Mt. Disappointment 50K - Barefoot

People ask: Why run 31 miles on tough mountain trails barefoot?
My answer: Because I can.

Leaving Red Box Aid Station (mile 21.5) with Mari, Jorge Pacheco's wife
photo by Andy Kumeda

Photo with Ruperto Romero, 2nd Place for 5o miler

Almost there! Photo Ben Jones

Mefeet

So, I ran the Mt. Disappointment 50K on Saturday. What a fantastic, tough race in the beautiful, rugged mountains above Los Angeles.

Ever since Trail Runner magazine called me the "Tiger Woods of Barefoot Trail Running", I have felt compelled to try and live up to the name despite a major weakness in the analogy department.

Since I was not familiar with most of the course, I did carry a pair of FiveFingers along just in case, but I never did need to use them, not because the course was easy; rather, I ran it very cautiously and thoughtfully, avoiding unnecessary trauma and never getting out of control.

This course is a fantastic course to test for a masters division in barefoot trail running. It is not a course for the faint of heart; however, most of it is quite barefoot friendly, mostly a delight for the feet, but not all.

I want to say a big thank you to Gary Hilliard and a host of volunteers, friends and family for putting together a beautiful experience. I plan on going back next year.

BFT