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Meet Born To Run Star Barefoot Ted McDonald and Hear About His Big Wave Philosophy of Running and How That Journey Brought Him to Leadville
Welcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet the character of the book Born To Run, Barefoot Ted McDonald. Ted has not only experienced Leadville and the Tarahumara, but has taken it a step further to create his own running sandal brand called Luna Sandals.
As the conversation begins, Barefoot Ted recalls how Leadville found him. He served as a pacer in 2007 for a friend participating in Leadville and was captivated by its deep history, tradition and familial aspect. Needless to say, Ted has been coming back to Leadville every year since. Barefoot Ted is the subject of the popular book Born To Run written by Christopher McDougall. The book covers a race and captured people's attention by telling the story of running through the history of humanity. Thanks to the book, many people have been awakened to their own potential as a human and athlete alike.
In Ted’s later 30’s, he didn’t consider himself a long distance runner. He made it his mission to overcome the feeling of pain he felt running long distances. Ted grew up in barefoot surf and skate culture in southern California in the 70’s. After doing some research, he became intrigued by the concept of barefoot running and the anatomy of the foot. Barefooting ended up becoming the tool which allowed Ted to reconnect and understand what it was like to move well.
Next, Ted discusses his own company Luna Sandals, which he started in a basement in Seattle in 2009. He was totally new to the craft but after realizing the superior functionality of the sandals, has yet to look back. The name of the company came from another character in the book, Manuel Luna. Listen as Ted tells the fascinating story behind this inspiration and the Tarahumara. In addition to paying homage to Manuel, Ted held on to the hope that over time he would be able to do something good for the world in return. Ted gives insight into Busuréliame, a grassroots program he is a spokesperson for. Busuréliame, meaning “inner awakening”, aims to spread cultural awareness and education to Tarahumara children.
Finally, Ted praises Leadville 100, believing it to encompass 100 years in a single day. He explains his secret philosophies to training. He says it’s the setbacks in life which really propel you forward. To the Leadville family members coming from sea level, he recommends learning new breathing techniques for the different atmosphere. To him, Leadville is happiness, family and community.
Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.
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By Cole ChlouberWelcome to this episode of Grit, Guts and Determination, The Leadville Race Series Podcast, a leading authority on all things Leadville. Host Cole Chlouber takes us on a story-telling journey of the 38 year rich history of this race. Listen in as they provide tips, tricks, and stories from the Leadville members. In today’s episode we meet the character of the book Born To Run, Barefoot Ted McDonald. Ted has not only experienced Leadville and the Tarahumara, but has taken it a step further to create his own running sandal brand called Luna Sandals.
As the conversation begins, Barefoot Ted recalls how Leadville found him. He served as a pacer in 2007 for a friend participating in Leadville and was captivated by its deep history, tradition and familial aspect. Needless to say, Ted has been coming back to Leadville every year since. Barefoot Ted is the subject of the popular book Born To Run written by Christopher McDougall. The book covers a race and captured people's attention by telling the story of running through the history of humanity. Thanks to the book, many people have been awakened to their own potential as a human and athlete alike.
In Ted’s later 30’s, he didn’t consider himself a long distance runner. He made it his mission to overcome the feeling of pain he felt running long distances. Ted grew up in barefoot surf and skate culture in southern California in the 70’s. After doing some research, he became intrigued by the concept of barefoot running and the anatomy of the foot. Barefooting ended up becoming the tool which allowed Ted to reconnect and understand what it was like to move well.
Next, Ted discusses his own company Luna Sandals, which he started in a basement in Seattle in 2009. He was totally new to the craft but after realizing the superior functionality of the sandals, has yet to look back. The name of the company came from another character in the book, Manuel Luna. Listen as Ted tells the fascinating story behind this inspiration and the Tarahumara. In addition to paying homage to Manuel, Ted held on to the hope that over time he would be able to do something good for the world in return. Ted gives insight into Busuréliame, a grassroots program he is a spokesperson for. Busuréliame, meaning “inner awakening”, aims to spread cultural awareness and education to Tarahumara children.
Finally, Ted praises Leadville 100, believing it to encompass 100 years in a single day. He explains his secret philosophies to training. He says it’s the setbacks in life which really propel you forward. To the Leadville family members coming from sea level, he recommends learning new breathing techniques for the different atmosphere. To him, Leadville is happiness, family and community.
Thanks for joining! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.