The CCUM 2008 was an Amazing Adventure!!!!!!      I arrived in Creel on Monday night with my Mother, Sandy and Step Father, Dave.  We had driven the 9 hours from El Paso with relative ease.  Crossing the border at Santa Theresa was no problem and the drive through the Mennonita Zona (Mennonite country) was beautiful and fascinating. Tuesday morning Caballo,(race director), and runners, Joe, Chris, Franco, and myself caught the bus down canyon to Batopilas.  An hour into the ride Caballo suggested we climb up and ride the rest of the way down on the top of the bus.  It was a blast but also one of the most frightening experiences of my life.... the road is very windy and the drop of thousands of feet was terrifying.  We spent a night in Batopilas and took off with the early morning energy on our 30 mile hike to Urique. (Dave and Sandy drove our gear down while we hiked.)  About 1/3 of the way we got to Cerro Colorado where a group of very shy and brightly dressed Raramuri runners met us for the remainder of the journey.  It was amazing to watch them run, hear them speak to each other in their native language, and see them slowly warm up to us "gringo's"  We got to Los Olisos and had the best grapefruit staight from the tree!  Then continued to Urique.  We arrive at about 6:30 and had a great meal at Tita and Jose's.      A few more runners arrived  and the next day we were off for our 18 mile hike to scope the other course loops.  My legs were trashed after all this hiking so the original 4 runners + Pam(Mrs. Cabro) took a trip to the swimming hole and to lounge at the beach on Friday.  Saturday my legs were still really sore and I was concerned but having a great time with all of the runners and Raramuri (by now 16 gringos and about 60 ramramuri were with us)  So, we spent another day at the beach, soaking in the cool water, playing volleyball(?) and jumping/diving off the rock cliffs.  Saturday night the town put on an incredible pre race party with mariachi's, and folklorico dancers.          Sunday was race day..... 16 gringos(all amazing people and runners) and over 100 Tarahumara (Raramuri) plus a handful of townspeople.  There were even 2 Raramuri women! (they do not typically run mixed races)  My legs were still not up to par but otherwise I was ready to run.  The first loop was cool and I took it easy.  By the second loop I was in the lead(women) and plugging along at my slow but steady pace.  The last loop was super hot but there was plenty of water and great people along the course. My legs were feeling the 7,500 ft of climb but I felt good and was stoked about seeing all these Indians running in huaraches!  They are amazing athletes.   I finished the race 8 hoursL and 23 minutes later.  Again the town threw a huge fiesta in the plaza with standing room only!  All of the gringo's donated their winnings back to the Tarahumara or the towns people..... it was awesome!  I was able to give 5,000 pesos (prize for 1st female), a ton of corn, and $150.00 from the SMH Young Democrats.      Monday we met for breakfast and then headed out.  Sandy and Dave drove back to Arizona and I joined, Theresa, Joe, and Josh for a fun filled journey on cars,trains,buses,cabs,and airplanes.  It took 30 straight hours but I got back to SA at 11:00am on Tuesday, exhausted but feeling great about where I had been, what I had done, and the people I met.  Once again my life has been enriched by the sport of running and I am soooooo grateful!