Talking about food... I wonder how many of our members have heard of "Pinole" ? Pinole is a high energy food made from dry roasted corn ground-up and mixed with brown sugar (Piloncillo, o panocha) and cinnamon and sometimes either lemon or orange peel for flavoring. The Tarahumara indians of Chihuahua use it as a staple food. Tarahumaras are basically vegetarians, with meat accounting for about less than 10% of their diet. They eat Pinole it or drink it ( can be mixed with water or ? ) before they run the ultra marathons. Pinole is a very convinient high energy food because in its powder form can keep for months. It is carried in a pouch during long trips and is used to sometimes replace whole meals. The Tarahumaras are universally known as runners. Tarahumaras have run the 100 mile marathon from Nevada to California. They think nothing of running 50 miles or more to go visit friends or relatives in a distant village. When was the last time you did that! They hunt by running animals until the animal gets tired and gives up. That includes deer, rabbits and whatever animal they choose to chase. Pinole is very sweet and very tasty. Try it, next time you go to Mexico, or better yet, make your own! In Mexico it is sold at just about any grocery store, kids love it, just make sure you plan a high energy activity for them. If you are runner or into high energy sports, you should give it a try. John Gonzalez
