Salish Wolf #22 Barefoot Ted on Running with the Tarahumara, Creating Luna Sandals, and the Beautiful Perfection of the Human Foot
Barefoot Ted McDonald sprinted into the spotlight with the publication of the bestselling book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Barefoot Ted is one of the crazy, larger-than-life characters that springs off the pages of McDougall’s recount of their epic adventure to run a 50-mile race in the deadly Copper Canyons of Mexico with the legendary Tarahumara Indians.
Growing up as a rebellious skater and surfer in sunny California, Ted was not lacking in athletic skill. But in his mid-30s, he almost gave up on the idea of ever running seriously. Despite his various endeavours to run pain free, nothing seemed to work over the long distance. Until, that is, Ted returned to his beach-based lifestyle and kicked off his running shoes for good. Only then did he really start running. And now, many, many marathons and ultramarathons later, he is not slowing down.
Barefoot Ted and I explore many facets of his fascinating journey, including his love of riding penny-farthing bicycles, his ongoing adventures with the Tarahumara Indians – perhaps the greatest long distance runners on the planet, and acting as ‘El Presidente’ of Luna Sandals – an adventure and lifestyle sandal company.
Barefoot Ted’s path in life is to seek and share insights that help people to come alive. His enthusiasm is infectious and his passion palpable. And through all of his seeking, some things about Ted are likely to never change: he’ll continue to surf, continue to run, and continue to follow his truth through whatever parts of himself it leads.
Be sure to stay tuned in right to the end of this fascinating discussion to receive a special listener discount code for your next purchase of Luna Sandals. Please enjoy this episode of Salish Wolf with Barefoot Ted McDonald.
Episode Links:
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Anchor Point Links:
Men’s Retreats at Anchor Point Expeditions