AC 100 Training Night Run: Chantry to Finish

We started at Chantry at around 10:30 PM and headed for the finish.

The course was as dry as I have ever seen it. Most streams are now dry. The trailwork that has been done between Idle Hour and Sam Merrill is very evident. Great work. Also, the Mt. Wilson Toll Road has been graded and was like running on fine powdered snow.

I decided to test both 6mm double-hemp huarache and a 6mm latigo leather huarache...again.

On the way up the first long climb, the leather sandal pulled through the toe hole. I took the sandal off and continued climbing with one barefoot. Really no problem going up. As I climbed, I repaired the sandal, so by the time we took a rest, I could pop it back on, no worse for wear.

I had the toe knot come loose on the hemp sandal on the way down Sam Merrill. Repaired it on the road and continued.

I purposely went out with sandals that had been heavily used last week. I need to become completely confident in using these sandals including being able to repair on the road while moving if necessary.

Thanks for a great night training run.

BFT

San Gorgonio: 11,502 ft. Barefoot Up Huarache Down

Me, Larry and Jeff: Summit of San Gorgonio

Headstand on the Summit

One Hemp and One Leather Huarache with 6mm Vibram

Coming down in huaraches

What a great climb. Barefoot runner Larry Miquelon of Moreno Valley, CA invited me to climb Mt. San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, with him and his son Jeff. He had recently purchased some huarache kits and was eager to test them on a real mountain run.

Spent the night Friday, got up early Saturday and headed for the South Fork Trail. On the way to the trail, we ran into Angeles Crest 100 veteran Angel Perez running along the highway and said hello.

From parking lot to summit is 11.6 miles. Larry and I went up barefoot. Barefooting is much easier than it seems when going up, even steep rocky trails. We both summitted barefoot. It took 4 hours to make it to the top.

Coming down we switched into huaraches. As you can imagine, we got interesting comments and questions both ways.

BFT

PS. Read about my barefoot climbs of Mt. Whitney, tallest mountain USA (except Alaska) click here.

Mt. San Gorgonio, tallest peak in Southern California, 11.502 ft. (3,505 meters)

Double Hemp vs. Latigo Leather Huarache Test

Leather on 6mm Vibram & Double Hemp on Elephant Bark (6.34mm)

Vibram vs. Elephant Bark

Broke a hemp strap

Took the two thicker soled huaraches out for a tough, hot and fast run up and down La Tuna Canyon's Hostetter Fire Road. Almost 4 miles up and 4 miles down.

The soles performed wonderfully on the hard rocky road.

A problem developed with the double hemp on the way up. I broke one of the straps. I believe that I have the holes too far in on the ankle holes on this version giving much more surface area for the hemp to touch the ground under a weight bearing area and get abraded.

Otherwise, the double hemp felt AS GOOD AS the leather. If I were to have added wetness to this run, the double hemp would have become the clear winner, but the break makes me have to go back to the drawing board.

I am fairly certain that I can fix the problem. So, this weekend will be a hard one testing several version getting OH SO CLOSE to a production model.

BFT

Double Hemp Elephant Bark & Grommet Huarache Tests

Double Hemp in Center

Great weekend for huarache testing here in Los Angeles.

Angeles Crest: Test Course

On Saturday, I ran 20 miles of Angeles Crest 100 trails testing out some new huarache improvements. Unfortunately, the first part of my experiment failed when incorrectly sized rubber grommets failed and I tore the ankle hole out on a pair of Elephant Bark huaraches with leather straps.

6mm vs 4mm: Rocky Running

The last 10 miles of the run was mostly rocky, downhill single track. I wore a 6mm VIBRAM Cherry soled huarache on one foot and a 4mm on the other. Both with hemp.

The 6mm Cherry is a much better mountain sole. The 4mm Cherry is best suited for situations where you want a little protection and a lot of feel. 4mm acts more like a second skin which makes it a better choice for shorter, less technical runs.

New Hemp Discovery: 2 better than 1

Sunday had some great discoveries (see above) including the realization that 2 strands of the 5mm braided hemp might be better than one. It IS better. The feel is very nice and it looks good too. Much more testing necessary, but it is very promising.

