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.
