And that was a real challenge 3 marathons in 2 days

It is hard to give it a right name… 3 in 2 challenge or ‘At least 3 ways to die in 2 days’ 😉

I knew it will be hard… but really wasn’t expecting that. I did already couple of back 2 back’s and each of these was tiring, energy draining and tough. And now I had to do same plus squeeze another marathon between two mornings.

Good that we were so lucky to have place to stay. Daria and Cezary with kids are great hosts. We felt like home. Food, warmth and atmosphere. So, that side of the whole trip was sorted and what just left was to prepare myself for hell of a running…

First marathon – 7 AM on Saturday morning. Route – same as last year in Summer, one small 2.5 loop and 5 almost 8 km loops. That was just second marathon starting so early (Malta was the first one). From last Summer I remembered ‘the hill’. 35 meters incline on the 500 meter stretch. And I was really suprised that now it was just a hill. Nothing scary, nothing too though to run (even 5 times). Maybe that was caused by my pace then and now. Last year I was trying to get best result and this time I had to remember that there are another 2 marathons to run in next 28 hours. This time I was running my comfortable pace. Not too fast, not too slow. Just what I wanted. Finished in 3:37 not even tired. Or so I tought. I wasn’t tired but you cannot cheat your body. Legs felt that run as usual. 42.2 km clocked. I was happy, just needed shower and maybe quick nap. Both things happened for me. But at this stage I don’t know if nap hasn’t cause my legs to be more stiff than they should be? Anyways, 3 PM and next run. Same route, just this time opposite direction. Shouldn’t be a huge difference. Shouldn’t but… weather has changed everything. 2.5 km in the forest – that was weather resistant, but getting on the open road… that was a huge task to ask. Less than 5.5 km on the road but at least 3.5 km from that run against really strong wind. I have finished this one in 4:52 but how I get there was quite interesting. 1st big loop was quite fast, 2nd ok, but on the 3rd wind was strongest and rain heavy. Pace went down to 6:30 minutes per kilometer. That wasn’t even a jog. After 3rd loop I had to stop on the water station to dring some coke and get some jellies. Was really tired and not convinced that I can continue. In Polish I had replied to Cezary what was just a chain of cursing words. But apparently I said in the way that everybody who was there was able to understand that 😉 Coke and jellies worked. I had at least some energy back. I started to getting faster and at the end I was even second (only reason for that was – Aiden having stomach problems, Deepak wanted to avoid injury and Maciej starting too fast). So, it wasn’t so bad… But wait. There is still another one to go. Sunday 9 AM. This time 8 loops of 5.3 km and whole route in the forest. 2.1 km slow incline and after that what is called ‘the hills’ by members of Ballina AC. Constant ups and downs run on the forest path. That day we were spoiled with choice. We could run half-marathon (11 AM start), marathon (9 AM start or 8 AM if you opted for early start) or 53 km ultra run (start at 8 AM). And must say that I was tempted to do ultra but at the end of the day decided that one more hour of sleep do me better. And I was right. Didn’t know the route, so haven’t got the clue how challenging it will be. And it was really hard. On some stage I just wanted just to get to water station and DNF. Head wasn’t right between 4-6 loop. Was hard to get around idea of running so many loops. But after 6th loop I saw my Wife, supporting. And the hope was back. Probably Seamus screaming behind me ‘I will kick your ass if you DNF’ had something to do with that as well. Finished again, first from group which run at 9 AM. And I was very happy. Barely walking, glad that it was over and suddenly very chatty. Talked to all runners – Ruthann, Aiden, Maciej, Deepak… We were all in bits but still confident if someone would tell us that there is run with 3 PM start at least 10 of us would be there on the starting line 😉 After cup of tea, some sandwiches we drove to Cezary’s house to take shower before heading home. Left some groceries as a small ‘thank you’ for having us and for nice even. Said ‘goodbye’ and headed home… Three hours in the car, driving, with legs in pain. Stiff, heavy, barely walking. Funny walk last for next 30 hours. Reminds me early days of marathon running.

Really tought events but will try that again… but need some time now. Will come back there next year.

Some pictures and gif animations…