Brass Grommets: very nice

I also tested some brass grommets on a 4mm Vibram Cherry sole. The grommets are too big, but the idea is good. More work needs to be done.

Finally, I repaired some tears and problem grommets using rubber grommets and donuts with Rhino glue.

BFT

Holy Huarache Sole and Hole Tests

Holy Huarache Sole and Hole Tests

Holy Huarache Sole

Took an old (pre-Cherry) Vibram sole rubber (Q487) and filled it with 7/32" (5.55mm) holes to see if it would be "airier" and a little less slippery when wet or sweaty.

As for making it less slick, the holes worked. However, for whatever reason, the sole felt hotter than the sole without holes!?

Holy Huarache Hole

Also, tested out a hole repair idea for torn ankle holes. Using excess material from a pair of sandals, I punched out some rubber donut/washers and Rhino glued them to the footbed. Worked perfectly. Only drawback, a little too thick, otherwise perfect.

BFT

Click here to view my latest huarache running sandal kits and custom made offerings.

Elephant Bark Huaraches: Big Tujunga 20 Miler Test Run

Big Tujunga Valley with Condor Peak in Background

Hot Rough Pavement

Took my Elephant Bark Huaraches for a midday HOT ASPHALT run.

Rubber is NOT an good insulator. It will get hot, and one must be aware of that.

In most trail situations, it is not a problem, but it could be on an open stretch of black asphalt in the middle of a sunny day.

So, I decided to see what would happen.

I will get into details later, but the most important thing to say is that I made it through 20 miles without any serious difficulties.

BFT

What's wrong with this ad from the 1980s?

What's wrong with this ad from the 1980s? Plenty.

Fellow Club Mas Loco member, Jenn Shelton, sent me this Bill Rodgers sportsware ad from the 1980s. This is exactly the kind of thing that Club Mas Loco Presidente, Micah True aka Caballo Blanco, loves to hate. And who can blame him?

In reality, it would be a much more interesting ad if it were from the perspective of the Tarahumara runners trying to help us backward, so-called civilized runners appreciate Raramuri technology.

Or show how people like those at the Native Seeds Organization (Ancient Seeds for Modern Needs) help preserve traditional plant varieties in seedbanks to be distributed freely when needed.


BFT

Backwards into the sunset.

Verdugo Mountain Huarache Test Run

Looking Down from the Top of My Journey

Aluminum Washer Fails

Aluminum Washer Before Run

Today I wanted to test a new material that I am very impressed with, i.e., aluminum cut from a beer can which I glued directly to the rubber with Rhino Glue.

I used the aluminum washer to repair breaks on an earlier pair of test huaraches. It held for nearly 10 miles of very steep hiking/running.

The strength of the bond of the aluminum to the rubber was better than any other material that I tested. Unfortunately, the way I made the washer, or the thinness of the aluminum, caused it to fail after climbing up an extremely steep, loose-graveled trail.

I barefooted home.

BFT

New Google Group: Huaraches - Indigenous Running Sandals

Photo Copyrighted Luis Escobar

I have started a new Google Group (forum) titled:

Huaraches - Indigenous Running Sandals

Join with link below:

http://groups.google.com/group/huaraches

The mission of the group is to:

Share experiences running in and making huarache running sandals and other indigenous and minimal running sandals and shoes.

Dispelling the myth that you need an overly supportive, cushioned, orthopedic boot in order to push the limits of human potential in running and exploring the world.

Please feel free to join and share YOUR experiences with using minimal and time-tested sandals and shoes on YOUR adventures, big or small.

BFT

How to Tie BFT's Hemp-Strapped Huarache Running Sandals

Watch this video to learn how I tie my hemp-strapped huarache running sandals.

Organic Hemp Huaraches

My newest huarache running sandal uses braided organic hemp for strapping and Vibram Cherry soling material. This is a 100 mile mountain trail running sandal. Sole and hemp could handle 500 miles in stride.

You can make your own. Within one year of focused pursuit, I can't imagine why anyone with a desire to make their own 100 mile shoes couldn't do it, so just DO IT!

