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I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner. That was only a 5 mile walk. Help!!! For you Camino experts, what helped you continue on when your mind said stop and you knew your body could continue. Did you have some mind games or positive thought processes that helped you continue? I leave in 6 weeks, now I'm getting scared. I keep reminding myself that I trained for and did a Triathlon and came in, in the middle of the pack against much younger women. It's been about 3 years since then and I'm not in as good of shape. Please share how you were able to keep going when tired, or walking through some discomfort.Thanks in advance[/QUOTE
I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner. That was only a 5 mile walk. Help!!! For you Camino experts, what helped you continue on when your mind said stop and you knew your body could continue. Did you have some mind games or positive thought processes that helped you continue? I leave in 6 weeks, now I'm getting scared. I keep reminding myself that I trained for and did a Triathlon and came in, in the middle of the pack against much younger women. It's been about 3 years since then and I'm not in as good of shape. Please share how you were able to keep going when tired, or walking through some discomfort.Thanks in advance
Buen Camino to you too. I am still rethinking my Keen leather waterproof boots. They are light weight as far as a mid leather boot goes, and has great toe room, but if I want to wear my walking sandals, I don't know where to fit those size 11 boots!!! I have six weeks to go, and have one more pair of Merrell Kapra hiking shoes coming to try. If they don't work, I will take my boots and be darned!! I will be walking at least every other day with my loaded pack. I will try for 8 miles tomorrow. I just don't want to overdo and wreck something that keeps me from going.Hi Joodle, I am 57 and am leaving for my first Camino in 33 days and I feel your anxiety. I am reasonably fit and have been walking with my 9kg pack for the last month or so. I too have done the odd Tri, a few years back and I am now walking about 20km both days every weekend. I was feeling great up until this weekend when I started to think 'what if' my pack is too heavy and on day 3 I cant keep walking, are my boots really comfortable, should I take a poncho or rain pants, is my hat the right one, are my socks comfy enough. When really up until yesterday everything was perfectly ok. I think maybe as time gets closer we over analysis things too much instead of just accepting that we have put a lot of thought into what we are doing and now it is time to relax and go with the flow and everything will be ok.
Have a great Camino !
Julie
Buen Camino to you too. I am still rethinking my Keen leather waterproof boots. They are light weight as far as a mid leather boot goes, and has great toe room, but if I want to wear my walking sandals, I don't know where to fit those size 11 boots!!! I have six weeks to go, and have one more pair of Merrell Kapra hiking shoes coming to try. If they don't work, I will take my boots and be darned!! I will be walking at least every other day with my loaded pack. I will try for 8 miles tomorrow. I just don't want to overdo and wreck something that keeps me from going.
It may sound silly, but I was sustained by the thought that the Camino is completely optional! I could quit anytime I wanted. Once you accept that you are there voluntarily, you no long feel driven and can have fun. Yes, at the end of the day you are worn out, but the next morning you can quit if you don't feel like going on. I always wanted to go on!!what helped you continue on when your mind said stop
I think you should expect to be either feel tired more rapidly, to be slower, or both. These effects will decrease with training, but won't disappear. Also, if this is your Camino load, heed the advice to halve it and build up to the full load gradually over the time you have remaining.I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner.
I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. ...........
My last 10 days of training my pack was about 75% (of 7.5kg) packed. I had never walked more than 8km in a day but my first day out from Leon I walked over 25km with ease - no rush. I walked alone and in winter. I used Margaret Meredith's packing list (look for her blog) and it was perfect.
About your footwear, I wore light waterproof hiking boots with gaiters in winter and would do the same again. The gaiters prevent gravel/snow/grass seed from entering your footwear and keep your socks clean.
As others have said, one gets anxious but once you start walking there is no reason for anxiety. Coming from South Africa my greatest joy on the camino was the feeling of freedom and safety in walking alone and also the sense of achievement - doing the distances and coping alone - absolutely wonderful. I know there have been some incidents since my camino in 2013 but I plan to go back. Be sensible as you would travelling anywhere else. Rest during the day for a few minutes and take off your socks and boots to air in the sunshine, take time to admire the surroundings. On the uphills remember to pause and look behind you. The sense of achievement will inspire you to carry on up.
Buen camino and I wish I was in your boots.
Thank you soooo much. This was just what I needed to hear!! I am a believer, and sometimes I forget that my best fans and suppport team are just a prayer away. Ok, I feel better now! You were the answer to my prayer. I wish I could meet your wife and yourself, but my Camino doesn't start until May 10thI think 'first time' Pilgrims always feel anxious. I know I did! And I started out not having walked in 6 weeks due to training injuriesThe first time I actually carried the pack I was taking on the Camino, was on the way to the Airport .... I was 58, injured and 10 kg overweight. If I can do it, you can
You sound like you'll be fine.
