DAY 6 - FORTALEZA

I got to sleep better on the flight to Fortaleza. Maybe because I had better recovery food that I ate immediately after the race and not wolfed down just before hopping on the plane. My legs felt better too due to the physio treatment post race. What I was worried about was my ankle that has now further swelled. It felt tender to the touch. I decided I would wear my spare running shoes to ease the tension. 

As soon as we stepped out of the airport, we were hit by a wave of warm humid air. We looked at each other with nervous gazes. It was just a little past 4am. I started to tell people to make sure they hydrate even if they feel they are not that thirsty. I have experience running in this kind of weather so I wanted to make sure people are aware of what they need to watch out for. 

I only heard about Fortaleza when I signed up for this race. I don’t know anything about it. It feels like Cebu though. A wave of relief passed over us when we got off at the race start and see that it was right by the beach and that it was breezy. It was also busy with people running and working out. Brazilians seem to love fitness. 

The race starts at 6am. By this time the paths were filled with gorgeous toned people. When God doled out  good looks and stunning physiques, he gave more to this nation. It was just the right distraction to get started on the run. We were treated to eye candy for a good two hours. Running groups and fitness teams were all around. I’m sure our group  of weary marathon runners were wishing to be as sprightly and fresh as the folks around us. 

The race is divided into eight loops in an out and back fashion. I decided I will make this a consistently working mode one, with my strong and rhythmic breathing practice. I just wanted to keep it simple. No matter the changes around, I will stick to that pattern. 

The weather was quite nice with a cool breeze and overcast skies at the start of the race. Then things started to shift on the third hour. The heat started to pick up between 30-33 degrees Celsius. It felt much harder with every loop. It started to feel like a struggle. Even for me who is used to running in warm weather. I can imagine how extra hard it was for those who do not have an intuition for this warm temperature. 

We all tried to find ways to cool down throughout the run. I dunked my hat and wet towel in icy water at every aid station then wore them again to keep me cool until the next aid station. I also filled up my top with ice cubes. At one point, I had to stop and take a shower at one of the public showers. I also paid twenty dollars to a coconut vendor to keep supplying me with cold coconut as I passed her stall. My new runner friend from Singapore who decided early on not to continue because of injury, took me under his wing and made sure I had a fresh cold towel and drinks every single time I finished a loop. Such a sweet gentleman.

The heat was truly punishing even before noon. Because it was tough, I made sure that I took my gels and bars at specific times. I needed all the energy to battle this heat challenge. I didn’t wait for my energy to dip before taking food. Unfortunately the  food at the starting line aid station was not that great. And no food but water in all the other stations. Anyway we just needed to plod on. 

Seeing one of my fellow runners hobble with his body lopsided pushed me to carry on. If he was in pain and just kept going, what is my excuse? Despite this, he never failed to cheer me on every time I passed him. Such steadfast determination. I will forever remember his resolve. 

Then it was time for the last lap. I try to see the place with a fresh set of eyes. Not with one that is tired and weary from the seven loops of running. I see things for the first time, now that I am deliberately paying attention. I observe that parts of it look like Manila Bay promenade.  While it also seems like Fortaleza’s version of the East Coast Park. The beach, with its golden sand, looks quite inviting with drink shacks and umbrellas. I imagined myself basking under one of those parasols sipping a cold cocktail. 

I straightened myself up and attempted to freshen up my appearance as I neared the finish line. Such a relief to cross the line because it felt like we’re finally gonna make it. I doubted myself several times throughout the race. Especially when it got a little extra hard. This endeavor was definitely a lesson on digging deep. I don’t think I have done anything this difficult. It’s quite humbling. It makes me feel very raw and human. 

The human struggle is remarkable for the sheer act of trying. The goal is not all there is to it. Of course it is important to have a singular aim to focus on. But the choice to keep at it no matter what the outcome would be is worth watching as well. There are meaningful lessons to be gleaned from each attempt. I was given seven chances of that this week. I hope to be given more opportunities to try throughout my lifetime.