My Latigo Leather Huaraches
After Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon 2007
Photo Andrew Labbe

I am now offering huarache running sandal kits and custom made sandals, go to:

http://barefootted.com/shop


BFT

27 Mile Mountain Training Run - Hemp Huaraches

Coming into Eagles Roost Aid Station

Angeles Crest 100 Training Run*

Decided to put my latest hemp-strapped huaraches to a good, tough mountain trail training test run. I fully expected to be doing repairs while on the trails, and those expectations proved accurate.

Firstly, I want to say that I am still very pleased overall with my huarache sandals. But, there is still room for lots of improvement, and I am constantly trying to find the perfect solution for a running shoe/sandal that is both effective, minimal and green.

Close-up on the new huaraches

Hemp is proving to be a fantastic material for straps. The material is soft enough to not tear into my skin. It is stronger than leather and becomes tighter when wet. Just like with the leather straps, these can be repaired on the fly with extra material around the ankle.

Close-up on the new huaraches 2

The biggest new problem I encountered is the side holes on the huaraches breaking. I am afraid that this is a problem that all my huaraches up to this point will be susceptible. The Vibram soles that I have been using are only 4mm thick!

All went well today. After 27 miles, my feet are pain free with no blisters or significant scrapes from today's run.

BFT

PS. This test puts me one step closer to making a pair of sandals entirely out of yucca that could handle the rugged terrain of one of the toughest 100 mile races in the USA.

*Photos by Christina Hennessey

Hemp-Strapped Huarache Sandals

My New Hemp-Strapped Huaraches 3.7 ounces

My latest experiment includes using hemp twine instead of leather on my Vibram-soled huaraches.



I went for a 15 miler yesterday in the hot afternoon LA sun. I took these new huaraches up and down rocky trails and on the road. They handled beautifully.

These sandals bring me one step closer to my ultimate goal for this year's Angeles Crest 100. I want to run the race in a pair of yucca sandals similar to the sandals that the original Los Angelenos wore. Hemp twine is a good temporary substitute for yucca cordage.

BFT

PS. I bought my hemp twine at cord at DownBound.com

Tough Feet - preserved?

My Feet After 2007 Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon

My feet continue to get tougher even though I have been doing a fair amount of training and racing in my thin-soled huaraches and my Vibram FiveFingers.

Foot toughness is not built simply by exposing the bare foot to the ground.

As many of us barefooters have said regularly, you don't want your feet to become hard and desensitized. You want them to feel. Some things will always feel bad on a barefoot. Those things hurt because your foot is telling you that you are not ready for that, bare. Your feet are training YOU.

Foot toughness comes as the WHOLE FOOT develops and learns. So, minimally protecting the sole, as long as the rest of the foot can do what it is supposed to do, should not stop the overall development of the foot.

My feet are as strong as ever, even stronger than ever before. I expect that they will continue to develop the more I nurture and train them, the more they nurture and train me.

We shall see. So far, so good.

BFT

Wild Mountain Runner Club - Condor Peak

Condor Peak (far peak in middle of photo) viewed from home.

Elevation 5440 ft.

The last 4 Sundays have been spent running with the San Fernando and Hansen Dam Wild Mountain Runners.

Today was one hell of a run. Starting at Sunland Park, Freddie Perez and I ran up into Big Tujunga Canyon all the way to Gold Creek Road. We were heading to the famous Condor Peak. We didn't plan on going all the way to the top, but we tore of a pretty good chunk out of it.


In the 80s and 90s, WMRs would park at the entrance to Gold Creek Road and do training runs to the top of Condor Peak. This is extremely wild country despite how close it is to LA. Amazing.

BFT

PS. Wore my huaraches. These made the insanely rocky trails totally tolerable.

How to Tie Huarache Sandals Part 2

A couple more videos showing the tieing of huarache sandals. Videos taken while participating in the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon 2007.

BFT

Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon in Huaraches

Crossing the bridge at mile 10

My huaraches after the race

Successfully completed the race in 9:44, an hour better than last year. The entire race covers between 47 and 49 miles. Wore my hand-made, Vibram-soled huaraches for the entire race. They worked perfectly. My feet were fine after the race...only a little dirty!

