utah, Amanda McIntosh and Hammer Gels, Extreme Outfitters of North Carolina and Vibram USA and of course the Luna Sandal Company of Seattle :-)

Cabro & me entering Treeline outbound

PS. My recovery seems complete less than 4 days after the race. I am stunned and amazed by the body and its capacities...if treated well. Moral of the story: treat it well.

Video of me coming into the finish with McDougall at my side and my trusty stick :-)

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