3 weeks to go ...

[mariam88]

In exactly 3 weeks I'll be crawling my way from SJPP to Roncesavelles, hopefully not asking myself "what have I done?". I just wanted to thank you all for the valuable advice and information you've shared on this forum. I'm excited and slightly (quite!) terrified as until Christmas, my idea of a long walk was to the bus stop but thanks to this forum, my pack weight will be 6.5 kgs, I've broken in my boots and tested my waterproofs in the shower! The next three weeks will probably fly by and I still feel horribly unprepared but I'm hoping that's normal. Thank you again

 

[Kanga]

Hi @mariam88 and welcome to the forum. We've all been there - the excitement mixed with a degree of terror! But once you start walking it will all be OK. And if you feel that yu are not fit enough, the route through Valcarlos is very beautiful, you don't have to take the Route Napoleon.

Buen Camino!

 

[Bradypus]

I've broken in my boots and tested my waterproofs in the shower!

Such a great mental image! With that sort of attention to detail I'm sure you'll be fine. Ultreia!

 

[David]

Your attitude and prep is so utterly perfect! you will be fine - the terror is quite normal, as is, as you get closer to going, the "why am I doing this" wail, as you forget all the reasons! hahaahha - just go, all will be fine, life is good.

As for your shower prep - you do realise that you have now guaranteed that it will be be dry all the way??

As an afterthought - there wouldn't be a photo of you in the shower testing your kit? If there is please post it up here!!

Buen Camino!!!!

 

[mariam88]

[QUOTE="As an afterthought - there wouldn't be a photo of you in the shower testing your kit? If there is please post it up here!!

Buen Camino!!!![/QUOTE]

Sadly, no. But it would've looked something like this

 

[David]

 

[VNwalking]

Normal, normal, normal....
All shall be well Mariam.
Buen Camino!
And @Kanga is right, the Valcarlos Route is great--and you can easily stay in Valcarlos if you want a relatively laid-back first day. The herd goes the other way and has no idea what they are missing!

 

[Viking-on-the-trail]

Hi Mariam

Dont worry. I started last year (30years old) I got overtaken by plenty of people of all ages even over 60-70. Some of them are seriously fit. Don't let that stop you. Just do it at your own pace and take breaks. I have some pounds extra and yes I am still returning at my slow pace with my ekstra "baggage" this year.
We might "run" in to each other. Haven't done the exact math but I will start from Burgos around May 2nd. Depending on flight, busses etc.

Buen Camino

Ps. Your bag is lighter than mine. I cannot get it under 7,5kg So well done..

 

[Viking-on-the-trail]

Besides no one says you have to do 20 km pr. day... do as you please

 

[james walter purdum iv]

just keep on keeping on and listen to your body! your heart will beat fast and your mind will doubt for the first few days...but by pamplona pure bliss will be your partner for the rest of the way!

 

[mariam88]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, I'm lucky not to have any serious time constraints so I will definitely take my time