A few RATS were returning after absences. Martin was back and recovering from a foot fracture. Georgie was also happy to be back and determined to call an end to her annual winter hibernation.

Fifteen runners took off up Monkey Mountain Road from Termeil. Groups of runners formed, based on similar paces, and all enjoyed great conversations. For many of us RATS, social runs are important for good mental health and resilience. Runs like these help us recharge our batteries.

It was a gorgeous run. Tall trees line the road and occasionally thin out to give you a view of rolling paddocks and forest. The beauty of the natural environment and the importance of protecting precious forests was a topical conversation had amongst some RATS on the drive down to Termeil.

Most runners set out to do a loop back to the cars, running distances of up to 9km and then turning around. The exception was Steve who casually took on a 26km run from Termeil back to Ulladulla and made it look easy!

For the rest of the RATS doing the loop, there was a bit of philosophising about the yin and yang nature of the run. The 9km run out is all hard work and all uphill, but this means you get an easy downhill dash back to the cars. However, a few runners had enough of the uphill and decided to turn back earlier and enjoy the leisurely run back.

Afterwards, the RATS had coffees at Mavericks and waited for Steve to cruise in at the end of his 26km run, as well as Maree, Nicola and Anne Maree after their 18km run. The effort and determination these RATS show is inspiring!

With only three weeks until the Capital to Coast multi-stage run, next weekend the RATS will run a stage from that run to help our RATS participants prepare.

Next Sunday, August 11, meet at 6.30am at the Termeil petrol station. There will be a range of options available including for walkers. Runners who are training for the Capital to Coast can get a lift to the start of their stage and run the full 17km back to the cars at Termeil, while other runners may choose to run or walk from the cars and loop back.

Tuesday: 6am, meet at Narrawallee Inlet carpark, for flat interval training. Suitable for beginners and serious athletes, distances from 1.7km.

Wednesday: 6am, meet at Macca's car park, up to 10km.

Friday: 6am, meet at Mollymook Surf Club car park, up to 10km.

Saturday: 8am, Batemans Bay or Huskisson parkrun, 5km, is always on option.

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