For a start, the sheer 'reality' of finally being on your Camino is a huge motivational boost. After all your planning time you are finally there, and nothing is really going to stop you... It's like training for the 'big game' and suddenly you're out on the field with the rest of the team!
Lose some weight! In your packMaybe 2-3 pounds of that stuff that you 'might' need or could easily do without. (you don't 'need' 17 lbs) Your feet will feel every pound of additional weight.
Start Slow. Take it easy the first couple of days, ease into it. Maybe walk shorter distances on those early days. You can speed up later....
And it's not a race! OK, many people have time constraints and feel they 'must' walk a certain distance each day. But if you can loosen those constraints a bit you will feel better for it. Listen to your body. You'll be acutely aware of how it's holding up. And stop to fix anything that doesn't feel right, before it gets worse.
Although I was one of the slowest walkers I met, if that makes sense, I still mostly kept up with my Camino families. Sure I walked slower, but I just walked more hours. Taking lots of breaks along the way. Boots and socks off, elevating my feet and so on. Lots of stretching. I just drifted in an hour or two later than the others
And lastly, IMHO, the Camino is not so much a physical challenge so much as an emotional one. You can 'deal' with the physical stuff. Sure it can be hard, but you can 'deal' with it as required. But the emotional roller coaster? That can knock you flat very easily. Just remember why you are there. All the planning that got you there. All the awesome people you are meeting and are still to meet. The wonderful places you are passing through.
At times when the emotional challenge was tough, I often paused in a local Church. Or even by a roadside cross. Just to reflect on why I was here and what I hoped to learn from my journey. And to give thanks for making this journey possible. You don't need to be religious. It's not about the church or the cross per se, but making a connection.........and seeking moral support. Which always seemed to come in one way or another....... I had some very 'down' days. And my spirits were always lifted.........just when I needed it most.
There are some 'Camino Moments' on my Blog. I didn't share these at first as they are deeply personal, but what the heck. It's all part of the journey.
http://robscamino.com/category/camino-moments/
Just keep going, one foot in front of the other, speed and distance don't matter. You'll get there
P.S. I was at a local clinic today getting Ultrasound Guided Cortisone injections in my Achilles Tendons. (My training injury from last year). We're off on Pilgrimage again in 4 weeks! Yippee
I loved your little Dr Seuss quote. I am going to copy it into my phone, to read over and overMy last 10 days of training my pack was about 75% (of 7.5kg) packed. I had never walked more than 8km in a day but my first day out from Leon I walked over 25km with ease - no rush. I walked alone and in winter. I used Margaret Meredith's packing list (look for her blog) and it was perfect.
About your footwear, I wore light waterproof hiking boots with gaiters in winter and would do the same again. The gaiters prevent gravel/snow/grass seed from entering your footwear and keep your socks clean.
As others have said, one gets anxious but once you start walking there is no reason for anxiety. Coming from South Africa my greatest joy on the camino was the feeling of freedom and safety in walking alone and also the sense of achievement - doing the distances and coping alone - absolutely wonderful. I know there have been some incidents since my camino in 2013 but I plan to go back. Be sensible as you would travelling anywhere else. Rest during the day for a few minutes and take off your socks and boots to air in the sunshine, take time to admire the surroundings. On the uphills remember to pause and look behind you. The sense of achievement will inspire you to carry on up.
Buen camino and I wish I was in your boots.
I am going to sit down with my pack and a food scale and weigh everything and make some cuts. I have already done this, but I will do it again.Drop 7 lbs of this pack and you will think you have been training for the last 3 years hahaha
Zzotte
Buen Camino to you too. I am still rethinking my Keen leather waterproof boots. They are light weight as far as a mid leather boot goes, and has great toe room, but if I want to wear my walking sandals, I don't know where to fit those size 11 boots!!! I have six weeks to go, and have one more pair of Merrell Kapra hiking shoes coming to try. If they don't work, I will take my boots and be darned!! I will be walking at least every other day with my loaded pack. I will try for 8 miles tomorrow. I just don't want to overdo and wreck something that keeps me from going.
