Summary
Lorena, Light-Footed Woman is an inspiring, insightful Netflix short documentary about ultra-marathon runner Lorena Ramírez.
Before I watched Lorena, Light-Footed Woman I didn’t even know ultra-marathons existed. It’s any marathon that exceeds the traditional 26.219-mile length. I didn’t know who Lorena Ramírez was either, but she’s absolutely extraordinary.
What’s noticeable about Lorena Ramírez is that she does not aspire to be in front of cameras. The indigenous woman appears indifferent when the cameras are in front of her. Lorena understands her popularity but has no ambition to bathe in it. Lorena belongs to the Rarámuri (or Tarahumara) who are a group of indigenous people of the Americas living in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. They are renowned for their long-distance running ability.
Oh, and can she run- – the Netflix short documentary follows her running 40, 50, 60-mile events with ease, with Lorena stating that she speeds up after many miles. Watching Lorena run in this documentary is fascinating. While she is not the only one running the distance, she has a habit of leaving her competitors behind. She’s a woman on a mission, and she barely shows a flicker of emotion when she crosses the finish line. And I mean nothing.
But what’s striking in Lorena, Light-Footed Woman is her choice of footwear. She wears sandals. I’ll admit that I raised my eyebrows when I saw her running in well-used sandals in different terrains, but I was even more terrified when she refused genuine running shoes. Sandals are her comfort — almost her superpower.
Lorena, Light-Footed Woman is not an investigation into her life or an analysis. The Netflix short documentary is merely an observation of a woman who will not stop running unless health prevails. The documentary is presented to admire, not question. The 28-minute short will not only inspire but provide insight into an entirely different culture and way of life when it comes to a consistently performing athlete. Lorena, Light-Footed Woman is a must-watch.
