LIVE from the Camino Feeling sorry for myself in Burgos!

[MargLav]

How did I get blisters after all the advice and my prior experience?? Too many kilometres two days in a row is my guess - feet just weren't up to it ... And those rocky paths!! Anyway... Having a rest day in a nice hotel with a bath...and a beer (or two). I don't know whether pushing through the pain is part of the experience but I'm going to be more careful on the next 500 kms. Have really loved the simplicity to date but also loving this hotel Buen Camino everyone!!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

How did I get blisters after all the advice and my prior experience?? Too many kilometres two days in a row is my guess - feet just weren't up to it ... And those rocky paths!! Anyway... Having a rest day in a nice hotel with a bath...and a beer (or two). I don't know whether pushing through the pain is part of the experience but I'm going to be more careful on the next 500 kms. Have really loved the simplicity to date but also loving this hotel Buen Camino everyone!!

Buen Camino to you to, and take good care of your feet.
Wish you well, Peter.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Happens when we least expect it. At least you're making the most of your enforced rest and Burgos is a wonderful city.

About the pain - it's usually trying to tell us something. Your feet will be grateful that you listened

Take care! Buen Camino!

 

[jerbear]

Blisters it must be the humidity and dry heat. Moisten feet with some olive oil keep skin supple. Change out your footbed. Buen camino

 

[Annie Little]

How did I get blisters after all the advice and my prior experience?? Too many kilometres two days in a row is my guess - feet just weren't up to it ... And those rocky paths!! Anyway... Having a rest day in a nice hotel with a bath...and a beer (or two). I don't know whether pushing through the pain is part of the experience but I'm going to be more careful on the next 500 kms. Have really loved the simplicity to date but also loving this hotel Buen Camino everyone!!

Just listening to someone saying he has named his blisters one is called Sarah .... Maybe you should become personal with your blisters

From my observation...... Getting blisters can be the luck of the draw ....

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

wishing you a fast recovery, and if must take a rest day (I took lots and lots) Burgos is a good choice. Enjoy your well-deserved pampering and Buen Camino!

 

[BonitaHolland]

How did I get blisters after all the advice and my prior experience?? Too many kilometres two days in a row is my guess - feet just weren't up to it ... And those rocky paths!! Anyway... Having a rest day in a nice hotel with a bath...and a beer (or two). I don't know whether pushing through the pain is part of the experience but I'm going to be more careful on the next 500 kms. Have really loved the simplicity to date but also loving this hotel Buen Camino everyone!!

I'd love to hear about your hotel as we've been having a nightmare via airbnb booking a place (it's been a low point for the last three hours as I've gone round in circles via the app and have given up!) I feel a rest day and a nice hotel is in order for me too!!

 

[Bradypus]

Just listening to someone saying he has named his blisters one is called Sarah .... Maybe you should become personal with your blisters
.

When my children were very small they were frightened one day by a large but harmless spider in the dark cupboard under the stairs. I told them that her name was Geraldine and she was a friend of mine. For a few days afterwards - until she disappeared - we all opened the cupboard door once or twice a day to say hello to her.

 

[MargLav]

I'd love to hear about your hotel as we've been having a nightmare via airbnb booking a place (it's been a low point for the last three hours as I've gone round in circles via the app and have given up!) I feel a rest day and a nice hotel is in order for me too!!

We were recommended Hotel Los Braseros by Spanish friends - but we booked the one that is actually about 2 kms from the centre. The one we should have booked was Hotel Centro Los Braseros!! In the centre!! However ours is quite nice and gave me a room with a bath for 55 euros per night. The Centro one was more expensive... We used booking.com. Good luck!!!

 

[fraluchi]

Just get yourself a pair of sandals. As long as the weather holds the way it's now you may get to bless them.

 

[williamlittig]

Slow down, Wash Your feet every chance/use Vaseline/Compeed/Golds Anti friction/ Common Sense/ Change socks/ Use foot powder/Rest/Sandals/Merino wool/TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET....... Ultreya... Willy/Utah/USA

 

[David L. Lewis]

Something I learned from my Mother that has really helped, and proven after a lot of years on the farm, is using old fashioned Lye Soap , on a regular basis, to wash feet, hands , private areas, it will make the skin soft and pliable, therefore less blisters, and rashes, and even dermatitis , give it a couple weeks and you WILL see the difference,, David, just an old farm hand,

 

[Madidi]

Just get yourself a pair of sandals.

