While in Utah at the Outdoor Retailer trade show, attendees had the opportunity to meet Caballo Blanco at the Saucony booth and receive a signed copy of the book “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. I took time away from our booth to meet him in person, and managed to score an autographed copy of the book.
This was the second time I’ve read the book. This time, it meant something different to me. Beyond the novelty of the story, the trendiness of ‘barefoot running’ and the celebrity status of the man known as Cavallo Blanco lay a broader sense of community. His reason for being there and for promoting this book is to preserve and protect the lifestyle and traditions of the Tarahumara. My reason for being there – and for making the effort to shake the hand and look deep into the eyes of this gentle soul – was to preserve and protect the feet of those who look to get closer to those traditions.
Reading the stories again inspired me to take Barefooters out for a hike in the woods to reconnect with the ground. I wondered whether I’d miss my hiking boots and the safety they represented.