"Born to Run" 10th Anniversary!
Published in 2009, this book has grown to be the number one best-selling book of all-time on running.
Most of you will have met me for the first time in the pages of this book.
A privilage and an honor to be part of that renegade group of outliers who first wandered down into the Copper Canyons together in 2006 to participate in a tiny little race in the middle of nowhere.
The legacy of THAT adventure lives on in the lives of the original characters in the book and in the lives of all of you who have been influenced one-way-or-another by it, no?
Most of you will have met me for the first time in the pages of this book.
A privilage and an honor to be part of that renegade group of outliers who first wandered down into the Copper Canyons together in 2006 to participate in a tiny little race in the middle of nowhere.
The legacy of THAT adventure lives on in the lives of the original characters in the book and in the lives of all of you who have been influenced one-way-or-another by it, no?
Santa Barbara, California
Moved back to California in 2017. 10 years in Seattle were productive years, but Santa Barbara is closer to my roots and a better venue for a sandal maker!
Santa Barbara is the perfect place to visit and a perfect place for the sandal/barefoot lifestyle.
Santa Barbara is the perfect place to visit and a perfect place for the sandal/barefoot lifestyle.
Highwheel Bicycle
I've been riding antique bicycles for 25+ years. I just love riding them, so much fun!!!
The hardest thing is learning to ride...and acquiring a machine.
I dream of doing an Ironman style race in Santa Barbara AS IF it were 1890.
Swim, bike, run. 1890 style all the way.
Let's do it!
The hardest thing is learning to ride...and acquiring a machine.
I dream of doing an Ironman style race in Santa Barbara AS IF it were 1890.
Swim, bike, run. 1890 style all the way.
Let's do it!
62 miles (100k) Barefoot!
This is me in 2008. I wanted to test the potential of barefoot running. That was an intersting experiment.
After running 62 miles on asphalt in barefeet...without injury...I found my limits. Another experiment had me run nearly 100 miles totally barefoot. These runs pushed the boundaries of the possible for me, but also inspired a whole new generation of running explorers and pioneers.
Let the journey continue. Make your contribution to the expansion of the possible.
After running 62 miles on asphalt in barefeet...without injury...I found my limits. Another experiment had me run nearly 100 miles totally barefoot. These runs pushed the boundaries of the possible for me, but also inspired a whole new generation of running explorers and pioneers.
Let the journey continue. Make your contribution to the expansion of the possible.
Life, Liberty and Born to Run
Wanna be part of an awesome running-camping-party-music event that happens every year in mid-May near Santa Barbara, California?
The "Born to Run Ultra Extravaganza" is part carnival, part concert, part ultra marathon and part unexplainable, but all good and a must to attend. Camp on a private ranch surrounded by fellow LUNAtics.
LUNA Sandals is a title sponsor.
The "Born to Run Ultra Extravaganza" is part carnival, part concert, part ultra marathon and part unexplainable, but all good and a must to attend. Camp on a private ranch surrounded by fellow LUNAtics.
LUNA Sandals is a title sponsor.
Manuel Luna inspires
The real dude. Here he is making sandals for participants in the Born to Run Ultra Extravaganza.
Will you be there this year?
Will you be there this year?
My Pride & Joy
I have never been so proud of the fine sandals my company creates in our own Factory in Seattle and workshop in Santa Barbara.
Inventor of Use - Solowheel
As an early adopter of one-wheeled electric vehicles, like Solowheel. He is huge fan and evangelist of regenerative-braking, one-wheeled, micro-electric, easy-to-manage vehicles. Urban electric surf modes. BFT continues to ride the wave of innovation in human movement that his 1970s Southern California surf/skate roots gave him.
The original "electric unicycle", the Solowheel, went from a urban vehicle concept to a reality in the city of Seattle starting in late 2012. Ted lead the way.
Barefoot Ted's "Solowheel Seattle" shop was the gateway for many to experience Solowheel for the first time in a truly practical way and fun way.
The original "electric unicycle", the Solowheel, went from a urban vehicle concept to a reality in the city of Seattle starting in late 2012. Ted lead the way.
Barefoot Ted's "Solowheel Seattle" shop was the gateway for many to experience Solowheel for the first time in a truly practical way and fun way.
So, you wanna start...
...running barefoot? Here's my best advice written nearly a decade ago (link below) on my old blog.
