Some helpful advice from our friends at the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Bureau of Consular Affairs .....

(then again, if I showed the DTOs this picture they might not believe it's me anymore, thankfully)

this is just a snippet to get excited about being in a constant fight or flight response.  at least it will be easy to get my running completed there.  I'll be fine though, I can always pull the "I used to be a temporary employee of the united states government and i helped count people, so don't hurt me."  That'll show 'em!)

It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime or violence.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.  U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance....the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs).  Mexican DTOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle with each other for control of trafficking routes.  In order to prevent and combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops and federal police throughout the country.  U.S. citizens should expect to encounter military and other law enforcement checkpoints when traveling in Mexico and are urged to cooperate fully.  DTOs have erected unauthorized checkpoints, and killed motorists who have not stopped at them.  In confrontations with the Mexican army and police, DTOs have employed automatic weapons and grenades.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  According to published reports, 22,700 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006.  The great majority of those killed have been members of DTOs. However, innocent bystanders have been killed in shootouts between DTOs and Mexican law enforcement or between rival DTOs.  
Recent violent attacks and persistent security concerns have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to defer unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.