Duncan's run review

It was a mild morning as the ultra runners assembled to run an inspired event named Duncan's run, sentimentally named in memory of a guy called Duncan who sadly passed away this last year & had been an avid ultra marathoner & sportsman & family man, his wife Anna had organised the run following his favourite trails in & around the Strzelecki track in Gippsland, Victoria. Thank you & bless you Anna. 
& what a beautiful national park it was indeed. I had only decided to do this on Tuesday! What an inspired Tuesday! I opted for the 50k (100k next year!) 
We set off at 6am through a lush leafy rainforest on an inviting undulating path & as the day warmed up so did my legs, awakening to the sounds of nature so much better in reality than on my I-phone!!
The terrain changed up to the rockiest of roads, a technical track that took intense concentration to navigate & not break my ankle! When we got to around 11k we went completely off track following orange ribbons tied to trees up a tough little ascent. I was drenched with sweat as it was hard work & humid so I made sure I was taking on lots of water with endura for hydration with electrolytes. & my bag packed with amazeballs & running fuels in different formats. 
From when we reached the top of the challenging chase it was a gradual descent on sultry soft trails that took us to an open area. Stunning views surrounded the runners but we only had seconds to take it in as our eyes were back on the task of trail running.
I jumped through a small river so took on the next hill with soggy squelchy feet, a 5k gradual incline, I power walked with interval jogging I felt pretty strong, taking out 6 men on the uphill stretch (go pink lass runner) & the next 10k (from 30k to 40k) was a downhill grassy track, it was heaven like floating on velvet, running free through this amazing landscape & that 10k took less than an hour, my fastest k - 5.29! Feeling fine.
With ambitions of a fast finish, I started up the next climb. The next climb got steeper & went on forever! & ever! After 5k's of steepness & dizziness & deliriousness I was shaken but stirred myself for a gentle finish on weak knees. & when I reached the finish as the rain sheets dampened the air I was delighted to discover I had got 3rd female!! My first ever podium finish (my last podium experience falling off whilst rave dancing in Ibiza 1994) so proud. & pulling up well today, maybes eating too much, but hey it's Christmas! & I'm going to give my legs an Xmas break too (for a day or 2 anyway) hot yoga beckons though & that'll feel gooooood! 
It was such a wonderful run, thanks to all the volunteers & supporters & organisers of a wonderful experience. & well done to all the runners ;) xox