valgongs
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Planning to walk CF from 9th September to whenever
Two years ago I walked Offa's Dyke Path (178 miles)on the border between England and Wales when my life was in turmoil and I wanted to walk away from everything and everyone ... I was not a walker, never walked more than 6miles before then, but I made myself walk at least 10 miles a day .. I suffered, not quite like others on this forum, but I suffered because I had done no preparation either mentally or physically and I was arrogant enough and totally disrespectful towards my own body to think I could get away with it. I wanted to give up every day but I finished it ... without any sense of achievement ... rather I collapsed in the arms of my son at the end feeling completely spent and broken.
Today I am in a totally different space. I have thought about my Camino since the beginning of the year, vetoed a June start as not fit and am now starting in September. I told very few people to begin with as I was not entirely sure how I really felt about it all .. I updated my 2003 Brierley guide ... I booked a cheap flight ... I allowed my body and soul to grow accustomed to the idea that I might walk for six weeks ... how can you possibly handle other people's expectations around your journey if you haven't squared it with yourself first? Yesterday I sent an email to my family telling them what I was doing.
A week ago I walked 12 miles and again on Monday and again on Wednesday ... I have bought new trail shoes ... read and re-read forum threads on kit lists, weather, public transport to SJPDP ...
Am I excited? Am I apprehensive? Am I foolish?
I am all those things and as the days count down I allow myself to feel my feelings .. to show my vulnerability .. I know that my Camino is calling and on September 9th I shall be as ready for it as I ever can be ... whatever that means ...
Buen Camino!
Today I am in a totally different space. I have thought about my Camino since the beginning of the year, vetoed a June start as not fit and am now starting in September. I told very few people to begin with as I was not entirely sure how I really felt about it all .. I updated my 2003 Brierley guide ... I booked a cheap flight ... I allowed my body and soul to grow accustomed to the idea that I might walk for six weeks ... how can you possibly handle other people's expectations around your journey if you haven't squared it with yourself first? Yesterday I sent an email to my family telling them what I was doing.
A week ago I walked 12 miles and again on Monday and again on Wednesday ... I have bought new trail shoes ... read and re-read forum threads on kit lists, weather, public transport to SJPDP ...
Am I excited? Am I apprehensive? Am I foolish?
I am all those things and as the days count down I allow myself to feel my feelings .. to show my vulnerability .. I know that my Camino is calling and on September 9th I shall be as ready for it as I ever can be ... whatever that means ...
Buen Camino!