LUNA Family
This is me and Liv at the Born to Run Ultra Extravaganza 2018. As a couple, we represent the core team of LUNA Sandals. Liv is the CEO...and her steadfast, day-to-day work keeps the whole operation humming.
As President & Founder, I try to get away with the more fun aspects of business, like interviews and trips.
However, as a team we can get a lot done, even when we are having fun.
As President & Founder, I try to get away with the more fun aspects of business, like interviews and trips.
However, as a team we can get a lot done, even when we are having fun.
Barefoot Ted's Adventures
What is it? A work in progress.
I have always dreamed of being part of an "active vacation" business. Santa Barbara is the perfect place to come and spend time having fun outdoors...in your barefeet.
I have always dreamed of being part of an "active vacation" business. Santa Barbara is the perfect place to come and spend time having fun outdoors...in your barefeet.
Santa Barbara Beach Life
Liv and I love to play Smashball...nearly everyday when weather permits and time is available.
Returning to beach life after 10 years in Seattle is a big improvement in day to day life for me. The beach is the primal playground where the human showing up in their birthday suit is overly dressed.
Get out there and have a great time everyday it's possible. That's my motto.
Returning to beach life after 10 years in Seattle is a big improvement in day to day life for me. The beach is the primal playground where the human showing up in their birthday suit is overly dressed.
Get out there and have a great time everyday it's possible. That's my motto.
Boston Marathon 2006
This was one of the first marathons that I ran in the Vibram Fivefingers as highlighted in the book Born to Run. A paradigm shift in footwear technology was underway and I was at the forefront.
Over 12 years later and we can all see that more and more people understand the importance of zero drop, wide toebox footwear. In 2010 I started making my own footwear, the birth of LUNA Sandals.
Now LUNA Sandals is an award winning footwear brand sold all over the world.
Over 12 years later and we can all see that more and more people understand the importance of zero drop, wide toebox footwear. In 2010 I started making my own footwear, the birth of LUNA Sandals.
Now LUNA Sandals is an award winning footwear brand sold all over the world.
Adventure is about movement
My rickshaw in Santa Barbara. By far my favorite people transpoting device. I eat the fuel. Upper body workout. Time travel.
I made a sign that reads "I pull for Swordfish". Can you guess what it means?
I made a sign that reads "I pull for Swordfish". Can you guess what it means?
The World as Playground
The beach is the ultimate human playground. Being at the beach is like returning to your roots. You feel good just in your body.
Ever since I was a little kid, the beach has been the supreme place to be. Returning to Santa Barbara in 2017 was a dream come true.
My wish is to invite more and more of you to visit for more events in and around Santa Barbara in the future.
Ever since I was a little kid, the beach has been the supreme place to be. Returning to Santa Barbara in 2017 was a dream come true.
My wish is to invite more and more of you to visit for more events in and around Santa Barbara in the future.
Cactus Cultivator
Can you believe I grew over 300 San Pedro cactus stalks like these?
If you read Michael Pollan's book "How to Change Your Mind", you will understand my cultivating enterprise better.
If you read Michael Pollan's book "How to Change Your Mind", you will understand my cultivating enterprise better.
Best Sandals in the World!
And my company makes them in our own factory in the USA.
It's a dream come true, but it's true. LUNA Sandals has created a whole new/old footwear segment for modern folks to get back to the basics: The simpliest design that works the best is the best.
Made in our own factory in the USA, you can feel good about your sandals from your feet to your mind. Comfortable living simple.
It's a dream come true, but it's true. LUNA Sandals has created a whole new/old footwear segment for modern folks to get back to the basics: The simpliest design that works the best is the best.
Made in our own factory in the USA, you can feel good about your sandals from your feet to your mind. Comfortable living simple.
Zen
Exploring the internal world is a key to tasting the One.
But seriously, every chance I get, I do try and meditate. It doesn't matter where I am or how I sit, I just try to connect with my breath and tune in to th e nothingness.
Alan Watts is a great teacher of mine. Paul Reps too. Perhaps my greatest teacher, even guru, is a fellow named J William Lloyd. I have the strangest, deepest connection with him even though he died in 1940.
Below is a link to all the books of his I own.
But seriously, every chance I get, I do try and meditate. It doesn't matter where I am or how I sit, I just try to connect with my breath and tune in to th e nothingness.
