SuperPilgrim
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF June 5, 2013
CF June 5, 2015
CF June 3, 2017
CN May 27, 2019
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cher99840,It can happen to any of us at anytime. When I left to walk in 2013, my husband cautioned me to return home anytime that I felt the walk was too much for me. I assured him that I would finish IF I did not suffer an injury or become ill. I finished. Now I am about to embark on another pilgrimage and the same holds true. I will finish IF I don't become injured or ill.
What more is there to say or do?
I'm starting St Olav's Way in Norway 20 June. (Oslo to Trondheim).cher99840,
When do you start your next Camino?
Bob
I wish you a Buen Camino, but it could happen to you to. !!!I'm sitting here packing my gear for my second Camino I can't help but think of all the people I met on the first day and then watching so many of them suffer twisted ankles, shin splints, tendinitis and other injuries forcing them to leave the Camino early. They all wanted to walk all the way to Santiago but couldn't. Heartbreaking.
June 5th I will start my second Camino and I will undoubtedly meet many new pilgrims and make instant friends as pilgrims do. That said, it haunts me to know many of these smiling inspired people will not be able to finish.
What to do?
I wish you a Buen Camino, but it could happen to you to. !!!
I finished my first Camino ( Frances ) from Roncesvalles to Santiago and it took me 36 days.
I did not finish my second Camino ( part of Camino del Ebro and part Frances ) because of heavy flooding/ rain and after that just lack of interest ( can happen even if you had such high hopes ). I walked a total of fourteen days and then stopped in Carrion de los Condes and just had a nice regular holiday in Spain.
And last year on the Camino Ingles I had to stop 16 k before Santiago due to a minor heatstroke.
All three walks had their own special meaning to me and in no way I felt like I failed by not completing...
As Larry the Cable Guy puts it, "git'r dun!" Sadly that is the prevailing attitude, so failure is not an acceptable alternative to far too many people.Is it a western sense of "mission"
That is setting out to do it all and dog gone the torpedoes?
Maybe its a sign of intestinal fortitude,of mental toughness and a growed..up spirit...to bend before breakingAs Larry the Cable Guy puts it, "git'r dun!" Sadly that is the prevailing attitude, so failure is not an acceptable alternative to far too many people.
Perfectly said Terry! I'm going to actually slow down and enjoy my time there. I'm going to listen to my body completely. I have no expectations as to whether I finish or not....I just want to really enjoy everything I experience without rushing through life for a change!Hi Super ~ I guess that's an interesting point -- if one has "succeeded" on the first try, does that make later, unfinished Caminos feel less "undone"? I don't know. Maybe it depends on one's outlook.
I walked twice - both times starting in SJPP and finishing in Santiago. But on the first one (43 days), I took a few buses, a train, two taxis and accepted rides from Spaniards twice - more for prevention - I turned 69 on that Camino, have arthritis in feet and knees and wasn't sure about (afraid of ?) some of the more severe down sections. The second time (60 days), I walked almost the entire distance (slowly - between 2 and 15 miles a day and taking several rest days) - I did not walk into or out of Leon. I was not hurt /injured or sick on either of my Caminos - they were - to me - practically perfect - both of them - the 2nd felt like a continuation of the first - but not in a geographical sense. Maybe I'm not qualified to comment on the point you raised.
But I wonder if it's really possible to "fail" a Camino? I don't have an answer to that either, but maybe there's a possibility that there is no failure. One learns SO much and meets SO many new people even in the planning stages, and even more when getting to the starting point, and a bit more still with the first day, second day, and so on. I don't know that one can be the same person after those experiences - even if one has to interrupt the fully-planned journey - it is just an interruption, and can be continued later. ...only a thought.
Try to hold fear and speculations at bay, and trust in your good intuitions. Best of luck to you on your second Camino!!
Terry
That's a very sensible post Annie!!I suffered shin splints on my first Camino.
When I walked the Via de la Plata, the heat and lack of water forced us to quit.
I have gone back to complete the Frances several times and have walked several more sections of the VDLP.
I meet a LOT of pilgrims who are walking their 2d or 3d time, completing sections they missed.
It's not an unusual thing for pilgrims to finish the Camino in 2 or more starts - sometimes due to work schedules.
I'd just say do what you can, don't push so hard you injure yourself, and if you don't make it all the way, go back another time!
Eventually you'll make it to Santiago.
The last 100 k from Sarria is not difficult and if the goal is simply to get the Compostela, starting in Sarria isn't a bad choice.
Hundreds of people do it every year.