I learned more secrets about the huaraches on this trip. For on thing, the name in Raramuri is akarache or akahuarache. Secondly, I learned a better, simpler way to tie them. Finally, I learned that most of the Indians use their huaraches in daily life as workboots etc. They are not particularly interested in a thinner sole. The Vibram soles on my sandals are only 4mm thick. You can still FEEL plenty and they are extremely flexible.

I like to put myself as first place in the division of gringos who ran the race with shoes that they made themselves!

BFT

PS. Photos by Chris and Andrew Labbe

Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon - Walking the Course

This footage is from two days before the race. We all walked the first section of the course together.

Some of the walkers include Arnulfo, winner of last year's race, and Scott Jurek, winner of this year's race.

Having fun hanging out with our Raramuri friends.



After the hike, we had fun at a swimming spot under the bridge complete with diving.

BFT

Verdugo Mountains Training Run - A Little Bit of Everything

Today's run had a little bit of everything:

Got in about 12 miles wearing huaraches, 8 miles barefoot and 5 with FiveFingers. The weather was perfect, hot but not too hot with winds blowing storm clouds in at the horizon.

Barefoot Freedom (at Experimental Forest)

Barefoot Freedom 2

Huaraches, Rock and Agave

FiveFingers Rail Walking (video below)

There are SO MANY great trails around here. I am looking forward to introducing more (but not TOO MANY) to this wonderful mountain playground we have in our backyards, with full-size cats to boot. These mountains deserve an ultramarathon. Winter 2008, let's make the first Verdugo Mountains 50 Miler.

Proposed Course: Start at Village Christian School go to Brand Library and on the way go down and up all the side trails.

BFT




Although it does not look like a big deal, that rail is razor thin at the top.
I just could not resist that background and my new joy of balancing.
Music by Deep Purple

Huarache Training Run - 20 Miler on AC 100 Course

Elevation guide showing Sam Merrill

Short clip running down El Prieto Trail from Upper Brown Mtn. Trail
Music by System of a Down from my daughter's iTunes purchased list

This past Sunday was a good test for the huaraches. I took them over to the last portion of the Angeles Crest 100 Endurance Run course to see how they could handle some nasty, rocky switch backs.

I started up the mountain near where the AC 100 ends at Johnson Field. Caught the El Prieto Trail to the Upper Brown Mountain Trail over to Millard Campground. In the early part of the course, I was having to go through a bunch of little streams and puddles, so I had some more testing of wet sandals.

From Millard I headed toward Echo Mtn. eventually on the Sunset Trail, and then from Echo Mtn., I got on the Middle Sam Merrill Trail which brought me up to the junction of the Mt. Lowe Road, Idlehour Trail and Inspiration Point Road. Elevation 4700 feet. So total run had about 4700 feet of climbing.

On the way back I got to test the huaraches' ability to handle downhills on some potentially slippery swithbacks. Not a single stumble. Not a single stubbed toe. I was on my game.

Map of my run, 10 miles up and 10 miles down...

Per normal, I took my FiveFingers along in case of huarache malfunction, but I didn't need to use them.

BFT

New Red FiveFingers Sprints - BITCHEN

Getting ready for another huarache run today. Off to the Angeles Crest.

Notice my new RED Sprints? Those are coming with me. I got them this week and have already put some great test miles on them. I hope to get some video soon, but these new barefoot shoes allow me to do some really cool things over at Hansen Dam, including some great balancing/tight-rope walking, incredible rock, steep-ledge and log scrambling. These suckers grip like mad.

BFT

PS. Today's music on iPod Shuffle: Solid State Deluxe Podcast from www.podomatic.com

Verdugo Mountains Huarache Test Continues

Self-Portrait: LA Under My Toe #1

Self-Portrait: LA Under My Toe #2

Running into Mountains

Amazing weather today with temperatures in the 80s and clear skies. Catalina Island could clearly been seen along with Mount Wilson.

Idea for an Event: CATALINA ISLAND to MT. WILSON

1. Swim (or kayak) 22 miles across the channel then run to the top of Mt. Wilson (using Pier to Point course) about 70 miles. Any takers?

