- Time of past OR future Camino
- May-July 2023
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There are a few between Springer Mountain and Mount Katahdin.Now...to add climbing some mountains to my routine
Thank you. We discovered she has a genetic heart condition called CPVT. She was running at school in a running event and collapsed. The school nurse saved her life with an AED. We also know now our youngest child, also has the same genetic condition.Sorry to hear of your daughter’s illness and congratulations on getting a grip of yourself. Well done.
The major difference between most forms of physical activity and a long Camino is the number of sequential days walking. Taking the Frances as an example; any day is within the capability of someone reasonably active; but to repeat it for (in my case) 26+ days takes its toll.
That’s pretty hard to practice for specifically; but you can use your preparation to really fine-tune your choice of footwear and accustom yourself to carrying a moderate load.
Moderate your ambition for the first few days and let your body tell you when you can push the distance a little more.
I never knew what PTSD felt like but I have a form of it since her near death. She'll have to deal with this the rest of her life but medicine can keep her healthy. However, I also know that I need to be here for her so getting healthy is my way of doing that!There are a few between Springer Mountain and Mount Katahdin.
Congratulations on your weight loss. It must have been a tough time.
Yes, hill walking or even climbing up flights of stairs is a good training practice. I am lucky to live in an area that has quite a few opportunities to do this. Walking around a track in the park puts in the "steps", sure but those hills and inclines help practice the breathing techniques you will need. You can avoid panting which does not deliver much oxygen to muscles that need it by mindfully expelling as much air as you can so that the lungs can fill up properly - instead of just topping up. Helped me anyway. Do not underestimate the shock you lived. A bit of PTSD haunts many of us - I found so much relief just walking in the open countryside of the camino. Good luck to you and it will be a great example to your kids. CheersThank you. We discovered she has a genetic heart condition called CPVT. She was running at school in a running event and collapsed. The school nurse saved her life with an AED. We also know now our youngest child, also has the same genetic condition.
As out of shape as I was, I have always been able to walk long distances. However I'm doing much better at it now. I am just going to implement more incline walking in the next month or so to get ready for Day 1 haha!
thank you!Congratulations to you (and your daughter). It would seem she is not the only fighter in the family.
Set your goals, approach them with intent, achieve them then bathe in the satisfaction of knowing you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to doing.
The only reason I wouldn't use the "half marathon" to describe the Camino is because that would sound like a death march to many. LOL Yes - mileage I definitely did between a half to full marathon daily - but it was at such a leisurely pace as opposed to a running/race.When I describe what walking a Camino is like to those that have never done one, or never done any long distance hiking, 'I say it is like doing a half marathon per day for a month straight.'
That said, the Camino isn't a 'death race.'
Oh I'm going this May 2023. She's fine with it. When we talked was January or so. I've gotten a clean bill of health for the most part! I'm just working on being in better shape! I'm most likely stopping in Orisson to ease into it also!You know... your wife is right, but that doesn't mean you can't do the Camino sooner rather than later. I know you are under medical care. Talk to your team and get their input as to whether or not a walk across Spain will be harmful to your health. They may advise you to set a few goals before you go - or they may surprise you and tell you to just do it. While planning - get out and walk - A LOT. As often as you can and for as long of distances as you can fit in with your regular schedule.
When I can - I take 2 hours out of my day to do an 8 mile walk. And then every Sunday as I prepare for departure - I get up early and I walk 21 miles to my husbands work and then he drives me home. Of course - I built up to that, I did a lot less mileage in the beginning. But just in 2019 I was overweight and tackling my health as you are. I took measures to get it under control and I planned to do a 2020 walk which of course got cancelled due to COVID. 2021 I had lost a lot of weight - but was still not "in shape". I went. I walked my pace and listened to my body. I took my time on the Pyrenees and stayed in Orisson to break up that first day. Good choice. I was definitely slower than almost everyone else... but I didn't stop for lots of breaks so timewise I still got to my next destination earlier than most (my choice). I liked slow but steady days of walking. Others like to walk faster and then take longer breakfast/lunch breaks.
Do what works for your body, and listen to your body. Don't carry extra weight. Only carry what you must have. Because that extra pack weight makes the weight on your body feel even heavier. Lots of walking when you can. And other workouts? Well - I will leave that to you and your medical team to determine what is best for you.
Anyhow - by the end of the Frances - I was in so much better shape than when I started! And when I hiked the Norte/Primitivo in 2022... it was a piece of cake. So - yes - eat healthy and get in better shape if you can before leaving... but as long as you listen to your body as you walk - you will most likely be just fine. I did see a few very heavy people walking and yes - they all did make it to Santiago (if that was their final destination - some picked shorter routes).
Anyhow - glad your daughter is doing better - and please - continue in your quest to get healthier for your wife and your daughter!
Exactly. When you are running a half or full marathon you don't stop for breakfast, second breakfast, and lunch!The only reason I wouldn't use the "half marathon" to describe the Camino is because that would sound like a death march to many. LOL Yes - mileage I definitely did between a half to full marathon daily - but it was at such a leisurely pace as opposed to a running/race.
