Yesterday I had my heart full, not only for having completed another ironman, or better saying for having completed another Spirit, but seeing that an idea that I, Pena, Hugo and Neves had 2 years ago in a train carriage, in the iberman's hangover, not only became reality last year, but it grew in the best possible way this year, with more athletes, finishing the race with the best possible spirit.
Because the place where Spirit took place, was full of volunteers, assistants, families, friends and onlookers from 6 in the morning until 24 at night.
Due to the dedication that Pereira, Tiago, Abreu and Brito showed these last days, without them Spirit would not be able to get up, and were always available to help to solve the small problems and the major setbacks. And also for the efforts of Ruão, Gavina, Eduardo and all those who gave all they had so that the race would have been what it was.
For seeing friends of the triathlon world believing in us and getting into this madness of swimming 4km, cycling 180km and running 42km, without blinking and going to the end, regardless of whether they took 10 or 15 hours to cut the finishing line.
For seeing that the challenge, that we launched, seeing athletes with the look of the seventies, with rustling moustaches, in speedos and tops, steel bicycles, was accepted and embraced by all.
For seeing the happy face of all the athletes who participated, and the messages of thanks that I received in the meantime.
For having challenged some people to photograph the Spirit, and to see throughout the day the paths full of photographers. Thank you Nuno, Zé, Miro, Marco, fotógrafo clandestino and everyone else who were there.
For seeing an athlete who came from Belgium in a motorhome to make the Spirit of 78 Triathlon and make a documentary about the 40 years of the ironman, and who at the time of his preparation, between the moment he signed up and the day of the race had a very serious health problem and even debilitated didn't even think not coming and not cutting the finishing line.
For seeing half a dozen athletes coming from Lisbon, having fun competing and saying that for the next year they want to be here again, gaining the status of friend. One of which, Pedro Conceição, came loaded from Lisbon with the finisher awards for the finisher athletes.
For seeing athletes doing the cycling with bicycles over 20 years old, where the effort to pedal is greater than with current ones, ending up paying with a much more painful marathon than it should be. I tried, but with a lot of pity for me, despite having started the race with a 35 year old bike, the rear tire blew at km 15, as a result I was forced to change for a modern bike.
For watching Miguel Vieira finish Spirit, a week after making the ironman from Barcelona, without ever thinking about giving up.
For seeing the last 3 athletes running in the middle of a storm, which, meanwhile, installed itself, without thinking about lowering their arms.
I had my heart full once again for being able to make Spirit of 78 Triathlon a great triathlon party.
Paulo Costa
