Ballyliffen coastal challenge was awesome!
George Munroe Thu 09 Apr 2015 updated: Fri 10 Apr 2015
The fast improving Easter weekend weather may have had something to do with it, but on arrival in Ballyliffen there was a pervasive relaxed and friendly vibe about the place. Runners gathered informally in front of the main street Ballyliffen hotel, chatting, stretching, topping up with a few more dregs of energy drink. Approaching 13:00 the runners slowly separated from friends and family to line up on the road. Without much razzmatazz we all started walking when someone somewhere said so, then a gentle jog as the pace picked up and strided out as the throng loosened and spread out along the route.
And what a route. On turning right out of the village, golf course to the left, the view opened out to reveal the northern tip of Inishowen—fields of sheep, the smell of burning peat, the vista stretching out to glimpses of white tossed blue sea towards and beyond Malin Head, with hills and mountains poking out of the damp tinged mist that had overstayed from the morning's fog as it struggled to avoid sizzling by a hot sun. Under a misty spangled blue sky we had a fresh breeze keeping us cool on the welcome downhill of the first couple of miles towards Trawbreaga Bay to the east.
At three miles or so George decided the pace was just a little punishing on the first of the longer uphills, while Michael maintained a steady cadence. But the pain was always secondary as every country lane bend and hill brow brought more startling scenes—vast untouched beaches with receded tide, and then, further north, juggernaut breakers smashing on rocky coastlines.
It seemed six miles were behind us in no time and there was just one long hill to go before the descent to Pollan beach and the final two mile stage. And what a sight as we came down towards the west coast, a hazy cloak covering the distant stretch of the beach, making the end undecipherable, with a continuous trail of tired bodies trundling forward over the wet sand with a restless sea licking erratically at their feet when least expected.
At last coloured banners came into focus at the finish. The relief was overwhelming and the last few hundred yards tough but wonderfully satisfying.
An awesome run. Should be a classof76 annual event. Although we must persuade Michael not to do the Londonderry park run the same morning in future so that he's able to stay awake in the evening for a few more drinks :-).