Alan Watts is a great teacher of mine. Paul Reps too. Perhaps my greatest teacher, even guru, is a fellow named J William Lloyd. I have the strangest, deepest connection with him even though he died in 1940.
Below is a link to all the books of his I own.
Training Tips: Barefoot Running
Five Tips From Barefoot-Running Legend Ted McDonald
The National Geographic interviewed me and asked my barefoot running tips. I think it gives you a taste of how I approach the how topic.
The National Geographic interviewed me and asked my barefoot running tips. I think it gives you a taste of how I approach the how topic.
Leadville Trail 100
See you in Leadville in 2019!
The Leadville Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run is one of the oldest 100 mile ultra marathons in the world and one of the toughest since the entire race is held above 10,000 feet!!!
I have started 5 times and finished 3 times. I have some unfinished business for 2019.
This is the race that in 1993, the Tarahumara, including Manuel Luna, came down and dominated the race wearing their traditional huarache sandals.
The Leadville Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run is one of the oldest 100 mile ultra marathons in the world and one of the toughest since the entire race is held above 10,000 feet!!!
I have started 5 times and finished 3 times. I have some unfinished business for 2019.
This is the race that in 1993, the Tarahumara, including Manuel Luna, came down and dominated the race wearing their traditional huarache sandals.
Family Joy
This is the main circle of the McDonald Trio. Liv McDonald, Ted McDonald and Yogi Nash.
We live together in Santa Barbara and make every effort to make each day count.
We live together in Santa Barbara and make every effort to make each day count.
My Friend Yogi Nash
Yogi Nash is a "Lemon Drop" Beagle. Born in 2014, he proves to be one of the finest dogs in the history of the world...it's true. Just look at him !!!
Old School Surf
Yep! Wooden surfboards. Wanna get strong?
1966 VW Beetle
California life is improved with vintage wheels amigo.
Santa Barbara Backcountry
What can I say? I am surrounded by paradise in Sant Barbara. Of course the beach, but the mountains behind the city are fabulous too.
This is part of the Santa Barbara Red Rock Trail Marathon. Yogi ran it this year with me and Liv.
Now that was a real adventure, and LUNA was one of the sponsors. See you next year?
This is part of the Santa Barbara Red Rock Trail Marathon. Yogi ran it this year with me and Liv.
Now that was a real adventure, and LUNA was one of the sponsors. See you next year?
Balance is the Key...
...to Life!
I must say, it is the simpliest pleasure to be flowing in a state of balance.
Everyday find a way to say YES to outdoor living. Push your envelope, find your possible. Share if you dare.
I must say, it is the simpliest pleasure to be flowing in a state of balance.
Everyday find a way to say YES to outdoor living. Push your envelope, find your possible. Share if you dare.
Barefoot Ted was right, of course.
Born to Run, chapter 25, first sentence. "Barefoot Ted was right, or course." I've had so much fun with this sentence!!!
In the end, I have made an effort to use what little notoriety I have accumulated to do good in the world. How does one do good?
In my what mind, what you do, your business, your life, is an externalization of your "philosophy of life." If you want to know what people think, believe, are moved by, just see what they do.
We are continually voting with what we buy, sell, eat and do. We are super-empowered...oh, and inevitably flawed, forever honing and polishing and reforming as we evolve ourselves into the best version of ourselves. This I encourage and practice to the best of my ability.
Life is much like Whack-a-Mole, something interesting is always popping up. The key is to enjoy the process in the now, in the flow, and knowing when it's time for a new game. Have fun, be happy, feel free.
In the end, I have made an effort to use what little notoriety I have accumulated to do good in the world. How does one do good?
In my what mind, what you do, your business, your life, is an externalization of your "philosophy of life." If you want to know what people think, believe, are moved by, just see what they do.
We are continually voting with what we buy, sell, eat and do. We are super-empowered...oh, and inevitably flawed, forever honing and polishing and reforming as we evolve ourselves into the best version of ourselves. This I encourage and practice to the best of my ability.
Life is much like Whack-a-Mole, something interesting is always popping up. The key is to enjoy the process in the now, in the flow, and knowing when it's time for a new game. Have fun, be happy, feel free.
Solowheel G3 / InMotion V8
This wheel is SO stable and smooth. Ride for a couple hours on a charge. Up to 20mph. Makes city life managable. $899
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