You go and walk it, work can wait as life stops for no one. Buen Camino, where abouts in Australia as that is where I am from. Off to a Camino dinner on FridayMy brother and I walked last September 2014 just to Santa Domingo from SJPDP. Only because that was the only time I could get off work. We are going again this year to do another portion. Two weeks , not long enough but just enough to get the Camino bug out of our system. It is hard to explain how addictive this walk is. In three years I turn 60, and I have warned my work that I will be walking the whole way , so I will take 6 weeks off, so they better plan for this . I am excited even now to plan for this and it is three years away. Right now I am looking for to October where I will meet my brother in Madrid and we will then bus and train to our starting point. He lives in Australia and I live in Canada. The best way to spend time together , walking the Camino.
So many miss the wonders of the Camino because they have to few days, or the follow the guide book and rush on not thinking about health. I am lucky that both walks I just drifted no fixed time table and yet I know there is still more to see and experience so I am back in 2016 God willing.After rereading all the posts in this thread, I must admit that I fell for the "western" get-er done theories and the need to push push push last year when I did The Camino. It took me me 26 days from SJPDP to the cathedral in Santiago. Once I was done and at home I realized just how much that I had missed. yes, i met many pilgrims and made many new forever friends, but I missed that mass at the cathedral, the communal dinner at the special albergue, the glass of wine that i did not take as i wanted to keep moving and that meant leaving my dear family. This year, there will be no pushing ahead. But rather, lots of stopping to smell the roses.
Our plan is 21 days to get from SJPDP to Burgos then go back home and come to finish the rest of the Camino next year.....I cant wait to see and experience what I missed...
Ed
Belinda, I wish you well as I was told before my first Camino "have no expectations and you will have no disappoitments" so true, just take time stop look around also stop and look back and say I have just done that walk or climbed that hill. Buen CaminoPerfectly said Terry! I'm going to actually slow down and enjoy my time there. I'm going to listen to my body completely. I have no expectations as to whether I finish or not....I just want to really enjoy everything I experience without rushing through life for a change!
Bel
My Brother lives in Sutherland , south of Sydney. I live in Vancouver so we do not see much of each other. The Camino has been the perfect place to meet and spend time together as we both love to walk. You enjoy your walk this Friday, very envious, but time is coming soon.You go and walk it, work can wait as life stops for no one. Buen Camino, where abouts in Australia as that is where I am from. Off to a Camino dinner on Friday
Mooncat do not worry about your weight, just take your time and listern to your body and realise that the biggest problem is trying to race time or walk to others tempo and goals. If you have a good attitude and realise its not a race you will be fine. I have a bad back to crook knees and was overweight along with never hiked before, now I have done it twice and looking to 2016 to make it three. Buen CaminoThis is a good thread because I have been thinking for two years that I am training to end up in Santiago after 33 days or less. And, that is the wrong attitude. I used to hike in my job every day. I used to run for exercise and play waterpolo. That was before I got a "good, steady job" where I didn't have to travel and spent most of my time writing reports or watching people work. So, now I am 30 lbs heavier than when I was young and my knees make popcorn noises when going up steps. I am coming to terms with going on the journey and seeing where I end up, whether it be Pamplona, Burgos, Sarria, or Santiago. But, I will only do what I can safely do. A bit of a letdown, but I am older now and more sedentary. So be it. But, I am very excited to meet other Pilgrims who have also worked through the same issues mentally and physically to get wherever they end up. Buen Camino!
I completed my Camino September 30th ,2013. I hurt my feet going down the Pyrenees. There were days when my feet hurt so much that the poles I had became my cruches. There were days when my feet were so hot that I believed them to be on fire. I just put one foot in front of the other and walked as best I could. I counted as I walked. 1-2-3 . Burn Camino.
Sad to say, I also had to leave the Camino without finishing. I hurt my knee on the descent of the Pyrenees - I made it to Logrono...however, sleeping was even an issue for the pain. Decided to come home. I was very sad and yet, I had promised myself not to feel so pressured as to try and finish with an injury! It is what it is. I am proud of my accomplishment!
Sad to say you're sad leaving the camino without finishing. Don't be, who told you you had to 'finish', glad you're proud of your accomplishment.
I once wrote in my weblog: It would be an accomplishment if I didn't reach SdC! That would be victory to myself. I failed!
I'm sitting here packing my gear for my second Camino I can't help but think of all the people I met on the first day and then watching so many of them suffer twisted ankles, shin splints, tendinitis and other injuries forcing them to leave the Camino early. They all wanted to walk all the way to Santiago but couldn't. Heartbreaking.
June 5th I will start my second Camino and I will undoubtedly meet many new pilgrims and make instant friends as pilgrims do. That said, it haunts me to know many of these smiling inspired people will not be able to finish.
What to do?
I started this thread a week ago and absolutely love the range of messages everyone has been posting. Reading the thoughts from different people are helping me see things from other point-of-views. On June 5th (this Friday), I will start walking out of SJPP and do this Camino once again. My best wishes are with every pilgrim on the Camino.
