#wild_mountain_runners

A lot of help from my friends. BFT PS. I leave for Greece on Saturday, filming and crewing for Scott.

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.

The Gatos at Hahamongna Park next to JPL Sunday did some great running with members of the San Fernando branch of the Wild Mountain Runners. We do a lot of trail running in the Angeles Crest. We ran up a very tough 14 mile trail that starts at Hahamongna Park, goes along the side of the famous Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) campus and on up to the top of Mt. Brown. I used to run up this very gnarly trail barefoot, and still can, but coming down was always very difficult and usually made my feet hurt for the rest of the day, especially if I ran fast. Well, wearing the FiveFingers has helped me to be able to run this trail completely pain free. I still get the feedback I need through my feet, I just avoid the terrible pain that one can get in the arch by making one false step. I am currently wearing the same pair of Vibram Five Fingers to run in everyday trying to get an idea of how long they will last. So far, I must say, these suckers are holding up very well. BFT

Photos by Ona McDonald Today many of us Wild Mountain Runners were interviewed for a Nike sponsored podcast featuring running groups from all over the country. We were joined by the famous Barefoot KenBob of RunningBarefoot.org Some runners did not participate, because they thought that their endorsement contracts did not allow them to be in a Nike sponsored film, even though it was not a ad. I thought that was strange, but more room for us hams to yap. After the group interview, they also interviewd me about ultra running (which I am new at). They decided to use the backdrop of my infamous 1966 VW Beetle. I proudly wore my Clif Bar visor and my Vibram FiveFingers jersey, shoes and shorts. Any inspiration I can give, I will give. Hopefully it is not all hot air! Best Regards, Barefoot Ted

Some, but not all, Gatos on Turkey Day 2005

Some of the GP Gatos & Friends San Fernando Gatos assemble for an after run refreshment Perfect November weather, actually a little on the hot side. Most of the San Fernando Gatos did the Lake run 14+ miles. Chris and I did a couple 10 mile trail loops with Guillermo and Flaco. Guillermo Medina came in 1st place this year at the Angeles Crest 100. He did it in 19:33. I remember seeing both Guillermo and Flaco arrive at the 81 mile aid station still looking fresh. I think that he has been second several times. This year was his first win. Truly great trail runner. Had a chance to hear about some of his training techniques. All very useful information hopefully leading to a successful completion of the AC 100 next year. Guillermo says that he often does 3 of these 10 mile loops on Sundays at Griffith Park. I may make it a habit leading up to the Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run on January 14th, 2006. I need to run it in order to qualify for the AC 100. Best, Barefoot Ted

click to enlarge Beautiful day for a run. The course we ran today included crossing a dry river and running in very rocky, sandy terrain. The entire run was off-road. Best, Barefoot Ted

click to enlarge Beautiful weather. Freddie and I ran up to the second bridge for a total of 20 road miles. The others ran over to the lake. I wore some experimental sock/shoes on the downhill section to spare my feet. --Barefoot Ted