Viejo
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances April-June 2016
I am 67 years old and will be attempting my first camino beginning next month. I am not fit, am carrying about 20 extra pounds of belly fat, and have had some disc problems and sciatica which sometimes make walking painful. I began some practice "hikes" a few months ago and was discouraged to find that after about 2 or 3 miles the pain in my hips and legs became increasingly worse. Almost ready to give up the idea of making the long walk, I nevertheless tried some practice hikes while carrying a loaded 15-pound backpack. Much to my surprise, the pain almost disappeared while I was wearing the pack. It must be acting like a brace and somehow allowing the vertebrae to align themselves without pressing on the sciatic nerve. Thanks to this little miracle, I will be on the trail next month and even welcoming the heavy load I'll be carrying. Sometimes help comes from unexpected sources...