In this episode, Joshua Holland sits down with movement coach and athlete Jordan Alexander, who just completed something almost no one attempts: a 21-kilometer half marathon fully barefoot. Jordan shares the mental, physical, and spiritual journey behind this achievement — from God telling him to run it, to training in barefoot shoes, to switching to no shoes at all, to the surprising advantages (and painful sections) of running on grass and modern pavement.
If you’ve ever wondered how to start barefoot running, how to transition safely, or how faith, family, and mindset can help you do something you didn’t think was possible, this episode delivers an inspiring and deeply practical roadmap.
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5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Jordan ran an entire half marathon fully barefoot — no shoes, no socks — after months of training in barefoot shoes.
2. The transition to barefoot running must be progressive, starting with walking barefoot at home, then grass, then short runs.
3. Running on grass provided recovery and speed boosts, described by Jordan as “Mario Kart power-up moments.”
4. Faith was central to Jordan’s journey, including feeling called to do it before he felt physically ready.
5. Modern shoes weaken natural foot mechanics, while barefoot practice strengthens stability, balance, and long-term mobility.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 START — Joshua introduces Jordan Alexander
00:40 — Jordan reveals his half marathon barefoot accomplishment
01:45 — Feeling scared but spiritually led
02:34 — Switching from modern shoes to barefoot shoes
03:47 — The unexpected marathon invitation
04:10 — “No Shoes November” and barefoot training
04:55 — Race-day nerves
05:33 — The minimalist race kit (shorts, bib, headband — no shoes)
06:08 — Captured moment: Jordan praying before the race
06:59 — Finding grass on the course and feeling protected
07:57 — Running grass vs pavement — “God made a way”
08:45 — “This felt like Mario Kart power-ups”
09:50 — Hitting the hard pavement sections
10:36 — Mile 10: Family encouragement + “God said keep going”
11:15 — Calf cramps, pushing through, crossing the finish line
11:44 — Nasal breathing the entire race
12:51 — Joshua explains why this achievement matters
13:19 — Barefoot running vs modern shoes
14:20 — Jordan based in Puerto Vallarta
14:40 — How Joshua and Jordan originally met
18:07 — Why Joshua highlights stories like Jordan’s
19:46 — Jordan shows his bruised toes
24:24 — Old-school runners give Jordan respect
24:49 — Teaching a 17-year-old how to start barefoot safely
25:53 — Joshua explains the proper barefoot transition process
28:34 — Why shoes were created — and what changed
29:50 — Jordan’s year-long transition into barefoot shoes
31:16 — How long it actually takes to transition
35:04 — Jordan’s background in bodywork and mobility
35:34 — Learning to love feet and building stability
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