When it comes to Anaconda Adventure Race National Series regular Deanna Blegg, the word inspiration is an understatement. She spoke recently to Runners World about her love of running, adventure racing and how she she has proven exercise can help turn being HIV positive into pure positivity. Check out her full story in the current edition of Runners World.

Part of the pure fun of trail running are the moments where you really 'feel' nature – especially when it's slapping you in the face courtesy of a howling, icy wind, perhaps a spatter of rain – yes, you're alive huh?! Here's a little inspiration for your next training run – never say it's too cold or wet, that's a reason to get out there, not an excuse not to!

The verdict is in: singletrack is the new black. So say more than 700 runners who this morning braved a threatening Melbourne sky to tackle the first event of the new Salomon Trail Running Series (STRS), with top orienteering and adventure racer Kathryn Ewels and fresh-from-Stateside Ben Ashkettle the inaugural victors.

Trail running...for anyone pulling on a pair of sneakers, it's the new black. But as in the fashion world (where black never goes out of fashion), pundits are hedging that trail running is set to be a boom sport in Australia for a long time to come… and so it is that Rapid Ascent proudly launched a range of new off-road running events today called the Salomon Trail Running Series with 3 events set to take the Melbourne by storm.

Wintery conditions didn’t deter nearly 800 competitors in the inaugural Marysville to Melbourne Multisport Challenge today with muddy and slick conditions making the epic 155km race a true test of endurance. Athletes ran, cycled and kayaked from Marysville to the heart of Melbourne with Luke Haines and Elizabeth Dornam victorious as individuals. Meanwhile AFL star Shane Crawford struggling in the first leg in his team of ex Hawks players.

All of us at Rapid Ascent hope you had a relaxing and very enjoyable festive season. We hope you enjoyed some fresh air and exercise but also took in plenty of good food and good fun with friends and families.