High quality running equipment and gear might be the deciding factor for winning a marathon. However, an indigenous woman from Mexico beat all odds, winning an ultra-marathon in a pair of sandals made from recycled tire rubber.
Photo courtesy of Mexico New Daily
María Lorena Ramírez, a 22-year-old indigenous woman, came in first place in the female category in the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo in Puebla, central Mexico. She defeated 500 runners from 12 countries while wearing a skirt, sandals and a handkerchief around her neck. Moreover, Lorena finished the ultra-marathon in seven hours and three minutes while carrying a bottle of water.
Copper Canyon, Sierra Madre Occidental
Ramírez is from the Tarahumara indigenous community, also known as the Rarámuri. The indigenous community resides in the hills of Copper Canyon in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. In the Tarahumara language, Rarámuri translates to “runners on foot” or “those who run fast.” Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Tarahumara are well-known for their great physical condition and super rapid runners.
Wondering what the secret is to the Tarahumara’s uber-fast running skills?
1. Nutrition
They consume “tesgüino,“ an alcoholic beverage made from corn that is high in carbohydrates, and chia seeds. This, therefore explains their unbelievable physical endurance.
2. Training
According to the BBC, Lorena’s daily activities consist of herding goats and cattle where she needs to walk 10-15km daily. The Tarahumara travel great distances because they live in such a vast area of land.
3. Footwear
The Tarahumara construct their own pairs of “running shoes” made from recycled tire rubber. These sandals can compare to high-quality shoes as it endures through staggering distances.
A xenophile at heart, she lives to travel and loves to share her experience on Trip Jaunt (formerly Weekend Jaunt), an online travel community and hub she founded in 2010. She hopes that you will feel inspired to discover the world as well! Helen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Academy of Canadian Film and Television.
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