I‘ve been an athlete my entire life and have competed in several group sports. There were times that I felt a sense of community or connectedness with the players around me. For me, the community aspect of sport is what made me enjoy it so much. But it wasn’t until I got involved in endurance running that I truly learned what it meant to be a “team”.
I think that most people would find the notion of “community” or “team” as not applicable for an activity that, from the outside, seems so individual. I used to think so myself. But after just a few days of being surrounded by distance runners I immediately realized that it was quite the opposite. Endurance running as a sport/activity/passion/lifestyle (or however you personally view it) is the most community driven set of people that I’ve ever met.
Within the running community there are those that symbolize endurance and kinship so ascetically that they have become legends of sorts. Mythical figures that are often talked about yet rarely seen or heard from. One such figure is a man by the name of Micah True, or as others know him, Caballo Blanco.
Caballo Blanco is, to the best and most succinct description I can offer, a wondering giver. He lives a minimalist life that consists of giving to those around him while asking for nothing in return. As a runner he has explored several parts of the world but ultimately landed in the Copper Canyons of Mexico to live and run amongst the Tarahumara Indians, a community of people that have welcomed him as one of their own.
Through his relationship with the Tarahumara Indians, Caballo Blanco his helped share a message of selflessness and community. The Tarahumara have a special word for a giving way of life that they call Korima: meaning “a gift” or “the circle of sharing”.
Recently I was lucky enough to meet Caballo Blanco at an event hosted by Zombie Runner. With his permission I have taken some video footage of his speaking event and wanted to share it with as many runners as a can. Please visit the website for Norawas de Raramuri (translates to ‘Friends of the Running People’) and make donations to support an ancient running culture that Caballo Blanco has so selflessly supported in his years as a wandering, running giver. Donations can be made here via PayPal. Enjoy!
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I read the book and heard him speak in Seattle. He story is amazing! I am now a regular barefoot runner
Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful video!
Great video- shame about the sound/ Mic though.