Panorama showing Mt. Wilson on left and Catalina Island on right

Now for the FUN STUFF:

Well, today did about 25 miles in the huaraches and did find a problem that I had been noticing, but today made clear -- sweating in the huaraches is not easy to do, for once the foot starts sweating, especially on a steep, long downhill, the dirt on the foot begins to turn to mud which in turn becomes slippery...does not feel good.

Firstly, in the morning, I did some running with all the students in Students Run LA at the Hansen Dam 18 mile Friendship Run. Then it was off to the mountains.

Started at La Tuna Canyon up the Hostetter Fire Road to the Verdugo Mtwy over to the Whiting Woods Trail. Whiting Woods in quite steep and long. Today was the first time I went all the way to the bottom only to find no public water at the trail head. I made my way over to a local park, Crescenta Valley Park, to get water and clean-up a little before heading back.

I had to clean my foot off at the end of one very step nearly 5 mile downhill; otherwise, I would have had an accident, for when the sandal is slippery, you are prone to the one common (easily fixable) malfunction: breaking the strap at the toe or pulling it loose.

Otherwise the sandals performed well. Heat is definitely something I have not had a chance to test these in. Apparently rubber is a conductor of heat, not an insulator, so heat can start to build up which could be an issue in the Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon. More testing required.

BFT

Note: Did some road running today, Monday, in the heat. Found some of the same problems with excess sweating starting to be a problem. I have to figure out a way to keep the foot dry. Any suggestions?

The Verdugos - Huarache Tests Continue - Bobcat

AC 100s Mt. Wilson in the way background

Another very positive test of my huaraches in a real world setting. Today I put in nearly 20 miles in the Verdugo Mountains which are just North of Burbank, CA with downtown LA in the background.

Firetrail Training

I did some Google Map researching last night and found some overgrown fire trails that I had not been on before, so I decided to give them a try. This fire road ran along the ridge of some treacherous mountains with crazy steep uphills and downhills. As I ran I got a bunch of coyotes unhappy with me. They started whining which got others whining in adjacent canyons. Quite a stir. They must of thought I was a predator.

No on had been here for a long time.

One highlight of the run was finding and photographing a Bobcat sitting in the grass. I had to use the digital telephoto on my camera, but I got several shots of him. See below.

Which leads me to mention what I saw last night at Hansen Dam. Yep, I saw a mountain lion. Fastest animal I ever saw in nature. Luckily, he was not running at me, but not exactly away either. He was pissed that I had seen him. He may be the one that was spotted a couple months ago near here. The lasting impressions I have are FAST animal, low to the ground and very long tail. All happened in a fraction of a second. I turned around and started heading home.

He's there, but you can't see him.

Bobcat close-up: 34°13'29.10"N | 118°19'59.89"W

In the end , I did have to repair the huaraches once during my run at about mile 16. As I was crossing a stream, my foot got slippery and slide to the side of the sandal. The sandals had loosened up a little during the run and I had not bothered to adjust them. As I slid, I put enough force to pull the knot loose. Took less than 3 minutes to repair.

BFT
FYI from Wikipedia: Verdugo Mountains

The Verdugo Mountains are a rather rugged offshoot range of the San Gabriel Mountains and are located in Los Angeles County, California. The mountains are California state-protected property. They were named for the Verdugo family, holders of the Rancho San Rafael land grant which covered the mountains during California's Spanish and Mexican period. The range runs roughly southeast to northwest between the City of Glendale and the community of Tujunga. The City of Burbank is to the south, and the Crescenta Valley is to the north of the Verdugos.

Found this video talking about mountain lions in the Verdugos!

BFT's Huarache Running Sandals: Kits and Custom Made

Organic Hemp Huaraches

For $20.00 plus $4.60 shipping, I will send you a huarahce kit which includes the 4mm Vibram Cherry soling material (enough for a pair of sandals up to size 13, and any human size for $5.00 extra), soft yet extremely durable braided organic hemp cord straps and directions for making your own sandals.