Joodle you might want to lighten your overall pack weight. Review the packing list threads. Some will submit their list for members to review and comment. Also @cclearly writes a great blog with good packing tips. It's very easy to overthink everything. We all do it. But a reminder of the many 70+-something pilgrims out there. I celebrated my 80th in Santiago, 37 days after leaving StJPdP, and most of the way with a case of acute bronchitis, but I still felt fantastic walking. Yes you will tire, but so does everyone else tire. Not everyone is in the same shape, and many not as good as you seem to be. The first few days should be taken very slowly as has been said many times. I would build up your pack weight as you train. You will be so exhilarated by the experience of the Camino.That alone begets energy of its own. You will do just fine.I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner. That was only a 5 mile walk. Help!!! For you Camino experts, what helped you continue on when your mind said stop and you knew your body could continue. Did you have some mind games or positive thought processes that helped you continue? I leave in 6 weeks, now I'm getting scared. I keep reminding myself that I trained for and did a Triathlon and came in, in the middle of the pack against much younger women. It's been about 3 years since then and I'm not in as good of shape. Please share how you were able to keep going when tired, or walking through some discomfort.Thanks in advance
I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner. That was only a 5 mile walk. Help!!! For you Camino experts, what helped you continue on when your mind said stop and you knew your body could continue. Did you have some mind games or positive thought processes that helped you continue? I leave in 6 weeks, now I'm getting scared. I keep reminding myself that I trained for and did a Triathlon and came in, in the middle of the pack against much younger women. It's been about 3 years since then and I'm not in as good of shape. Please share how you were able to keep going when tired, or walking through some discomfort.Thanks in advance
Just keep up the training, alternating distance one day for terrain the next (if you have it). I train by walking 15-20km on rolling terrain (variety of surfaces) and by hiking up our local bald mountain that simulates the hike up Colina de Mostelare west of Castorjeriz (dusty rocky dirt path with no trees/shade). I also walk to the next town to have ice tea and a bad pastry at SB and home again - 18km round trip.I will be walking at least every other day with my loaded pack. I will try for 8 miles tomorrow. I just don't want to overdo and wreck something that keeps me from going.
I think 'first time' Pilgrims always feel anxious. I know I did! And I started out not having walked in 6 weeks due to training injuriesThe first time I actually carried the pack I was taking on the Camino, was on the way to the Airport .... I was 58, injured and 10 kg overweight. If I can do it, you can
You sound like you'll be fine.
For a start, the sheer 'reality' of finally being on your Camino is a huge motivational boost. After all your planning time you are finally there, and nothing is really going to stop you... It's like training for the 'big game' and suddenly you're out on the field with the rest of the team!
Lose some weight! In your packMaybe 2-3 pounds of that stuff that you 'might' need or could easily do without. (you don't 'need' 17 lbs) Your feet will feel every pound of additional weight.
Start Slow. Take it easy the first couple of days, ease into it. Maybe walk shorter distances on those early days. You can speed up later....
And it's not a race! OK, many people have time constraints and feel they 'must' walk a certain distance each day. But if you can loosen those constraints a bit you will feel better for it. Listen to your body. You'll be acutely aware of how it's holding up. And stop to fix anything that doesn't feel right, before it gets worse.
Although I was one of the slowest walkers I met, if that makes sense, I still mostly kept up with my Camino families. Sure I walked slower, but I just walked more hours. Taking lots of breaks along the way. Boots and socks off, elevating my feet and so on. Lots of stretching. I just drifted in an hour or two later than the others
And lastly, IMHO, the Camino is not so much a physical challenge so much as an emotional one. You can 'deal' with the physical stuff. Sure it can be hard, but you can 'deal' with it as required. But the emotional roller coaster? That can knock you flat very easily. Just remember why you are there. All the planning that got you there. All the awesome people you are meeting and are still to meet. The wonderful places you are passing through.
At times when the emotional challenge was tough, I often paused in a local Church. Or even by a roadside cross. Just to reflect on why I was here and what I hoped to learn from my journey. And to give thanks for making this journey possible. You don't need to be religious. It's not about the church or the cross per se, but making a connection.........and seeking moral support. Which always seemed to come in one way or another....... I had some very 'down' days. And my spirits were always lifted.........just when I needed it most.
There are some 'Camino Moments' on my Blog. I didn't share these at first as they are deeply personal, but what the heck. It's all part of the journey.
http://robscamino.com/category/camino-moments/
Just keep going, one foot in front of the other, speed and distance don't matter. You'll get there
P.S. I was at a local clinic today getting Ultrasound Guided Cortisone injections in my Achilles Tendons. (My training injury from last year). We're off on Pilgrimage again in 4 weeks! Yippee
Don't worry Joe, I'll be in this in the role of the turtle, not the Hare. I want to enjoy the people and surroundings. I'm not in the mindset or the shape I was in when doing the Triathlons. I'll definitely be in squid mode (that was a term I came up with when I was exhausted swimming and I would turn over on my back and swim squid-like) I now apply that term to anything I'm doing when I need to slow down but not stop. I will be in squid mode the whole wayJoodle:
Of course you are going to get tired sooner carrying an extra 17 lbs. After you have done this several times you will have a better idea of your durability.
