Return of the Sunday run.

I've done a few of these in recent months, but none as long, and none in such heat.

We started at Aberfeldie Park next to the running track, headed over to the river and struck out along the river path westwards. This is truly one of Melbourne's most picturesque locations.

The hills started about 2 kilometres out with a series of switchback rises leveling out at a point overlooking the Maribyrnong valley. Superlative views. A kilometre further along, we descended again into the Steele Creek valley, ran another couple kilometres, and rejoined the Maribyrnong after another huge climb and descent.

The next eight or so kilometres were relatively flat, following the river from Maribyrnong (the suburb) well into Avondale Heights and almost reaching Keilor. The track here is heavily treed and it feels like you are running in the country. It could be anywhere.

Then, we turned around. Around this time, the sun broke through the cloud and it started getting really hot. It was hard to hold the pace. The last couple of kilometres were very hard and I was getting really thirsty - don't want to get heat stroke.

Headed straight into the cold shower, drank about a litre, cooled down and stretched with the others for about half an hour.

That's the best Sunday run for a long time.