Having dropped Sam off at judo I had around 2.5 hours to kill so I headed off over the River Thames to join the Thames Path towards Barnes. I reckoned I’d be able to get to Barnes Bridge before it would be time to turn back which would give me a good total run of around 14 miles.

It was quite warm, though rain was forecast later. There was more runners than normal on the trail, probably due to the expected weather later.

A surprise, I passed a runner going the other way and we both smiled, pointed at each others footwear and exclaimed ‘nice sandals’, yes we were both running in Barefoot Ted’s (BFT) Luna Sandals! It was the first time I have seen anyone in the UK wearing them. I shouted to him that BFT is in London later this month and we both headed off our separate ways.

I was carrying my Camelbak and was determined to drink my 2 litres of Nuun during the run, along with eating a few Shot Bloks.

My Ultra is 2 weeks away and I’m starting to taper my run distances, 10-15 miles on Sundays and 2×10 mile runs in the week.

Today was a test of the ASICS Trail (lots of storage for food and non slick shoulder tops) top I intend to run the ultra in, so it was good not to find any issues with it.

I finally got to Barnes Bridge and turned around opposite the composer Gustav Holst’s house (according to the blue plaque).

A lot more people had come out for a Sunday walk along the river by this time so I had a lot of dodging and weaving around people trying to walk whilst ready Sunday papers and buggies.

I finally crossed back over the river and made my way back to the car, 14 miles completed and only one more 14 ish mile run next Sunday before the ultra.

I’m fighting the temptation to start laying my running kit out on the floor and deciding what goes in my running rucksack and what goes in the drop bag. Tomorrow I’ll stock up on my nutrition for the race, Clif Shot Bloks and Clif Bars.

I’m starting to suffer from surpressed excitement!