There is always the question of you are carrying too much weight. Most of us bring to much stuff. Another review of your packing list might provide insight as to things you do not need.
Take breaks, I stop about every 10 k or 6 miles for coffee or a snack. Rest breaks helps. This walk is a marathon a day for at least a month. Take your time. Let your body adjust to doing something it is unaccustomed to doing. It will adjust.
I would not apply the same mindset of a Triathlon. Where the goal is to finish in the fastest time. Being first or the fastest here can lead to blisters, tendinitis, etc.
Ultreya,
Joe
I find walking at home bores me, so my kind will start bettling with me much soner than it does on the Camino. And even on the Camino it's an ongoing dialogue: "stop here, you are tired, you can't walk any further, oh yes you can, you have only walked 5km today, but ..." It's just non stop. In the end I set myself small goals: to the next village, road crossing, albergue what have you. Then I rest for a minute or two, or longer, and then pick myself up,and walk on,
I like your lofty goals. That sounds about right for me!Spot on !
I was only ever walking to the next coffee, next lunch, next 'boots off - feet up' break....
Don't beat yourself up mentally before you even hit the ground. Everything physical is mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter...cliché I know.I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner. That was only a 5 mile walk. Help!!! For you Camino experts, what helped you continue on when your mind said stop and you knew your body could continue. Did you have some mind games or positive thought processes that helped you continue? I leave in 6 weeks, now I'm getting scared. I keep reminding myself that I trained for and did a Triathlon and came in, in the middle of the pack against much younger women. It's been about 3 years since then and I'm not in as good of shape. Please share how you were able to keep going when tired, or walking through some discomfort.Thanks in advance
It may sound silly, but I was sustained by the thought that the Camino is completely optional! I could quit anytime I wanted. Once you accept that you are there voluntarily, you no long feel driven and can have fun. Yes, at the end of the day you are worn out, but the next morning you can quit if you don't feel like going on. I always wanted to go on!!
again...I agree 200%. For me walking long distances on the Camino is somehow easier then a 10 mile walk at home. WAY less boring and indeed the purpose of the whole thing.....and I prefer "one way walks" too.When on practice walks, I have problems when I start thinking too much about walking. I need to get into the “zone”. When I’m not, my mind tries to limit me, telling me that my feet hurt, it’s too hot to be walking, or the nagging “you know you’re going to have to walk back that distance you already covered”. I don’t like walking without a purpose. When I can, I like to walk to a one way destination and arrange for return transportation. This tricks my mind into being more supportive. For me, this is the perk of walking the Camino – daily one way destinations – and I think you will find it easier than trying to walk the same distances at home.
When I feel really tired I plug in to my music and this gives me a huge boost. Many purists would consider that bad form, but I couldn't care less what others think, it doesn't hurt anyone else and it helps me.
Thank you so much for your comments. It meant a lot to me. I use to be pretty tough, but losing my identical twin knocked the stuffing out of me. I had to be strong for her, she needed me. Now I need to regain my equilibrium and find out who I am on my own without her. I am counting on the Camino to help me do this.Joodle)) you are going to be just fantastic - you'll overdo it, and you'll pull back to recover. You'll leave a few things from your pack to the area in an albergue where you can contribute to a pilgrim who might have a use for but you no longer need/want to carry...and you might pick up a pair of sandals from a shop in a plaza somewhere that you know what will make you feel good in the evening after walking all day.
my first few days I felt self conscious emotionally, and self conscious as in never-did-anything-like-this....sounds like you have some experience pushing yourself physically which means that you've had experience coaching yourself through challenges.
You're going to love it. Even when it's hard. It all works out; in a really good way.
Buen Camino!
ps- I revisited your original post; when you feel like you maybe can't keep going, the camino nearly always has an answer for it....another pilgrim to share a coffee and a chat with, the curious call of the cuckoo following you along, the presence of Spirit holding your heart, laughter at your consternation after you get sorted out .... it's all there for you.
I went out for my first hike with my fully packed back pack. It weighed 17 lbs. I didn't feel it in my back so much, as my pack fits well, I just got tired much sooner. That was only a 5 mile walk. Help!!! For you Camino experts, what helped you continue on when your mind said stop and you knew your body could continue. Did you have some mind games or positive thought processes that helped you continue? I leave in 6 weeks, now I'm getting scared. I keep reminding myself that I trained for and did a Triathlon and came in, in the middle of the pack against much younger women. It's been about 3 years since then and I'm not in as good of shape. Please share how you were able to keep going when tired, or walking through some discomfort.Thanks in advance
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