This is worth a try. Just finished the Primitivo recently and four young women in our 'wave' were stricken with awful blisters: all switched to sandals and all finished in Santiago on their schedule

Take care, be safe.

S.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I bet you will feel 100% better tomorrow, after a hot bath and a good night's sleep.

 

[Deleted member 36903]

Nothing like that long soak in a hot bath to raise your spirits and enable you to get back on your feet and the beer(s) will help deliver a good night's sleep.
Wishing you well MargLav and a speedy healing of your blisters. Buen Camino!

 

[MargLav]

Buen Camino to you to, and take good care of your feet.
Wish you well, Peter.

Thank you Peter!

 

[andy.d]

Just listening to someone saying he has named his blisters one is called Sarah .... Maybe you should become personal with your blisters

From my observation...... Getting blisters can be the luck of the draw ....

When I walked a completely solitary Camino de Levante a few years ago, I got blisters at the end of the first week. 3 on one foot and 1 on the other. One foot was the Synoptic Foot, the other was the Johannine. The blisters cleared up after a few days and my feet toughened.
Go well!

 

[AlwynWellington]

In my training from February 2012 to when I left in March 2016 my trips notes say I walked nearly 3,400 km (more than 2,000 miles). With out blisters.

In five months away I walked more than 1,300 km (about 800 miles).

In all of that time I had one serious issue: a scratch on the top of a big toe caused by a foreign body inside the upper on one occassion. Solved by a suitably sized Compeed dressing.

I put my "good fortune" down to five factors.

1) wore shoes one or two sizes bigger than my day shoes;
2) the upper was breathable (but not water proof);
3) wore compression hose (for varicose veins) with a relatively thin sock over them;
4) almost never took my shoes off when walking.
5) occasional soaking in the 50 g (2 oz) wash basin taken for that main purpose.

 

[smj6]

Hoping that your rest (& beer) solve the problem & wish you a blister free continuation, @MargLav.
Suzanne

 

[Kanga]

Whatever the reasons for blisters it is good to give your feet a chance to heal @MargLav - we 've had members requiring hospitalisation because they did not until it was too late and they had serious deep infections.

I love the comment of one member who said she always knew when a woman was a walker - feet cream had priority over face cream.

 

[james walter purdum iv]

plus you are about to hit the meseta....mostly flat for the next 7 days....heal up first then take it easy....my and new found partner blazed 30-40 km days on your next stretch, we were making up for hiding from walking in the rain for two days touring burgos..lol

 

[Shawnasong]

I am here too and have been struggling BIG time with blisters, 3on each foot, symmetrically. I am in Belorado, 2 days from Burgos. I'm considering taking public transportation to Burgos tomorrow and then resting for a day or two. I've been trekking with severe pain.

 

[MargLav]

Thanks for all your comments!! I am feeling rested and blisters looking much better. Even found a massage today - pure bliss. Looking forward to moving on but will try and listen to my feet - travelling with my husband (who is a machine) so it's tough sometimes. He's learning too.

 

[MargLav]

I am here too and have been struggling BIG time with blisters, 3on each foot, symmetrically. I am in Belorado, 2 days from Burgos. I'm considering taking public transportation to Burgos tomorrow and then resting for a day or two. I've been trekking with severe pain.

Hi Shawna - sorry to hear you're not feeling good. I don't think the Camino should be about pain - we need to enjoy it - so rest up (and bus if necessary - lots of people do!!) and continue when ready in shorter, controlled portions. Buen Camino!! Xxx

 

[C clearly]

I am here too and have been struggling BIG time with blisters, 3on each foot, symmetrically. I am in Belorado, 2 days from Burgos. I'm considering taking public transportation to Burgos tomorrow and then resting for a day or two. I've been trekking with severe pain.

