OMG. I can´t believe I made it this far!

[AnnieBobanny]

Hello everyone,
I´m reporting in from the Camino. Wow. It´s only my 4th day and already I´ve experienced so many ups and downs, joys and pains, sometimes I wonder WHAT in the hell I am doing out here, other times I think there is nowhere else I want to be.

It´s been hard going, given my general lack of fitness, weight, and smoky lungs. But I guess given all that, it´s not going so bad. Last night I was seriously ready to quit. That was it, I was done. I was in so much pain I knew I couldn´t go another step. After a night´s sleep and not wanting to go home feeling like a failure, I decided to go on. I thought, ok, it´s difficult, but I´m not going to die, and if it were easy, why do it ? So I was about 2km out from the place I stayed in Biskaretta, not feeling at all sure I was doing the right thing or if I wanted to be there or if I could bear the pain in my calves and feet. Then I looked up and there was a stop sign. Which someone had spray pained the words "don´t" and "walking" so it read "don´t stop walking". and I just burst into tears. It was what I needed. And I knew I would keep going. I read on here before someone wrote that on the Camino you get what you need. And when you least expect it. I got what I needed. So onward I go, totally unsure, in pain, hoping not to run out of money before I get to Santiago, etc, etc, etc, but I go anyway, because for some inexplicable reason, I know I have to.

gotta go. Time is about to run out on this machine. Don´t know when I´ll be able to log in again.

Buen Camino!!!

Annie

 

[milesaway]

Way to go, shall look forward to hearing about your journey.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

A day of complete rest is amazingly restorative. Consider it! Congratulations on keeping going.

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

Don't be fooled Annie. Even those who have taken the trouble to get fit know what pain is.

Remember as you go up the hills that if you lean slightly forward on your sticks that up to a third of your body weight is being taken by your arms. It helps.

Don't overdo it and remember there is no race to get to Santiago.

If you runn out of money and have to come home remember that the Camino will be there for your next holiday and many people walk in three stages over three years.

In the mean time, keep your nerve and get as far as you can. You could well find yourself taking that line even as you climb the cathedral steps/

 

[gregdedman]

Hi Annie,

I see from your post that all is as it should be on the Camino today and its all going to plan

There is a tiny percentage of pilgrims that can report zero pain in the first week so you are among the vast majority. This means that whatever it is that the Camino has in store for you, at least the first step, the 'asking the question of your resolve' is underway.
What will begin to happen in a wee while is that your routine will become habit and when it becomes habit, pains and concerns about fitness etc will disappear and in turn will open your eyes to the beauty to come and believe me, there are countless beautiful moments ahead of you.
Hold your resolve, treat those feet and each day raise your head a little more than the last.

Buen camino

Greg

 

[Sagalouts]

Hi imagine how you'll feel when you make it all the way!!,try not to worry to much about the money, you always spend too much to begin with and anyway the wine and the smokes are cheap
enjoy
Ian

 

[Pieces]

aahh yes it dóes sound like everything is well on the Camino

I sometimes wonder where that comes from, the drive to plod on and on and on even when it is completely optional and the pain is excrutiating it just seems like it is the only thing one can do...

I walked 30k yesterday (on asphalt) to have coffee at my sisters and even when I was barely able to stand today, I still decided to go for a walk after work....

 

[Anniesantiago]

Go slow.
It is not a race.
Take a rest day.
There is no set number of kilometers you must walk.
Pay attention to the pain and be gentle on your body.
Buen Camino!

 

[ksam]

OMG...I remember that sign well, and damn near cried myself! Your doing so well, smokes and all! One foot in front of the other...repeat! All the others here have given lovely advice...esp, that it isn't a race! Looking forward to hearing about your journey, wishing you well, Karin

 

[daesdaemar]

Annie,
It is never easy for anyone. Your attitude is an inspiration for all!
Buen Camino...

 

[bluzman]

So glad you already found your little piece of "trail magic!" Keep the faith and relish your time on the trail...Well Done!

 

[Br. David]

Way to go AnnaB - you are doing well - brave and good person that you are!

I don't think anyone told you but days three to six can be the worst. First two days ..okayy... then the next few the body can really rebel (as you have found out). Many people (of those who drop out) leave at Logrono - day five.

It gets better, it is all part of the Camino - and when you get home you know you'll be able to outpace any mugger you meet :lol:

keep in touch - one foot in front of the other - Ultreiya!!! :wink:

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

It gets better, it is all part of the Camino - and when you get home you know you'll be able to outpace any mugger you meet :lol: :

No she won't Br. David. She will simply trip them up and then hit them with the walking pole that will now never leave her hand. :shock:

 

[Br. David]

good point! :lol:

 

[grilly]

What an absolutely beautiful Camino story, Annie!
Santiago is already watching after you and wanting you to get there!
Your story just made my day!
Thank you.

 

[Free-peregrino]

Keep going Annie ...you can do it.
The Camino is an amazing experience ....

 

[AnnieBobanny]

Wow, thanks to everybody for the wonderful words of support. This camino thing was a really good idea. Whoever came up with it was a genius. lol.

I truly do appreciate everyone's thoughts and boosts of encouragement to me, a complete stranger.

To Br.David: As it turns out, I did infact end my camino in Logrono, on the TENTH day!

Yeah, it took me 10 days to get to Logrono, lol, but I don't care. As was said previously, it's not a race. I felt it was time to stop for now, for a few different reasons, but that's ok. I got so much out of this journey even in the short time that I was there. It's one of the most amazing things I've ever done, and I will definitely be going back to continue or finish it.

Lots of love to everyone,
Annie

 

[Pieces]

good going.

If the journey is the destination it doesnt matter where you stop

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

well done annie.

we will look forward to hearing part 2 when you are ready to return.