The Running Chronicles - Part 1 and 2

Yesterday Shadae and I decided to go for a run along the beach. We met at 6:30 a.m. (no, that's not a typo) and ran along Copacabana beach all the way to the end and back . We guessed about 1.5 - 2 miles all together. When we started , the sun had already risen and there were dozens of people out jogging, walking, biking and even a few in the water.

Brazilians are serious about fitness. One sees people of all ages from little toddlers on trikes to octogenarians running or walking. Throughout the city and on the beaches too there are what appear to be playgrounds but are in fact exercise and fitness areas for adults. We saw people doing pull-ups and all sorts of other strength training. I guess if you spend a lot of time on the beach you want to look good while doing so!

By the time we turned around to go back to the hotel , it was significantly hotter and traffic had picked up considerably. We decided this was definitely an activity worth repeating, only Shadae thought 6:30 was too late a start and so talked me into meeting her at 5:45 the next morning.
I'm not sure what I was thinking but I agreed. A couple of other girls heard about our run and asked to join us as well.

So this morning the four of us started out at 5:45. Shadae and I were now joined by Jaz (Jasmine) and Tia. I was impressed that a group of college students had the discipline and motivation to get up this early but I think they realized this was an experience they wanted to savour. The sky was lightening as we started although the sun hadn't risen yet. Today is May 1st which is a national holiday in Brazil and the main road was closed off to prepare for a race. We saw a lot fewer people both because it was earlier and because of the holiday. On our way back we watched the sun rise and the girls took some good photographs to commemorate their run. We also saw a couple of people painted and posing as statues which the girls had never seen before. All in all, a great experience and one that I'm sure the girls will remember for some time.

Looks like all four of us are doing this again tomorrow. Let's see how long I can keep up with them. I may be creaking in several places by the end of the week!!