Teacher launches book on 50 marathons to celebrate middle age

Capoeira master Marcos Mourão, known as Marcola and teacher of Optional Activities for Early Childhood Education, decided to celebrate his “half-century” of life by running 50 marathons in one year. This challenge’s records turned into a book, released this month, “A Vitória Pessoal em 50 Maratonas em Um Ano“.

As he had no sponsorship and would not enroll in official marathons in Brazil and cities outside the country, Marcola decided to create routes that had some relationship with his personal history.

In one of the routes, he went through São Paulo streets where he had lived since childhood and affectionately called it “Maratona das Moradas.” He also went through the São Paulo University area – USP, where he studied Physical Education, and another through Ubatuba’s beaches, where he lived.

He dedicated one of the chapters to Beacon, called “Um farol para iluminar metas,” the story of the 45th marathon at USP, partially accompanied by three other teachers from our school. The author also writes about how running or other body activities can guide us like a beacon towards our goals and challenges!

Doctors and a nutritionist accompanied Marcola, and he took tests before, during, and after each marathon. According to them, his recovery speed and an above-average optimized muscle action made it possible for him to complete this challenge in such a short period.

To run each of the marathons, he wore a T-shirt with a logo created for the challenge. Beacon was one of the sponsors in the manufacturing of the 50 shirts used during the races.

Marcola is already planning the next adventure for when he turns 60!