End of May Run

Today:
Distance: 15.7 km
Time: 81' 42"
Rate: 5' 12" per km
Weather: sun/cloud, temp 16 degrees, humidity 66%, wind SW 8 kmph
Week: 30.8 km, May: 82.00 km, Year: 1680.65 km

Today I ran home at lunch time and back to work afterwards. Nothing to report, a dull day especially after the excitement and the beaut weather over the weekend.
The Gold Rush off road marathon is on in FNQ at the end of this month. A public holiday in Qld today allowed some runners from the local area to have a look over part of the course.
Firstly, it is wet, very wet. Metres of rain so far this year, the first creek crossing at 500 metres in to the run, and plenty thereafter. So wet feet all day.
Second, leeches, smaller than the mountain variety in Tassie I experienced as a youngster on bush walking trips. However, they are every where, and will cling on despite insect repellent.
Third, most of the climb up in the first 7 kms is under the cover of the rain forest, no GPS signal, the humidity will be high as will the temperature.
Fourth, after reaching the top of the mountains, it will open up allowing for some clear running before reaching a river crossing. Today it was too high and too fast flowing to cross. Hopefully it will recede during the next 4 weeks.
Fifth, I need some trail running shoes with real grip. Anything else will be like slicks on a race car on a wet road.
Sixth, I will love the run, the location, can't wait to get there. The training I have done will be plenty to get me through, if I can handle the conditions.
Seventh, my lovely sister-in-law is also running in the full distance 42 kms, I will not be happy if she runs past me with a couple of kms to go. And there is a very good chance she will. Time estimate at this stage is between 5 and 5.5 hours.
Early thoughts on the Spiny Cray in October from Julatten inland from Port Douglas in FNQ is more likely to be hot and dry, with an out and back course starting with a long 28 kms of up hill, then turn around, on fire trails. May be something like our Cotter to Bulls Head run and return.