After my then 12 yr old daughter's near death cardiac arrest in May 2021, I stopped worrying about myself entirely. My stress was through the roof that summer and along with that I stopped watching my diet and exercising. She is a fighter and with medicine and some lifestyle changes, she can live a long life just as we all can. But my habits weren't looking good for me. I weighed myself on December 31st, 2021 and realized I was 25 pounds higher than I ever been. I was 287. I thought I was out of shape when I was 250 but this way beyond that. My blood sugar had gotten high and I was lethargic. I had still discussed going on my Camino in summer of 2022 but my wife sat me down one day and said "While I'm 100 percent supportive of you going, I need you to take better care of yourself. I don't think you can do the Camino until you take better care of yourself. We all need you."
It was a conversation I needed to get me back focusing on my health. So at the point in early January 2022, I changed my plan to walking the Camino Frances in Summer 2023. And I began changing my eating habits and exercising. As of today, I'm now 235. So 55 pounds down in about 11 months. I still have a ways to go but my blood sugar is now in the normal range again and I feel a lot better.
Now...to add climbing some mountains to my routineHello,
Yes, we are all different - if I had wine with lunch I probably wouldn't do much more walking that day!Breakfast, walk, lunch/wine, walk, dinner/cold beer and wine, repeat. Others will think differently of course!
Could also be a male/female thing.I have definately noticed different behaviours between Europeans and North Americans is this regard!
Yes for sure! I’m not advocating binge drink and getting hammered on the Camino btw, just emphasising that there are different ways to approach it!Could also be a male/female thing.
Yes - I definitely saw quite a few Americans (males especially) doing quite a bit of drinking... but they were usually with European Camino friends (males especially) who also partook in the wine/beer all throughout their walks. The women tended to drink more with and after dinner. Of course - plenty didn't drink alcohol too. I did once in a while - but not very often. I usually even had water with dinner. I saved my day of lots of wine for in Santiago, celebrating and saying goodbye to friends. .Could also be a male/female thing.
Reserve Orisson now if you know what date you will be stopping! You have the option of spending the night in SJPDP and then walking to Orisson the next morning OR, if you arrive in SJPDP early enough in the day you can walk straight to Orisson. Most I think spend the night in SJPDP, which is what I did. SJPDP is a cute little town and work spending a few hours wandering. But next time - I will probably just go straight to Orisson. But for Orisson - you must arrive before dinner is served. When you reserve on their website during the winter season you get an auto-reply stating that your request has been received... and then you have to wait for the invoice. That invoice might not come for a few weeks (2-3 is pretty common). Once you get it - pay it - then you are good to go. Check spam folders!Oh I'm going this May 2023. She's fine with it. When we talked was January or so. I've gotten a clean bill of health for the most part! I'm just working on being in better shape! I'm most likely stopping in Orisson to ease into it also!
You can’t reserve this earlyReserve Orisson now if you know what date you will be stopping! You have the option of spending the night in SJPDP and then walking to Orisson the next morning OR, if you arrive in SJPDP early enough in the day you can walk straight to Orisson. Most I think spend the night in SJPDP, which is what I did. SJPDP is a cute little town and work spending a few hours wandering. But next time - I will probably just go straight to Orisson. But for Orisson - you must arrive before dinner is served. When you reserve on their website during the winter season you get an auto-reply stating that your request has been received... and then you have to wait for the invoice. That invoice might not come for a few weeks (2-3 is pretty common). Once you get it - pay it - then you are good to go. Check spam folders!
And as for getting in shape - just keep walking at a minimum!
Correct, but on their website it says that they will start taking reservations in December.You can’t reserve this early
You can’t reserve what this early? Orisson is closed, shut, unopen. But their website is still active and they are renowned for responding eventually during hibernation. Think Bear, and be gentleYou can’t reserve this early
I also have a table reserved at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. They have my credit card number but I’m not over exercised by the threat of their “no show” fee
You can’t reserve what this early? Orisson is closed, shut, unopen. But their website is still active and they are renowned for responding eventually during hibernation. Think Bear, and be gentle
In general you can reserve whatever you want to whenever you want to. In practice it depends on the inclination of the individual business and their attitude to accepting a booking from so far in the future that maybe none of us will still be here by then. Of course if it’s fully cancellable on Berking.con no problem. The main reason no one can book a private room on any Camino is that I’ve already booked them
I also have a table reserved at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. They have my credit card number but I’m not over exercised by the threat of their “no show” fe
Very touching when tragedy turns into positivity and I am pleased that your daughter is now on road to recovery and for you to be ready for the Frances . I jumped into the deep end in March when I set out from SJPDP without no training yet despite a swollen calf muscle I had a lovely experience , at first it is hard but the pilgrims you come across are lovely from all walks of life with one common goal to find themselves you sure will have a lovely time God bless you and your familyAfter my then 12 yr old daughter's near death cardiac arrest in May 2021, I stopped worrying about myself entirely. My stress was through the roof that summer and along with that I stopped watching my diet and exercising. She is a fighter and with medicine and some lifestyle changes, she can live a long life just as we all can. But my habits weren't looking good for me. I weighed myself on December 31st, 2021 and realized I was 25 pounds higher than I ever been. I was 287. I thought I was out of shape when I was 250 but this way beyond that. My blood sugar had gotten high and I was lethargic. I had still discussed going on my Camino in summer of 2022 but my wife sat me down one day and said "While I'm 100 percent supportive of you going, I need you to take better care of yourself. I don't think you can do the Camino until you take better care of yourself. We all need you."
