Thames Run: Source to Sea

Continuing my strategy of uploading images before writing, so there’s something to see..

I was a little concerned before starting today’s run as I woke up with a still niggling pain in my right heel, which was very tender. I wondered whether I would even be able to run. However, after walking on it a little, masssaging and stretching it, it seemed to calm down. I also decided to wear my spare running shoes, that are a little worn, but very spongy, so good cushioning for my heel…

Today’s run couldn’t have been more different from yesterday’s- It’s amazing what a combination of cooler weather, more shade and easier ground can do. I also definitely made the right decision with the change of shoes. For the first mile and a half I was making up for lost ground, after finishing short of my intended stop point yesterday. This part was easy-going on a level, smooth path, so it didn’t take too long. I was also in a better frame of mind to appreciate the distinctive Oxford University college boat club buildings on the other side of the river, despite the sense of privilege they connote.

This section coming out of Oxford kept me close to the edge of the river, through very green areas, nature reserves and meadows and even onto and through a kind of island close to Sandford on Thames. Back on the river bank proper, the path continued as part of the Oxford Green Belt Way, so more green paths, and meadows to run through. These were surprisingly soft and not too uneven, so they felt relatively easy to run on. A few small bridges here and there made it possible to cross over small tributaries.

It wasn’t until half way at around mile 7, that there was a short detour around a boating community and through some woods, that took me to Abingdon Lock, where I had to cross over to the other side. Initially, this was quite open, with people enjoying river activities in the still warmth of the day and glimpses of sunshine. It did feel quite muggy, but an intermittent soft breeze and less direct sun, made the run feel all the more manageable. I was still stopping to take a photograph to upload to the tracking app every mile, and also to take sips of fluid and bites of energy bars. I’m not good at eating when I’m running, but it’s important to maintain energy levels and hydration.

By mile 10 I was heading for Culham and on the home straight. I knew I would be crossing under a railway bridge at about mile 12, and from there it would only be a couple of miles to my destination. Just before that I had seen a signpost indicating 3 miles to Clifton Hampden, but as usual, when you’re approaching the end of a run, it always seems further than it is. The path continued close to the river, through more green space,  though it was set back a little from the river, to give space to the shrubs and plants growing on its banks.

Reaching Clifton lock, at around 13 .5 miles, told me I wasn’t far from my destination. In fact, the view of the beautiful bridge at Clifton Hampton sat at my horizon line and guided me to the end of the run.

It was only 1.15pm and I was amazed at how smooth this journey had been. I wouldn’t say, easy, but the best run yet.

I started a new strategy of uploading images first, so that there is something to look at, whilst I’m writing. I’m finding that the later I leave it the more tired and slower I get and the less I remember of the day. The last two nights have been a struggle as I was more tired than I thought, but I’m trying to keep to my promise of writing a blog entry every night, even if it’s not great. So here goes…

I wasn’t really looking forward to today’s run as at 21 miles, it was set to be the longest yet. That was not really by design but due to where the nearest campsite was. On top of that I knew that it was going to be a challenge weather-wise, with the temperature set to be even hotter than the previous 2 days and a thunder storm due in the afternoon. In the end, the latter didn’t happen, but for few welcome large drops, just as I had finished the run.

The rest of the day was pretty tough going. It was already very hot when I set off at 10.00 from Tadpole Bridge. Although the route was very pretty, directly beside the river, with the odd barge passing by, as on previous days, there was little shelter from the blazing sun. I felt pretty much recovered from the day before, with only a slight stiffness in my legs, so I didn’t start off too badly. however, the dry uneven ground soon started to weigh heavily underfoot. Due to the heat, I found myself taking more frequent sips from the sweet liquid inside the ‘bladder’ sac in my trail running bag, which as the day went on, whilst they kept me hydrated, really weren’t refreshing at all.

I was trying to make steady progress at least to the half-way point at Bablock Hythe, where there is a caravan park on the banks of the Thames and the official Thames Path makes a detour around it. I had hoped to persuade someone to let me take the route across the park, which was much shorter and was about to venture in, when I saw a sign that said in no uncertain terms, something  like ‘ this is NOT the route for the Thames path.’ This might not have deterred me normally, but I was mindful that we are still living under Covid restrictions, and it would seem disrespectful. Given I was on my longest run yet, I also didn’t want to get so far, only to be made to turn back. So I gritted my teeth and followed the official path.

