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  1. mmm042

    Any first timer tips?

    Buy compression sleeves for your arms and calves. They're lightweight, don't take up much space and great when the temps are cool. I can hike in the calf sleeves all day, even if it gets warm, and they don't bother me. The arm ones can be rolled down to your wrists if it gets too warm and you...
  2. mmm042

    Has anyone walked with compression stockings

    I love wearing compression socks, mainly to keep my legs warm and muscles loose, but also to keep down swelling. I always bring compression sleeves, too. They're small and light, and can often take the place of wearing a light jacket, or using a light vest and the sleeves. You can get both at...
  3. mmm042

    Walking in Shorts in May

    I wear running shorts and add compression socks (a full sock that goes up to your knees) or calf sleeves (ankle-to-knee coverage). Those will keep your legs warm on days when it's a little nippy in the morning/late afternoon, yet they never feel too hot when the day warms up. Plus they keep your...
  4. mmm042

    Are shorts necessary in March/April?

    I wore shorts a lot in March, coupled with knee-high compression socks. I also like compression arm sleeves. They keep your arms a lot warmer than a long-sleeve shirt because they're tight, and can easily be rolled down or taken off if you get too hot. Melanie
  5. mmm042

    compression socks

    I've fallen in love with compression socks (and the arm compression sleeves, too). I always walk in the cooler weather, and they're great for giving you that extra warmth you need without the bulk of pants or full second layers on top. Personally, my legs were much less cramped/sore at the end...
  6. mmm042

    Tablet, smart phone, paperback, or nothing

    This is an interesting question. The first time I walked (VDLP), there was no guide of any kind available in English, so I walked with nothing. After all, everything I'd read ahead of time said you couldn't possibly get lost, because there were so many markers and pilgrims. Ha! In retrospect...
  7. mmm042

    Walking on the RAIN in May. Trail shoes?

    I walked in a lot of rain this past September in the Sevilla area. I had on running shoes that let in a lot of water, but also wore wool running socks. Wools socks are the best! Even when I'd get really wet, they'd dry out quickly as I walked -- way faster than any other technical sock I've ever...
  8. mmm042

    Strange issues with my Merrells, anyone else encounter this?

    Yes! I should have added that when I had two really long days to walk (25 and 28 miles), and I was worried that even re-lacing wouldn't work, I did strap my hiking sandals onto my pack, and put those on for the last 7-ish miles when my foot was starting to hurt despite re-lacing. They worked...
  9. mmm042

    Strange issues with my Merrells, anyone else encounter this?

    Basically what you're describing is a form of tendonitis. I've had it in various places on the top of my foot when I've done the Camino. My sports medicine doctor said they call it "shoelace tendonitis." I just came back from doing 300km on the VDLP using two different pairs of running shoes...
  10. mmm042

    is a little shovel overkill?

    On the VDLP, I found a place I dubbed the "Pilgrim Poop House." The etapa was a very long one, and when nature called, there happened to be a tiny, abandoned little house (playhouse size) by the side of the road. But when I went in, it was filled with unburied human waste and birds roosting...
  11. mmm042

    International Cell Phones

    Hi. I'm not sure how extensively you'd like to talk/communicate with your family, but when I was going to be gone for 3 weeks on the Camino, I discovered that through my carrier, ATT, I can always receive free text messages from my family (we have a family plan, as most families do), even if...
  12. mmm042

    My minimalist pack

    I love my hydration pack (have two of different sizes), and am currently using the larger one walking in Wales. It tastes far more rubbery than the other one. The other day at breakfast, when I asked to fill it with water, the waitress added some slices of lemon. That made a huge difference. I'm...
  13. mmm042

    List your shoes

    Hi. I like to alternate between my Keen hiking boots and Asics running shoes. The Asics are more comfy for sure, but I've found it helpful in preventing tendonitis and other ailments to alternate shoes every other day. My Keens are ready to be replaced, though, and I just read about this new...
  14. mmm042

    Sock configuration with sneakers (running shoes/trainers)

    Hi. I'm also a runner and wore my running shoes with running socks -- either the typical lightweight, wicking kind or else Smartwool running socks. Both worked fine. I don't think you need liners at all. In fact, they may cause more problems since there are more layers. One addition I'd...
  15. mmm042

    Gloves for Hiking Poles?

    I've used mine with and without gloves (regular gloves) and usually don't have any problems. Sometimes, though, if there's a lot of tough terrain and I find myself gripping the handles tightly for a certain length of time I'll start to get a little sore, so I just remember to relax my grip. The...
  16. mmm042

    Phones in Spain

    You should check out your current carrier's overseas plan, too. Mine came out to be very inexpensive for a month's use, and I didn't have to worry about finding a phone, SIM card, recharging, anything like that. Another option -- if you're just trying to keep tabs on your friend if you're...
  17. mmm042

    Hiking Boots vs Running-style tennis shoes

    I've used hiking boots and running shoes. I like my running shoes the best. I recommend using them with a good pair of wool running socks. Wool is warm, and wool running socks dry really, really quickly, even if you've just submerged your entire foot in a puddle. Melanie
  18. mmm042

    Running Clothes?

    I always wear my running gear on the Camino. As the others mentioned, make sure you have at least one long-sleeve, lightweight shirt (you probably own a running one that will work fine) to put on top, and some kind of raincoat or the garbage bag cover-up. Oh, and depending on your backpack, make...

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