pepeeto
New Member
So, yes...I am a tough guy. I am 53, but I am an active cyclist, I love hiking, soccer, and religiously go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I am 180 lbs and in very good shape.......lol you must be wondering if I am ever going to stop blowing my own horn....I am walking next year around the end of april or so, so I went for a fully loaded trial and practice walk today...nothing big just 15Km. I decided that it would be OK since I was only walking along a scenic path along the river right here in Ottawa,and I am in such good shape to just wear my favorite sandals ( leather with rubber soles bought in Mexico) and by far my most comfortable footwear. About 7 or so Km in, I developed a blister, and had to switch to my back up sandals, and ultimately reached my goal of 15 Km. No hat, and no eye protection, though I had plenty of water.......the moral of the story ?....BE PREPARED, even if you are in good shape; and listen to the people who have experienced the walk before. Boots, Boots, BOOTS. the most important part of your gear. If I had been in Spain like this, I would have needed a few days to recover from my blisters, sunburn and lack of preparation. I will dilligently break in my new hiking boots, wear a hat...and by the way....if you practice, and do well on a 15-20 Km run, get a couple of back to back days like that, in the end you will have a month or so of those in a row.....I am pooped, burnt and sore but wiser......buen camino!!