Charm City Run: “Running Rio Marathon Miles & Human Connection: A Story from the Heart of Rio,” by Marguerita Cheng
By Marguerita Cheng, Charm City Run Race Team Member
I’ve always believed that running is more than just the miles—it’s about connection. To people. To places. To yourself. My sister Diana and I connect through our shared love of running, and we select two races to participate in each year, depending on our schedules and locations.
When Diana and I decided to meet up in Rio de Janeiro for the Rio Marathon, it wasn’t just about the race—it was about the experience. Diana lives in Germany. I live in the U.S.
Rio was the right choice due to the timing of the event, the beautiful scenery, and the culture.
I’m on a mission to run a marathon on every continent, and South America was next on my list. Diana is a little further along in that goal (I’ve still got Africa and Antarctica to go), so running together in Brazil was perfect!
The challenge was that I signed up for both the half marathon and the full marathon—on the same weekend. The half was on June 21, and the full followed immediately on June 22. Two races with a 4:30 am bus ride on Saturday and 3:30 am bus ride on Sunday.
To say it was intense would be an understatement, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Running, planning and…a coconut?
As a Certified Financial Planner professional, I help clients identify, clarify and prioritize their goals. I love planning because being organized and focused helps me reach my personal and professional goals.
I plan my travel, my race schedule, my hydration. So even though it was a whirlwind weekend, everything had a place.
Traveling isn’t cheap now and days and I wanted to be the most efficient. I thought if I’m going to fly all the way to South America, why not make the most of it and run two races in one go? (Also, I completed the Philadelphia Challenge in 2019, which includes and an 8k and a half marathon day, then a full marathon the next, so I knew I could handle the mileage, as long as I listened to my body.)
I believe in traveling smart. I booked a night flight so I could sleep on the way there, using long weekends like Juneteenth to keep things client-friendly, and prioritizing hydration and recovery.
I listened to my body.
I didn’t overexert myself to race both events. I chose to run the half with a little more effort and enjoy the experience.
Let me tell you about the experience.
It was extremely hot. I am so grateful for UA HeatGear. I raced in my HeatGear shorty and HeatGear sports bra.
On the course I spotted a vendor selling coconuts. He was just off the course. Not only is coconut water is super hydrating and refreshing, but it also contains several essential electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.
As I was running, I thought about when I would have the opportunity to return to Rio. I knew I would not get into any trouble as the vendor was close to the course.
It wasn’t about running; it was about the human connection.
The vendor was so friendly. It was one of those spontaneous, joy-filled moments that reminds you: this is why you run. Not for internet clicks or publicity. For the experience. It was 100% worth it.
I stepped off the course and purchased one. We took selfie together to commemorate it.
R
unning in Rio also reminded me of the power of human connection.
My name, Marguerita, is very Latin. As I ran, strangers cheered me on by name. I don’t speak Portuguese, but encouragement is universal. It made me feel welcome. Seen. Safe.
A few other highlights?
- Running along Copacabana and Ipanema which was as dreamy as it sounds.
- Enjoying açaí bowls and delicious coffee daily.
- I’m proud of myself for pushing myself, being fully present and finding happiness in small moments.
- I’m embracing the journey continent by continent, mile by mile.
Who knows where my sister and I will race next. But know this, I will be ready with an organized plan, purpose and some cash in case I need another coconut.