The Barefoot Autism Challenge

I can’t remember when or where I first heard of it, but when I did learn of the Barefoot Autism Challenge, I immediately thought of art museums.  Not that I am a fan.  They make me feel claustrophobic.  When I do visit one, I rationalize that there’s only so much I can absorb.  So I rush in and fly through the place, taking in a handful of paintings and a few sculptures, and sure, they’re fun — but all the while, I sense the ticking clock.  And then I rush out.

To be honest, I have no idea why the Barefoot Autism Challenge sparked the thought of art museums.  Although I do recall the first time I ran the Ft. Worth Cowtown Marathon, how right by the starting line there sat a low concrete building with a plaza in front and a forlorn statue.  After the race, as I walking back to the car, I looked up and saw the place again. Stared for a moment. Wondered if they’d let me in without shoes (Cowtown was my first barefoot marathon).

Maybe when you take on a challenge, it shakes up your thinking.  Lets loose some new ideas.  Arguably that’s the whole point. So maybe that’s why I had the strange inspiration to go back and visit that museum. 

By way of background, the Barefoot Autism Challenge is the brainchild of Tyler Leech, an individual with autism who lives in Iowa.  He explains that he prefers to go barefoot because the natural stimulation of feet on ground helps him process information about his surroundings, which can be a challenge for autistic people, who may experience sensory impressions differently from others.  The premise of the Challenge is simple — go somewhere barefoot for the experience, then post a picture on social media to show support for the autistic community.

Recognizing that barefoot is an unusual mode of dress, I went out of my way, as I prepared for this first experience, to make a good impression.  I dressed up in stylish jeans and an expensive fitted shirt (the kind I used to wear during my banking days).  Traded my Yankees cap for one with the logo of the Dallas Cowboys (the better to fit in with the local crowd).  Rehearsed answers to all the questions I thought might be asked.  And then, on the appointed day, freshly-showered and cleanly-shaved, I strode in confidently through the front door.  And was immediately intercepted.  And shown right back out. 

I demanded to see the manager.  A few minutes later, there emerged a portly gentlemen in a navy blazer.  He was courteous and very patient.  Explained, “It’s the law.” Talked safety, too — when they move the art around, small tacks might fall out from the frames. 

I could think of nothing to say in response to such nonsense.

On the way back to my car, a woman observed how lovely Texas weather was, that you could go about barefoot in November.  This comment made me smile. But, I am a stubborn man.  I vowed I would return.

Continue reading “The Barefoot Autism Challenge”
The Barefoot Autism Challenge

Running the BMW Dallas Marathon

After due deliberation, I made my decision.  The BMW Dallas Marathon, if I successfully completed it, would be my 101st race of marathon distance or longer.

Of course, my mind was immediately filled with images of dalmatians. I made an effort to clear my thoughts of such clutter because these numbers are important.

You see, for an aging marathoner like me, 100 holds this significance — that beyond it there lies no obvious next stopping point.  To go past 100 marathons would be like pushing an aircraft to Mach 1 and then breaking the sound barrier — which produces an impressive bang no doubt — but that doesn’t mean you’ve reached the maximum possible speed.  (OK, I confess to being fascinated with fighter jets and pilots.) Continue reading “Running the BMW Dallas Marathon”

Running the BMW Dallas Marathon

10,000 Miles Barefoot

How irritating — that they would spread salt so liberally everywhere, not only in the streets, but on the smooth white sidewalks where I’d planned to run (and not a patch of snow in sight).  Later I asked my Mom — she didn’t know, but agreed it must have been the City, which forced me to consider the possibility that the local population was so lacking in balance and agility that a late November snow-dusting was seen as potential calamity.  In any case, due to the salt I cut my run short at 4 miles instead of 5 and stepped into a favorite coffee shop for my morning cappuccino, only to be confronted by a young woman behind the counter.  I saw a pale white face, light-blue surgical mask, and a pair of hazel eyes glaring at me. 

“We can’t serve you — it’s the health code.”

With raised eyebrow —  “In Illinois.  Really?”

“Even if it’s not against the law, it’s our right.”

So I left. 

Once back at my hotel, I opened laptop, entered the mileage in my training log, and saw I’d finally crossed the boundary — I’d just passed my 10,000th mile of barefoot hiking, walking, and running.  And then I went back out, still searching for my morning coffee….

Continue reading “10,000 Miles Barefoot”

10,000 Miles Barefoot

Hyper-reality and the Desert of the Real

Flying into LaGuardia, the City shimmering outside the airplane window — labyrinth of light beneath squid-ink sky.  Bridges spanning black waters, buildings silhouetted against dark vistas, boulevards radiating in concentric directions. Circuit board of the digital economy.

