Downtown LA, Grittith Park in Background

Downtown LA in Background (middle left) and Griffith Park (middle right) How things look from the top of the Verdugo Mountains above Burbank.

Spent the last two days testing out a newly modified pair of Vibram FiveFingers that I plan on using during the upcoming Angeles Crest 100. I sent in my check today, so I am official.

Saw two deer on this run, one yesterday. Yesterday I also saw one of the largest rattlesnakes I have ever seen in these local mountains. He was extremely calm at my approach. When you're a big snake, you don't have much to worry about. Beautiful to behold.

I have custom modified my FiveFingers. I am still testing them to determine if I have come with a real solution for some of the moisture problems I have had in runs over 30 miles in hot weather.

BFT

Stupid Cat Tricks

Yep, that's our cat Godiva in the baby jogger. She loves getting pushed around. At first I thought it was just a fluke, but then she started going to the jogger by herself and waiting until someone pushed her. Now that's a great cat. As she rides along, she likes to really relax and lounge.

Tarahumara Sandal Experiments cont'd.

North from La Tuna Canyon

Tarahumara Sandals: Elegance of Design

Nacho's Feet, Urique, Mexico, March 2006
Photo by Luis Escobar

Manuel Luna, he made my sandals...

Spent the last couple of days doing some long runs in the mountains with Raramuri huaraches direct from Urique in the Copper Canyon . Learning how to wear the sandals comfortably for hours is not easy. I have been studying all of the photos that Luis Escobar took while we were in Mexico in March. I am trying to figure out exactly how to best tie them.

The pair that I have are a little too heavy. Next time I go to Baranca del Cobre, I will get me a lighter, thinner pair.

Today after 12 tough, hot mountain miles, I had enough. Got some nasty blisters between the toes. This skin will get tougher if I keep wearing the sandals. More testing with tying methods is necessary.

BFT

Angeles Crest 100 Training Run - Baden-Powell

The Beginning

The End
Photo is of Ken, Jean and me.

Had a great training run this past Sunday. Must have done around 31 miles. Ran out of water. Got lost. Got found and lost again. Threw up. Long story. Ken and I finally made it out...alive, and none-too-worse-for-wear.

A group of Swiss tourists took this photo and a few more. They were amazed at my 40 year old Volkswagen and my FiveFingers shoes.

Best Regards, Barefoot Ted

PS. A big "thank you" to Hal Winton for what he does for all of us involved in the Angeles Crest 100.

The Swiss Rescue Team: Fredy, Lucas and Christian - push start the VW

Vibram FiveFingers after 31 miles of tough trail
1966 VW Beetle, 40 year old car, still going strong
Mt. Baden-Powel, Elevation 9399 ft / 2865 m, second highest in Angeles Forest

How to transport a Highwheel Bicycle

Hansen Dam a Barefooter's Paradise

Hansen Dam a Barefooter's Paradise

I sure hope to see some of you barefooters come out to my area for a visit. I have some really fantastic trails and areas near my house, especially when you consider I live 15 minutes away from downtown Los Angeles!

To see more photos of "my" Hansen Dam, click here.

BFT

PS. New video of the drive from my house to Hansen Dam via Stonehurst Ave. driving the my trusty 1966 VW Beetle. Nothing special.

AC 100 Night Training Run 11 Hours

Jay Anderson, Andy Kumeda, BFT, Adam Ray, Jeff Stein and Kevin Bradshaw

Thanks again to everyone for all your help on Friday night's run.

To tell the truth, it was more difficult mentally than physically.

This was my first run that went all night. My mind was really playing
tricks on me...every patch of soft ground looked perfect for a little snooze.

All in all it was a good learning experience. I know that I need more sleep deprivation training...

BFT

PS. According to Andy, we climbed 7100' up and traveled 9600' down -- that's quite a bit for 35-ish miles.

PSS. Wore a pair of Yellow Vibram FiveFingers. Since we ran at night, they didn't get too hot, so NO blisters after 11 hours. I did cut my big toe kicking a rock. It would have been much worse if I were barefoot. Lots of places on the trail are very barefootable, but some are just nutty as far as difficulty goes.

The Athlete of 1890: a study

The Athlete of 1890: a study

I have been exploring the world of late 19th century athletes, focusing on swimmers, cyclists and runners.

I want to imagine what it would be like to time-travel from 1890 to today and compete in a modern Ironman using the equipment and methods of a sportsman of the Victorian Era.

In order to achieve this goal, I have been studying up on the habits and achievements of our athletic forefathers.

I picked 1890 primarily because it represents the last year of the Highwheel bicycle otherwise known as the Ordinary bicycle as opposed to the now extremely familiar Safety bicycle.

BFT

Lake Nacimiento, California

Spent the weekend with Luis Escobar and Family at Lake Nacimiento.

Barefoot Ted's Mermaids

Picnic-bench Yoga

Ona Faces Car Trouble

Ona with FuFu and her FiveFingers which proved very useful in our campground that was full of broken glass and lost fishing lures. Way safer than the flip-flops kids were wearing.


BFT