Correr con los tarahumaras – short version

Running with the Tarahumara

  • Remember, expect this to be challenging.
  • First, read the English version.
  • Next, read the Spanish version.
  • Click the control to hear the audio.
  • Listen several times, following along on the transcript.
  • Finally, listen without looking at the transcript.
  • See how many words and phrases you can pick out.
  • Then try the long version.

Short Version

Running with the Tarahumara

The Tarahumara Indians are legendary runners from the Copper Canyon area of Chihuahua, Mexico. They live a simple subsistence life, growing corn, beans and squash and raising a few goats and chickens. For hundreds of years they have played a game called “rarajipari” which involves kicking a small wooden ball for distances of 50 to 100 miles in a contest that can last for two days. I was able to run with them in a 100-mile trail race in California, and was in awe of them as they ran in huaraches and ate only corn and bean tortillas during the race. After we all finished, I felt united with them as I silently thanked our ancestors, who in running to catch food and avoid becoming food, had survived though countless generations, and were the reason we were alive to celebrate our health that day.

Correr con los tarahumaras

Los indígenas tarahumaras son corredores legendarios de la Sierra Madre Occidental en el estado mexicano de Chihuahua. Su economía es precaria: cultivan maíz, frijol y calabaza y crían algunas cabras y pollos. Desde hace cientos de años practican el “rarajipari”, una carrera durante la cual se patea una pequeña bola de madera por distancias que oscilan entre 80 y 160 kilómetros. La carrera puede durar hasta dos días. Tuve la oportunidad de participar con los tarahumaras en una carrera de 160 kilómetros en California, y quedé asombrado ante ellos: corrieron en huaraches y comieron sólo tortillas de maíz y frijoles durante el evento. Al terminar me sentí unido a ellos cuando en silencio di las gracias a nuestros antepasados. Ellos, al correr para cazar comida y evitar convertirse en ella, sobrevivieron por incontables generaciones y hoy son la razón de que estemos vivos para celebrar nuestra buena salud.