Tools Required: 3/16" hole punch, 1/4" hole punch, a hammer and a good pair of scissors.

For $40.00 plus $4.60 shipping, I will make a custom pair of huaraches using the 4mm Vibram Cherry soling material and soft yet extremely durable braided organic hemp cord straps (leather straps also available for $10.00 extra).

Send check or money order to:

Barefoot Ted's Adventures
11001 Peoria St.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
USA

Phone orders: 1-818-332-7944 ext. 4

Leather Huaraches

Order Huarache Running Sandal Kit with Braided Hemp Cord Laces for $20.00 plus $4.60 shipping, with Latigo Leather Laces for $30.00 plus $4.60 shipping, or with both for $36.00 plus $4.60:

$24.95 - 4mm Hemp-Strapped Huarache Kit $34.95 - 4mm Leather-Strapped Huarache Kit $29.95 - 6mm Hemp-Strapped Huarache Kit $39.95 - 6mm Leather-Strapped Huarache Kit

Order Custom Made Huarache Running Sandal with Braided Hemp Cord Laces for $40.00 plus $4.60 shipping, or Latigo Leather Laces for $50.00 plus $4.60 shipping:

$44.95 - 4mm Hemp Custom Huaraches $54.95 - 4mm Leather Custom Huaraches $49.95 - 6mm Hemp Custom Huaraches $59.95 - 6mm Leather Custom Huaraches

Looking for a great looking casual sandal? I am now offering casual huarache sandal kits which come complete with Vibram rubber soling material, hemp or leather laces along with howto instructions.

Order Casual Huarache Sandal with Braided Hemp Cord Laces for $10.00 plus $4.60 shipping, or Latigo Leather Laces for $20.00 plus $4.60 shipping:

$14.95 - Casual Hemp Huarache Kit $24.95 - Casual Leather Huarache Kit

* All custom sandals are guaranteed for one year from date of purchase to be free of defects. It the sole breaks, return it for a new pair.

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS are okay. I will only charge actual shipping cost to your country.

BFT

Huarache Experiment Continues - 20+ miles in the Verdugos

Typical conditons

20+ miles in the Verdugos without problems with my huaraches. I am training for the upcoming Copper Canyon Ultra Marathon on March 4th in Mexico. This year I plan on wearing the same footwear that the local runners will be wearing. I made my decision about a month ago, but as of today, I am totally confident that I will be able to cover the entire 47+ mile race course wearing only huaraches.

That is downtown Los Angeles in the background

Tarahumara Huarache Sandal Sandy Riverbed & Broken Boulder Running Tests

Again today I took my huaraches out to Hansen Dam and put them through some more testing. I ran several miles through a sand filled, dried-out riverbed. My 5mm thick, four ounce Vibram-rubber soled sandals handled the situation flawlessly. The sand does not stay trapped under the sandal.

For the second part of my test, I headed to the dam structure. The backside of Hansen Dam is a giant broken granite boulder field. It is a great place to build strength and balance while running. I tested the Tarahumara huarache sandals on this terrain and they passed. No room for mistakes here. No forgiveness. But, great for learning how to stay focused and balanced.


Music: Rage Against the Machine

Tarahumara Huarache Sandal Rocky Trail Running Test

I took my huaraches out to Hansen Dam in Los Angeles and put them through some thorough testing today. I ran about 10 miles on some of the rockiest trails I could find. My 5mm thick, four ounce Vibram-rubber soled sandals worked perfectly.

You can usually trust indigenous design when it comes to active footwear. These sandals and others similar have been around for 1000s of years, and I know why. They have no frills, just exactly what you need and not a bit more. Elegant design.

What I am also finding is that nothing gets trapped under the foot. The strapping system is the very minimum, and with no straps and other excess, the stones, sand, etc., don' t stay in.

I will be wearing these sandals in the upcoming Copper Canyon Ultramarathon on March 4th in Mexico.

BFT

PS. By the way, I am able to run barefoot in all places you see me running in the video. It is just a lot easier to do with the huaraches. The point is that wearing huaraches does not mean you can plod your way down rocky hills safely. The real trick is learning how to be LIGHT on your feet.