Stay fit AND bring awareness to providing new shoes to children in need? Casey found a way. He’s running a marathon this Sunday in Santa Barbara… BAREFOOT. The powerful visual will remind marathon-goers that a simple thing like shoes have a huge impact on our lives, and many children run, walk to get water, walk to school, and play barefoot everyday… putting them at risk for cuts, infections, and disease. Casey’s gone through some intense barefoot training and we’re happy to be supporting him in making this bold statement.

My name is Casey Cochran and I am a native of Laguna Beach, CA.  Three years ago I started the OC Green Guide and I had been hoping to organize a charity event through the network for some time. I knew I wanted to challenge myself for a humanitarian cause.  While running barefoot on the beach in my hometown an idea came to me; why not run a marathon, do so barefoot? Though I wouldn’t call myself a runner I enjoy challenging myself both physically and personally.

I was familiar with TOMS and knew that they were involved in providing shoes to less fortunate people in various regions around the world.  It seemed like a natural fit to approach them in supporting my barefoot marathon and after getting on-board they have been extremely excited about the opportunity.

The training started slow, running short distances of 2-3 miles in and around my neighborhood.  I worked my way up to 7-10 and then finally 20 miles on the city streets.  Though I find it very freeing, it is very easy to injure yourself and become fatigued while running barefoot on the streets.  After a distance run I definitely feel it in my arches and in the front of my feet. Aside from a few strange looks and some conversations with other runners, training has been a really rewarding experience.

I am looking forward to completing the marathon and hopefully raising both funds and awareness for this cause.  I am proud to be sharing the TOMS movement, and working with a company who has already done so much to bring a basic necessity to people both locally, and globally.

Good Luck, Casey!

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Tags:   barefoot · barefoot runner · Casey Cochran · Laguna Beach · marathon · one for one · toms shoes
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