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  1. S

    Overweight on the Frances?

    If you're used to covering distance on foot and you keep that up to 2024 then you shouldn't have any trouble in theory. There are a few tough sections but in general most of it isn't that hard physically (mentally is something else). Historically the route was to get as many people as possible...
  2. S

    Increasing protein consumption

    I eat a high fat, low carb diet mainly because my insides don't particularly like starch. Mostly a sort of palaeo-type diet but I'm not a slave to it. I like a pizza every now and again :) When I'm hiking I don't really worry too much about it. I'd rather just get the calories in first then...
  3. S

    Blister Prevention and Care

    Absolutely. Don't walk long distances in boots you've never walked long distances in. The other thing I think is critical is keep your feet as dry as possible and that's usually going to be sweat. Even in hot weather I like thick socks because they act as a sink for sweat. Thin socks get...
  4. S

    Mental Health Issues

    As I read in a book recently, the opposite of "crazy" is "still crazy". We're all nuts. I say that as someone who had 3 months off work last year with depression and came very close to suicide. The difference between people with mental health issues and those that dont is that they are willing...
  5. S

    Time to campeed, vaseline or duct tape?

    That sounds good, is there a proper medical/brand name for it? I've used Compeed and liked it but I've seen bad reactions in other people. I don't know if it is something to do with hygiene/cleanliness of the wound before applying but I've seen a couple of really horrible, weepy wounds after...
  6. S

    Medication (Pain Killers).

    My father in law stocks up on all sorts of stuff that's available over the counter in Spain that is controlled in the UK. I know self-medicating is bad but when I've needed antibiotics quick (I have a recurring abscess in my jaw) he's quicker to see than a doctor :) I was in Thailand a couple...
  7. S

    Medication (Pain Killers).

    I remember reading a few months ago that pharmacists were waiting 6 months or more for reimbursement from the government on prescriptions and subsidies on medicines, I guess it's yet another indication of how deep the crisis cut in Spain.
  8. S

    Medication (Pain Killers).

    I met some Aussies who had paid 3-4 euros for a pack of paracetemol. It costs maybe a third of that in the UK. I dont know if prescriptions prices are different. In the UK you pay a flat price for the prescription medicine regardless of what it is, retail cost or dosage. The Spanish health...
  9. S

    did you need medical care on and after the camino

    I've still not regained full feeling in one of my toes a year on from walking the Frances. In a perverse way I'm kind of proud of it as it reminds me of my Camino.
  10. S

    What to do if hit with a cold at the start of your Camino?

    I don't know if it is available in Spain but I've found a spray sold here called First Defence is great as a preventative when feeling the first hint of a cold. Not much use when it's already developed though.
  11. S

    Major cause of blisters and other foot ailments

    I had a pair of Scarpa boots years ago for hillwalking in Scotland. I think it would be a toss up between them and Meindls for my favourite boot. Brilliant boots but for long, hot days... I don't know. That said, a pair of boots you're used to and don't give any bother is worth double what a...
  12. S

    Major cause of blisters and other foot ailments

    If only life was so simple. Sorry to disagree but I am not convinced. I'm sure pack weight may have an involvement but I doubt it's by any way the main cause. I did a 150km walk recently with a 17kg pack, about 20% bodyweight, (something I do regularly and rarely suffer blistered feet)...
  13. S

    shin splints how to treat it?

    I got exercises from a sports therapist that really helped mine after they got bad after running. She also recommended hot water followed by ice and rubbing in Voltarol gel.
  14. S

    Taping your feet to avoid blisters?

    I tape when hotspots start to appear. Something I found by accident was that if you wear your boots with no socks for about ten minutes you'll quickly start to feel where the rub points will be. Preventative taping in these spots can be useful. I use just the fabric tape they sell in rolls in...
  15. S

    Suddenly getting arch pain - what to do?

    Vasyli inserts! That was the name I was trying to remember, I was searching Vadim and coming up with nothing. They are the ones I use.
  16. S

    Suddenly getting arch pain - what to do?

    I've got a weakness in my arch, too much running and abuse over the years and if I let it go when it flares up it spreads up into my shin. My physiotherapist recommended getting a pair of Orthaheels rather than a custom made orthotic (pricey). They are pretty cheap and give a decent amount of...

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