First Post

[Jmwinterfeld]

Hello Camino Friends. I have enjoyed being a member and onlooker of the Forum
for a couple of weeks now, as I have been preparing for my first Camino. I will be joined by three dear woman friends, leaving Canada next week and planning to begin walking from Pamplona on Sept 2. A recent case of COVID and it's after effects, set me back in my training quite a bit; so I will be arriving less physically prepared than I had hoped. Although I am a little nervous, I am looking forward to whatever this pilgrimage will bring, and trusting that the Way will provide!

 

[wayfarer]

Welcome to the forum JM. Safe travels and Buen Camino.

 

[MarkyD]

Hello Camino Friends. I have enjoyed being a member and onlooker of the Forum
for a couple of weeks now, as I have been preparing for my first Camino. I will be joined by three dear woman friends, leaving Canada next week and planning to begin walking from Pamplona on Sept 2. A recent case of COVID and it's after effects, set me back in my training quite a bit; so I will be arriving less physically prepared than I had hoped. Although I am a little nervous, I am looking forward to whatever this pilgrimage will bring, and trusting that the Way will provide!

Welcome to the forum. You'll be starting after the worst of the recent heatwaves, so that's great timing. Take it easy at first, not overdoing pace or distances, and your body will soon adapt to the walking - even after recent virus illness. The fresh air and activity will do wonders for your lungs and help you cough up any goop that might still be lingering around inside!
The first day out of Pamplona will take you up a steady climb to Alto del Perdon, which is a wonderful part of the Camino. However, the descent is one of the most awkward ones for knees and ankles, so go steady (Use walking poles if you have them) and consider stopping at the first town afterwards, Uterga, instead of going on to Puente de Reina, which is the one often marked as the end of the stage in many guide books. By doing that, your knees will thank you for it. On the next day, you could then incorporate the alternative route from Muruzábal to Óbanos, to take in the Ermita de Santa Maria de Eunate, before continuing on to the beautiful Camino town of Puente de Reina. That way you'll start with two relatively short days and be able to make any adjustments to footwear, socks, rucksacks to improve comfort to avoid injuries and blisters.

 

[Jmwinterfeld]

Thank you for the encouragement and for the thoughtful recommendations. I like the idea of easing into it and your ideas on how to make that happen.