A few days rest would probably be the best idea! Just wondering what shoes you have been wearing, since you originally said you were going to walk in old sneakers with super feet insoles. Maybe Burgos is the place to get new shoes, but take care during the first few days to get used to them!

 

[Tina M.]

How did I get blisters after all the advice and my prior experience?? Too many kilometres two days in a row is my guess - feet just weren't up to it ... And those rocky paths!! Anyway... Having a rest day in a nice hotel with a bath...and a beer (or two). I don't know whether pushing through the pain is part of the experience but I'm going to be more careful on the next 500 kms. Have really loved the simplicity to date but also loving this hotel Buen Camino everyone!!

Definitely take care of your feet. In May/June 2015, I did the Frances route and took a rest day in Burgos. I also had walked two days (back to back) of long distance (50 km each day) because I was stubborn and lonely. I developed ankle edema and blisters but a rest day did me a world of good. Buen camino!!

 

[Penny Kingma]

I walked the Camino in 37 days 35 walking. From St Jean to Santiago. No blisters...no problems....other than the M.S. Pain. Before I left I was told over and over boots and two pairs of socks. I listened to my gut. One pair diabetic socks to allow for swelling and Keen sandles. I took 6 pair of socks and came home with two pair as I gave many away. Walk slow, use sticks... and rest your feet several times a day...socks and sandles off and feet up. I watched many , many people suffering but refusing to listen. Care for your feet ...you can't make it without them.
Buen Camino my friend

 

[alipilgrim]

Why not send your pack on ahead by transport tomorrow, and give your feet a break. Not carrying a load on your back can make a world of difference to your feet. This will give your blisters one more day to heal!

 

[Penny Kingma]

See sandles and socks off ...feet up....rest. And if you see one of those lovely cool streams soak....pure heaven.

 

[trevorcc]

Whatever the reasons for blisters it is good to give your feet a chance to heal @MargLav - we 've had members requiring hospitalisation because they did not until it was too late and they had serious deep infections.

I love the comment of one member who said she always knew when a woman was a walker - feet cream had priority over face cream.

Hi Kanga, I am in Leon at the moment and what I have noticed this Camino is the number of people with bad blisters it seems to be on the increase as the crowds this year seem to be rushing more to get beds and with the extrodanary heat we have had. I even had people leaving at 3am to beat the crowds, also a number seem to be doing longer days up to 40k. And I have noticed the lack of pilgrims stopping for a break and taking shoes and socks off to rest their tootsies.

 

[Kanga]

Walking shorter distances and stopping earlier would solve both blister problems and bed problems.

 

[Bradypus]

Walking shorter distances and stopping earlier would solve both blister problems and bed problems.

How short would the days have to be? In my experience problems with blisters make themselves known pretty quickly. If your boots/socks/whatever combination is not right then you will find out the hard way even with 20km days. Get it right and 40km or 50km days are no more likely to cause blister trouble than 20km. Other foot and muscle issues are much more likely but not blisters. As for the bed question - it would be incredibly sad to have to plan for very short stages and lunchtime halts just for fear of no bed. I am carrying a bivvy bag in case I walk late and find myself bedless. I'd far rather sleep under a tree than have my walking drastically curtailed by accommodation pressure.

 

[piggyhinton]

How did I get blisters after all the advice and my prior experience?? Too many kilometres two days in a row is my guess - feet just weren't up to it ... And those rocky paths!! Anyway... Having a rest day in a nice hotel with a bath...and a beer (or two). I don't know whether pushing through the pain is part of the experience but I'm going to be more careful on the next 500 kms. Have really loved the simplicity to date but also loving this hotel Buen Camino everyone!!

Dont forget, it's not a race! if your feet are bad, rest! listen to your body

 

[BonitaHolland]

I am here too and have been struggling BIG time with blisters, 3on each foot, symmetrically. I am in Belorado, 2 days from Burgos. I'm considering taking public transportation to Burgos tomorrow and then resting for a day or two. I've been trekking with severe pain.

I really feel for you - we walked to Castanares had lunch in the cafe by the bus stop then caught a €1 bus to Burgos centre (every hour 40 minutes past the hour) we booked into Centro de Brasseros as advised above (booking.com and a great deal for two nights). I'm feeling 100% better. Good luck.