“City of hurried and sparkling waters!” sang Walt Whitman, “city of spires and masts!  City nested in bays! my city!”

But it’s not my city.  Not anymore.  Never really was… Continue reading “Hyper-reality and the Desert of the Real”

Hyper-reality and the Desert of the Real

Homeless in Dallas

Black tarmac slips into view — tires impact — with jolt and bounce we arrive.  I’ve left New York behind, and with it, family, friends, routines, familiar places – in a word, I’ve left behind my home.  Traded it for a city with a herd of larger-than-life bronze bulls and a brassy sun.  By the way, I like it here fine.  For a two-week stay, anyway.  The issue is, splitting my time between two places – not to mention other travel too – leaves me feeling spread a little thin.  Like Bilbo Baggins, who told Gandalf, “‘Why, I feel all thin, sort of stretched, if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread.”  Then he briefed Gandalf on his plan: to leave his home in the Shire, to see the mountains one last time, to find a place to rest, and maybe finish writing his book. Continue reading “Homeless in Dallas”

Homeless in Dallas

More Nature, Less Technology

“You’ll be the troublemaker.” Arif gave me a sly look as he guided me to a far corner of the restaurant, and I nodded, because surely life is too short for small talk.

There were six of us seated at the table.  Four middle-aged women — each one attractive, intelligent, engaging, successful.  A quiet-spoken serious young man with a shock of brown hair.  And me, wearing camouflage-colored Yankees cap and a few days’ worth of stubble.

This was an “intergenerational dinner,” hosted by the Hoot Owl, a cozy restaurant in upstate New York with a loyal local following.  The event was organized around a series of questions designed to elicit discussion.

Anne had been tasked as the table’s guide, and now she opened with the first question – what makes you feel most alive? Continue reading “More Nature, Less Technology”

More Nature, Less Technology

Barefoot on the JMT – 2022

After three years and three attempts, this summer I finally completed the 211-mile John Muir Trail entirely without shoes.  Whether sensible or not, that was my objective all along.  As my friend Mat reminded me, when I ran in to him at Red’s Meadow, “finishing what you start is a good habit to get into.”  And then a few seconds later I realized that’s what I told him — in 2021 when he’d seen me struggling on Glen Pass, shortly before I gave up and pulled on shoes.  So throughout my 2022 journey, especially when things got tough, I kept thinking to myself how much better it would be to report to Matt a successful outcome, rather than explaining why I failed again.

I’m working on a detailed write-up, which is quickly expanding to book-size length, adding to a great mountain of material that awaits the light of day.  For now, this post contains links to a number of short videos I filmed while walking down the trail.  You can also access these videos on my YouTube channel. Continue reading “Barefoot on the JMT – 2022”

Barefoot on the JMT – 2022

Mike Valentino’s 70-mile SRT Race Report

This is a guest post by 2022 SRT 70-mile finisher Mike Valentino

It’s been 3 weeks since the race.  As I look back on my experience all I can say is, WOW!  First of all, I can’t believe I finished. It was the hardest race I’ve ever participated in – between the distance, terrain and having a minimalist format.

 At the start, I really had no idea if I could complete the task at hand. When I signed up for the SRT, my wife said “you’re crazy!” and “why didn’t you sign up for the 30 mile event?”. I knew I could go 30… but 70 miles?  Continue reading “Mike Valentino’s 70-mile SRT Race Report”

Mike Valentino’s 70-mile SRT Race Report

Mike Morton’s 2022 70-mile SRT Race Report

This is a guest post by 70-mile finisher Mike Morton

The following is a basic report of my race which mostly includes how I felt, my planning, what went right and what went wrong.  I love both Russ’ report and Kate’s report for their insights into the course.

A huge thank you to Ken, Todd and all the volunteers on the SRT Race team.  Everything was extremely well organized.  Everyone was super friendly and helpful throughout. Continue reading “Mike Morton’s 2022 70-mile SRT Race Report”

Mike Morton’s 2022 70-mile SRT Race Report

Kate Shumeyko’s 70-mile Race Report

This is a guest post by Kate Shumeyko, who won the 2019 30-mile division.

After teaching a full day of school on Friday, I raced home, changed, grabbed my gear and our overnight bags for Saturday night, dropped my kids and dogs to my parents, and then Paul and I headed to High Point.  We decided to eat “car sushi” as my pre-race meal- I kept mine very bland with no raw fish and though the salt and carbs would sit well.  I’ve run ultras before eating veggie sushi during the race- so I was pretty confident this would work.  Not sure if this is what would mess my stomach up later on or just all of the sugar I would be consuming but it was going to be a very long, uncomfortable night ahead…. Continue reading “Kate Shumeyko’s 70-mile Race Report”

Kate Shumeyko’s 70-mile Race Report