Escape is what turned Abelone Lyng to running and adventures. A young single mum of 2 living in Oslo, Norway, the world felt like a trap. Running turned out to be a release, both physically and mentally, and while 5km may not seem like a long way to the experienced, to Abelone, at first, it may as well have been a marathon.
Working as a nurse, managing a family, daily struggle soon turned to exhilaration and fulfilment with just 30-60 minutes of escape. Norway as a playground offered a multitude of possibilities and while the pursuit for the podium has never been a motivator, the podium did come. Winning the 220km Ice Ultra in 2019 was a turning point which lead to The Coastal Challenge in Costa Rica, another multi-day 250km journey where Abelone placed 4th.
The mountains are Abelone’s passion, be that single day adventures or multi-day self-sufficient adventures with a tent.
“I love the freedom and escape that running, moving fast and light gives. I can go as long or as short as I like, but I always like to go up and down mountains ticking peaks.”
While running is an important factor in what Abelone does, in recent years, her passion to explore, scramble and extend running adventures with climbing is bringing a new set of parameters and experiences to explore. A recent trip to Toubkal in Morocco, countless expeditions on Norwegian summits and long term plans for adventures in Nepal is pushing Abelone to new places, new experiences and new adventures.
“I will never be an elite runner, but as a mother of two, I want to set an example to my children, mothers, fathers and children all over the world that life is to be lived. I want to lead by example, pushing mew boundaries, setting an example of what can be achieved with grit and determination.”
Abelone has a regular column in Runner’s World Norway and can be found on IG @abelonely
Notable Ascents
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Placed 3rd in Österlen Spring Trail 60k 2018
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Placed 5th in the Norwegian Ultratrail championship 2018
- Placed 2nd in UTCT 90K 2018
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9th at Ultra Trail Cap Town 65k 2018
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Winner of Beyond the Ultimate Ice ultra 2019
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Placed 4th in The Coastal Challenge Costa Rica 2020
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Placed 5th at Stranda Fjord Trail Race 48k