Belleek Marathon Challenge - Flow lessons!

3 Nights, 4 Days, 2 Marathons, 10's of friends. That was last weekend in Ballina, Mayo. It was the 6th edition of the Belleek Marathon Challenge. This is a relatively small, yet very professionally organised annual running event. Organised by runners Daria Lubinska and Cezary Lubinski.

Wooden Medals and T-Shirt

Day 1. Arrived in Ballina via 2 bus journeys. Limerick-Galway and Galway-Ballina. Dinner in Dillon's Bar and hydration in Harrisons.

Day 2. 6 laps of 7 kilometers in Belleek Forest. Despite overnight heavy rain the paths and trails of the forest were in good shape and grip was found with ordinary Asics runners, even on the many steep inclines and descents. Ran the first 14 kilometers and then figured out I'm a tad out of shape after only running races this year and no training. The 'training' is actually fun running a few times a week and will be resumed as a result of this weekend. Not because of the out of shape feeling. Instead, it was a memory of the good feelings after each daily run that convinced my mind to start running more often again. Finished laps 3, 4, 5 & 6 to the Finish line in the excellent company of Derek Mackessy. Derek runs Ultra's and 100 milers for fun and it was great to share stories for a couple of hours :)

Here's a link to the Saturday start video from the organisers FB page. Saturday had 7k, Half and Full Marathon:
https://www.facebook.com/Belleektrailmarathon/videos/462341867727193/?t=4

That night about 15 of us came together for a meal in the Ballina Manor Hotel. The banter, stories, memories, and dreams were flowing way faster than any beverages and hours flew by. At one stage I looked around our table and guessed there were about 2,500 Marathons between us. It could have been more. What a privilege to be here.

Day 3. Opening loop of about 3 miles, followed by 2 loops of the road to Killala and the Greenway. This road has no single, solitary flat bit in it. You are either going up or downhill. The Greenway was a relief each time. Twisted my knee on a downhill after about 6 miles. Every step after that was uncomfortable and running was painful. Spent the entire 26.2 miles alone in open nature just occasionally sharing encouragements with passing runners on this out and back loop.

Every single step that day was pure bliss. I felt at home. At peace. Living from within. Being. Doing what I love.

Day 4. Bus trip back to Limerick with a big smile and aching feet. And a sense of awareness.

Running has always been my guide to the rest of my life. I type this on Wednesday, 3 days after that 2nd Marathon. And yet again this feeling has permeated everything I do.

Just being. Doing what I love. At peace. From within.

And everything is flowing. Without effort.

Have a free-flowing day!!

Patte xxx