Everything about last night's book talk and signing event of the best-selling book "Born to Run" with author Christopher McDougall absolutely exceeded my expectations. It took a couple of months of planning and coordinating with Greg + Natalie (my dear friends and proprietors of Traveler's Bookcase), Chris (who I first met at the LA Expo in May), and shameless notifications that went out to a bunch of organizations/friends/family via e-mail/Facebook/Twitter to spread the word (which I hate doing).
In the end, it was all worth it. While I had some concerns about the rain and whether or not enough notifications went out by the time people finished trickling in, we had a jam-packed room filled with a wide-array of folks from all walks of life - runners, non-runners, triathletes, kids...you name it. Probably 40+ or so I'd guesstimate came by to meet Christopher...and our very special guest, Micah True, aka "Caballo Blanco" made an appearance as well (a central 'character' in the book)!The night got off to a bit of a startling beginning when I received a very terse e-mail who I later found out to be Caballo's pro-bono publicist I guess (?) saying that his truck broke down and to please call him. I hurriedly do so and get him on the phone and he casually states that his car broke down, and he's on his way over...by foot. What? I offer to come pick him up but he insists on walking over saying he's not too far away. Sure enough, about 15 minutes later, in walks the elusive and mythical Caballo Blanco sporting a newly shaved head.
Soft-spoken but plenty amiable, we both pop open a Tecate and take a load off while he pleasantly regales me in his tale of his trek over to Los Angeles from Colorado, as well as a recent injury to his big toe. Since we're about half an hour to the start of the event, Caballo and I got some alone time and he graciously answers my questions in long - but not quite rambling answers. Believe me, I don't mind.
Shortly thereafter, our main guy shows up just as people start filling the small space. I immediately put him to work to show me how he makes his version of iskiate, a chia-based citrus drink that is mentioned prominently in the book. Once the first batch is made, I let him go work the room while I served cups out to thirsty customers.
After about a half hour of pictures and signings, we get started. Christopher was awesome as he engaged the crowd with his story of how he came to discover the seemingly super-human Tarahumara tribe in the recesses of the vast Copper Canyons in Mexico. He spoke of physiological capabilities that were endowed to us and just why we were all truly...born to run. After some Q & A, it was back to signing books and picture-taking which went on for another hour or so.
When the last fan left, my friends at Traveler's Bookcase, my gal Sara and our two guests, Caballo and Christopher wrapped up this amazing night by grabbing some dinner next door as we shared more stories over pizza, wine and beer. We toasted the very successful night and shot the shit until nearly midnight before finally bidding adieu.
Last night was truly a memorable night and I owe it all to Greg and Natalie for hosting the event, and to our two new friends in Christopher McDougall and Caballo Blanco for making the long trek to Los Angeles to give us a night most of us will never forget.
As Caballo signed in my book, run free my friends, and thanks for reading.
(*also - click here to listen to Christopher on a local Los Angeles talk show leading up to our event. Covers just about everything you may need/want to know about barefoot running.)
(**Edit to add: here's another review of last night by blogger Theresa and another one by blogger Josh)