Rockfish,I leave tomorrow for my first Camino and am full of doubts about the first two days. I'm in relatively good shape and have practice-walked with my pack up and down some very steep slopes, but they're shorter than the ones I expect in the Pyrenees. I have a reservation at Orisson to break up that first long stretch. If it seems too much I guess the best thing would be to taxi back to SJPP in the morning, bus to Roncesvalles and walk on from there. I have about 55 days available from the time I start walking until I have to stop walking to head home. I'd hate to trash out knees and feet on the 2nd day. Maybe I'll have a better sense of the terrain when I get there. Whirling thoughts!
I leave tomorrow for my first Camino and am full of doubts about the first two days. I'm in relatively good shape and have practice-walked with my pack up and down some very steep slopes, but they're shorter than the ones I expect in the Pyrenees. I have a reservation at Orisson to break up that first long stretch. If it seems too much I guess the best thing would be to taxi back to SJPP in the morning, bus to Roncesvalles and walk on from there. I have about 55 days available from the time I start walking until I have to stop walking to head home. I'd hate to trash out knees and feet on the 2nd day. Maybe I'll have a better sense of the terrain when I get there. Whirling thoughts!
Rockfish,
The first two days kicked my butt two years ago. It is where 50% of the injuries happen on the Camino but many of them can be avoided. I've spent two years interviewing doctors from the Camino and sports medicine guys back in the USA. I've learned tons and tons. Here is my absolute best advice in bullet form:
You can do this. Enjoy the day. Start early. Start early. Start early.
- Make sure your pack is as light as you can make it. Most people say 10% of body weight is ideal. I try to go even less.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. This is the single most important tip that I heard over and over and over from doctors on the Camino. Start at 5am. When you walk in the early morning their is plenty of water in the cool air. Your body is tremendously more efficient.
- Start early part II. Your biggest enemy for exhaustion is the mid-day heat. Mid-day you walk significantly slower and burn almost 4 times as many calories per kilometer/mile. Avoid the mid-day heat if possible Start early.
- Stretching after you're done with your hike for the day is critical. Stretch your hamstrings immediately after they hike and once again before bed. Remember that the seated position (in a chair) is probably the worst position for you after a long hike because it allows all of the tendons in your legs to shorten. Obviously you will spend a lot of time seated, but try to stretch those legs whenever possible.
- Stay hydrated
- Go at your own pace.
Bob
Great advice, Bob, thank you. I am naturally a late riser but will definitely get up early for this. I live in a hot, humid area and can see the value in cooler, drier walking conditions.Rockfish,
The first two days kicked my butt two years ago. It is where 50% of the injuries happen on the Camino but many of them can be avoided. I've spent two years interviewing doctors from the Camino and sports medicine guys back in the USA. I've learned tons and tons. Here is my absolute best advice in bullet form:
You can do this. Enjoy the day. Start early. Start early. Start early.
- Make sure your pack is as light as you can make it. Most people say 10% of body weight is ideal. I try to go even less.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. This is the single most important tip that I heard over and over and over from doctors on the Camino. Start at 5am. When you walk in the early morning their is plenty of water in the cool air. Your body is tremendously more efficient.
- Start early part II. Your biggest enemy for exhaustion is the mid-day heat. Mid-day you walk significantly slower and burn almost 4 times as many calories per kilometer/mile. Avoid the mid-day heat if possible Start early.
- Stretching after you're done with your hike for the day is critical. Stretch your hamstrings immediately after they hike and once again before bed. Remember that the seated position (in a chair) is probably the worst position for you after a long hike because it allows all of the tendons in your legs to shorten. Obviously you will spend a lot of time seated, but try to stretch those legs whenever possible.
- Stay hydrated
- Go at your own pace.
Bob
I started this thread a week ago and absolutely love the range of messages everyone has been posting. Reading the thoughts from different people are helping me see things from other point-of-views. On June 5th (this Friday), I will start walking out of SJPP and do this Camino once again. My best wishes are with every pilgrim on the Camino.
Sometimes the messages of a pilgrimage are slow to arrive in our inbox. Perhaps the Camino is advising you to revise your definition of "failure". The spiritual journey is not the physical journey; conversely, the physical journey is not the spiritual journey. Monastics make a spiritual journey without leaving their enclosed quarters. Many walking the pilgrimage route arrive in Santiago but never experience transformation.half of me says. "Go back and finish ".
Go back and finish! Not necessarily now, but as soon as you have time and can make it happen. The Camino isn't easy and it often seems like everything in the world is trying to get you to fail, but you cannot fail until you quit. You're not quitting now but only stopping to regroup. Life is long. Find a way to finish. It is worth it.I absolutely felt like I failed. I started in Pamplona and made it to Astorga before the pretty excruciating pain of sciatica forced me to finish. I had to come home 3 weeks earlier than planned. Friends here at home have asked me how it felt to fail. Have only been home for 4 days and half of me says. "Go back and finish ". The other half doesn't want to fail again, I guess time and healing will help make that decision, anybody else feel that way?
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