She is a long term resident, probably born around there, and she would know, instinctively, the Golden Rules of bush travel, especially being a runner along bush tracks.....Yes, she either didn't go for a run or she may have been saying she has been going for a run to give herself time to do other things, perhaps meet up with someone (I read somewhere that she has only taken up running again recently). I also think it was odd she missed the family holiday in Summer due to COVID. Yes she may have had COVID, but she may have also stayed at home to do other things.
IMOO MOO
1. stand still, dont move around, stay where you are lost, and don't flail around trying to find another path and get deeper lost.
2. Always have a small torch on you, to signal. A small mirror, even can do the trick. Be Prepared.
3. Soon as the sun comes up, try and move to open ground, to be seen from above.
Lots more rules, but she would know these basics, she lives it....... she would have taught her own kids this.....