Hello Turkeyneck
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in June 2015. I decided to walk the Camino from SJDP to Santiago from May 28th 2016. I did so completing in its entirety in 35 days. We sound very familiar in personalities. I’m a happily married mother of 5 and grandmother of 6. I was a fitness competitor up until my health plummeted after a shoulder dislocation in 2005. I carried my pack each and every step of the way. I rarely prebooked...I found the days I did the hardest because then I had to walk that far. I found it best to STOP when my body told me to not when my mind planned me to. I rested several times per day...walked slow...started early to beat the afternoon heat. Removed my sandles and socks to rest my feet several times per day...and took advantage of cold streams to soak them every time I could.
Buy two walking sticks and use them....ALWAYS it saves the knees...
Most emportantly, enjoy yourself, talk to everyone, smile, laugh and take an MP3 player with great upbeat music to get you through the rough times....and there will be. My hubby filled mine with a crazy mix. I was in so much pain with no towns in sight...it was hot and I was tired....then If I had a million dollars sung by the Bare naked ladies came on ...I just started laughing and forgot the pain....Only problem was I then craved Kraft Macaroni and cheese ( if you don’t get that listen to the song). And SMILE no matter how much it hurts....The Worlds a better place when you lead with a SMILE....and you just feel better.
Good Luck...and Buen Camino
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I really cannot do much distance in a day. I live in MT and have done hikes where I cannot do more than 10km and those were without a load. If I rest often and take my time, I could do my stated distance without injury. I was diagnosed in 2006.
I'll just do what is necessary: Train with a load; Develop a walking plan based on my ability; Finally, just do it. I don't care if it takes 45 or 100 days.
My walk will be for spiritual purposes not for other reasons. What is most important is that I know I will enjoy my time on the Camino and meeting new people. Whenever, wherever I have traveled, I have always enjoyed trying new cuisine and the sights.
Thank you