 

[C clearly]

20km days

This is not what I would call a short day for healing!

 

[BonitaHolland]

This is not what I would call a short day for healing!

Ah but don't assume where I walked from ha ha it was only from Ages

 

[Kanga]

How short would the days have to be?

20km is far, far more walking than most western city dwellers would ever do, and no way would I classify that as a "short day" on one of my caminos - especially with blisters. For me a short day would be less than 14 km. Which is more than most of us do at home. My fitbit tells me that 10,000 paces should be my normal day, and that is less than 8 km. If I'm working I have trouble even getting to that.

But I do completely agree that any walking at all is too much if the shoes don't fit.

I had no trouble finding a bed in May. I usually stop walking by 2pm, so I have time for my main meal with the locals, to do my washing and to have the time and energy to really look and take in the culture and sites around me, as well as socialising with other pilgrims. I also relish having the time to sit in a cafe or garden reading a book on my kindle. Which is what I do in small villages. I'm long past just putting my head down and striding to Santiago.

 

[Bradypus]

I'm long past just putting my head down and striding to Santiago.

Yesterday I set off from Cirauqui at about 07:30, when it was light enough to see properly. I see no point in walking in the dark. After what felt like four very short days from St Jean I wanted the morale-boost of a good stretch of the legs. So I walked to Los Arcos and arrived at 4pm having covered about 37km. Along the way I had a couple of stops for coffee and pastries, another two stops for beer and tortilla, a break at the wine fountain at Irache (naturally!), two or three rest breaks at fuentes to air my feet, conversations with pilgrims of several nationalities - and still had plenty of time for washing clothes, relaxing in the garden, strolling round town, eating and browsing this website amongst others. Hardly the head-down route march you seem to imagine And no blisters or pulled muscles either. A good day. I can fully appreciate that some people are happier with much shorter stages - I wish them all the best. It would be nice to think that they might understand those of us who walk further are not all hair-shirted, barbed-wire underpants masochists. Is it too hard to accept that there might be pleasure in a longer day?

 

[Kanga]

@MargLav I apologise if your original thread has been hijacked. I hope your blisters have healed and you are on your way again, having a wonderful Camino.

 

[MargLav]

@MargLav I apologise if your original thread has been hijacked. I hope your blisters have healed and you are on your way again, having a wonderful Camino.

Thanks Kanga! Feeling much better and pain free today. At the whacky Alberque at Villarmentero de Campas on Meseta! Life is good!!

 

[BonitaHolland]

Yesterday I set off from Cirauqui at about 07:30, when it was light enough to see properly. I see no point in walking in the dark. After what felt like four very short days from St Jean I wanted the morale-boost of a good stretch of the legs. So I walked to Los Arcos and arrived at 4pm having covered about 37km. Along the way I had a couple of stops for coffee and pastries, another two stops for beer and tortilla, a break at the wine fountain at Irache (naturally!), two or three rest breaks at fuentes to air my feet, conversations with pilgrims of several nationalities - and still had plenty of time for washing clothes, relaxing in the garden, strolling round town, eating and browsing this website amongst others. Hardly the head-down route march you seem to imagine And no blisters or pulled muscles either. A good day. I can fully appreciate that some people are happier with much shorter stages - I wish them all the best. It would be nice to think that they might understand those of us who walk further are not all hair-shirted, barbed-wire underpants masochists. Is it too hard to accept that there might be pleasure in a longer day?

It's important for us all to explore our acceptance or rejection of individual differences of age, gait, experience, height and weight, backpack weight, sticks or no, injuries or no, so many physical variables but also the emotional and cognitive variables as in 'what do I desire from today?' - the sensations the feelings the goals the immersion experience the 'stopping and staring' the side trips the pausing or the striding out the self-testing the forging forward.... each variable interacts to create the large continuum of experience I see daily on the Caminos.

 

[james walter purdum iv]

the camino weaves and subtly transforms...every choice and service to the journey manifests the growth and realization of true self ...it is a beautiful process