This took me along a road and then into some fields with sheep and young lambs, so there was some pleasure in the process, but it would be almost 2 miles before I would rejoin the Thames proper. Here, it meanders quite a bit before reaching Pinkhill Lock, where I had to crossover to the south side of the river. It continued to wind its way, bar a short diversion onto the B4044, until a Glamping site at Swineford greeted me, where there were signs for 3.5 miles to Godstow and 5 miles to Oxford.

In normal circumstances these distances wouldn’t have seemed so far, but in the relentless heat of the day, they seemed almost insurmountable. This last stretch was the busiest with many people enjoying the heat, both inside and out of the water. By this time, I really wanted to join them, but ploughed relentlessly on. I was really struggling by the time I approached Oxford and I knew that the nearest stop-point for the campsite was another good couple of miles away. I saw a bridge ahead that I had to cross over, with the name Abington Road, which I remembered from the Campsite address. I decided this would be where I would stop for the day, as I had already reached 21 miles.

I later found out that I should have carried on at least another mile to the next bridge. this won’t make too much difference tomorrow, as it will thankfully be a much shorter run.

Tomorrow’s run will be to Clifton Hampden..

I have now completed the second of 14 days and still in one piece. Feeling a little stiff and sore, as one would expect, but surprisingly less so, than yesterday. Hopefully, this will continue to be the case, as my body gets used to running these daily distances (or not).

Today’s run was more or less the same distance and climate as yesterday’s (about 17 miles and blazing sun), but it couldn’t have been more different in terms of what marked it and it will be interesting to see how each day will be characterised. If yesterday’s theme was  excess water, then today’s was excess cows.

I managed to get a head start by setting off about 5 minutes early. The route out of Castle Eaton was straight forward, apart from where the road bent round to the right and there was also a footpath into a field. The first mile and a bit bypasses the river, and the signs are not so frequent, so I wasn’t clear which path I should take, but luckily a man walking a dog saw me in the right direction.

From there, it wasn’t too long before I was back by the Thames, which had appeared to narrow, but it was only for less than a mile, before I was diverted again around two farms. I think it was at one of these that I had my first encounter with a large herd of cows. As I entered the field I tried to follow the edge, where it seemed to be adjoining the river, but it soon became clear that the cows were also all going in that direction, where there was an open gate into the farm. I found myself cornered at the far edge of the field, not wanting to move for fear of being trampled upon. I think it must have been feeding or milking time, so I just had to wait until they had all passed. It seemed like an incredibly long time, but it must have been about 15-20 minutes. At least it gave me a rest, although at only about 4 miles in, I wasn’t far into the run.

The route stayed very close to the river for the rest of the journey. I was pretty much on my own for the next few miles, until I reached the town Lechlade, which sits on the other side of the bank to the one I was running on, which was part of a riverside park and a popular place to be in today’s warm weather. It was great to see people out and about, but I do prefer it when I am alone.

When running alone,  I feel privileged to be immersed in this landscape and to experience the river in its late spring glory, with everything that accompanies that in terms of wildlife. You are very aware of every sound and of the sounds of life that you never hear or see when you live in a big city like London. There seemed to be an abundance of swans, ducks and geese with their young. I was mindful when passing these, to slow down to a walk, so as not to alarm them and also to protect myself- swans and geese can be quite viscious.

However, it was difficult to fully appreciate these in the growing heat of the sun. Much of the soft ground from the last few weeks’ rain had already dried up in yesterday’s sun, so it was quite hard-going and uneven underfoot. There was very little shade for much of the journey and by mile 12, it had become real struggle. However, there were a few pleasurable moments when the breeze picked up and I could feel it on my skin as I was running.

When I saw a sign at Radcott for another 4 miles to Tadpole Bridge, it seemed like I would never get here. However, I am not one to give up and I was going to continue whatever. I was pleased when I finally reached Rushey Lock, a short distance away from Tadpole Bridge, although the road that led to it seemed like an eternity, but I made it to the Trout Inn, where we had arranged to park our campervan for the night by 2.30pm. At least I knew I would be able to get an ice cold drink to refresh me easily.