It was a conversation I needed to get me back focusing on my health. So at the point in early January 2022, I changed my plan to walking the Camino Frances in Summer 2023. And I began changing my eating habits and exercising. As of today, I'm now 235. So 55 pounds down in about 11 months. I still have a ways to go but my blood sugar is now in the normal range again and I feel a lot better.
Now...to add climbing some mountains to my routine
Way to go.....Congratulations!!!!!After my then 12 yr old daughter's near death cardiac arrest in May 2021, I stopped worrying about myself entirely. My stress was through the roof that summer and along with that I stopped watching my diet and exercising. She is a fighter and with medicine and some lifestyle changes, she can live a long life just as we all can. But my habits weren't looking good for me. I weighed myself on December 31st, 2021 and realized I was 25 pounds higher than I ever been. I was 287. I thought I was out of shape when I was 250 but this way beyond that. My blood sugar had gotten high and I was lethargic. I had still discussed going on my Camino in summer of 2022 but my wife sat me down one day and said "While I'm 100 percent supportive of you going, I need you to take better care of yourself. I don't think you can do the Camino until you take better care of yourself. We all need you."
It was a conversation I needed to get me back focusing on my health. So at the point in early January 2022, I changed my plan to walking the Camino Frances in Summer 2023. And I began changing my eating habits and exercising. As of today, I'm now 235. So 55 pounds down in about 11 months. I still have a ways to go but my blood sugar is now in the normal range again and I feel a lot better.
Now...to add climbing some mountains to my routine
Totally agree with doing it over 26 days! I just finished the Camino Frances and it was awesome but the feet and body do feel it the first weekSorry to hear of your daughter’s illness and congratulations on getting a grip of yourself. Well done.
The major difference between most forms of physical activity and a long Camino is the number of sequential days walking. Taking the Frances as an example; any day is within the capability of someone reasonably active; but to repeat it for (in my case) 26+ days takes its toll.
That’s pretty hard to practice for specifically; but you can use your preparation to really fine-tune your choice of footwear and accustom yourself to carrying a moderate load.
Moderate your ambition for the first few days and let your body tell you when you can push the distance a little more.
I hit the gym as I can! I'm fighting off some tendonitis in my arm at the moment so focusing on everything but the arms haha. Legs are doing well. Honestly I've always had strong legs and even when not in the best shap could still do okay. I'm looking forward to further improvements though thank you!Walking and hiking in the mountains are certainly good ways to get fit for a camino, and they are necessary to test your footwear and other equipment. However, hitting the gym is a much, much more efficient way to get in shape than just walking. Many of us don’t have time to walk for several hours, plus possibly driving to a trail head, every day or even more than once a week. However, probably most of us can fit in an at-home 15 minute strength workout 2-3 times a week. Combine that with a walking/hiking routine, and you’ll be ready.
(Sirron, I realize that with your impressive weight loss, you probably alreading are doing some of this, but the following is meant for you or anyone who comes along with the same question.)
Strength training (weight lifting is a somewhat outmoded term) can target the specific areas that you need the most, and using your own body weight is all that’s needed for something like the camino. If you already have them and want to incorporate some light weight dumbbells, all the better.
For your legs, do squats, lunges, step ups/step downs, and calf raises. That’ll give you power on the hills. For your core, do planks, push ups, hip bridges, and supermans. That’s all that’s necessary, but if you know what you’re doing or can get some instruction (so you don’t hurt your back), do some good mornings and flies. Pull-ups are good, too, if you have a suitable way to do them. A strong core will help with carrying your pack and general endurance.
A stair machine is excellent preparation for hills, both for leg strength and cardio, and also very efficient time-wise.
Good luck and bien camino!
I always reserve this early (November) for May/June. If they aren't accepting reservations yet - they will be soon. But again - after you send in your reservation request - it can take 2-3 weeks for them to send you the invoice (during their closed season).You can’t reserve this early
I will email again but I swore that is what I was told last month!I always reserve this early (November) for May/June. If they aren't accepting reservations yet - they will be soon. But again - after you send in your reservation request - it can take 2-3 weeks for them to send you the invoice (during their closed season).
I didn't do it by email - I just completed the online form - which they respond to probably in first come first serve order - but again - it takes a couple weeks (and then of course those responses are by email). So maybe I filled out the online form in early November and paid the invoice in late November/early December? Who knows. Not sure if I still have the emails from them or not to look.I will email again but I swore that is what I was told last month!
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