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Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in another running event: the Douro Vinhateiro half marathon. This race is very well-known in our country due to the unique surroundings provided by the vineyards of this region and the Douro river, which accompanies the entire course of the race. Being a race with more than 20,000 registered participants, it is a moment of joy and camaraderie among the runners and this is paired with the great sense of accomplishment that completing the 21 km brings to those who manage to achieve this feat. However, unlike what I have done on other occasions regarding other races, what makes me write this text are not those aspects, but another one that I found distinguishing in this half marathon: the quietude. I was born and raised near the Douro river and I am extremely familiar with its landscape and the therapeutic effect that contemplating it has on those who, like me, admire it whenever they can. Yesterday, this effect was even more pronounced. For about 18 km of the total half marathon, the course runs along the Douro river, on a road with very few sidewalks, which means there are almost no spectators. Supporters tend to stay in the last 2-3 km where, with their energy, they give us the strength to finish the race. Although at times I missed that boost along the course, I found myself occasionally in the midst of an environment of serenity where all I could hear were the runners footsteps and a few words exanged among us. Besides that only the river, resplendent on a not-too-hot sunny day, and the vineyards rising before us. In the midst of it all, tinny in the Douro valley, everyday people, like me, trying to achieve our goals and amazed at the opportunity to do so in that magical place. Have a great week! João Pedro Neto, MD
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