D
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I use the first week of the walk for training, but I am reminded again to practice everything before going, so I know what to expect.
I have been walking over 10km daily for a while. I walked today with my pack, and it makes a difference even at 15#. I discover this every pilgrimage as if it were new information! My feet and legs are tireder from the extra weight, and I rediscovered those pack balancing muscles in my back and upper thighs. Ideally, one should train so that the first day is as strong as the 30th, but I know that is not what I will do. So it is good to remind myself that it will be tough in the beginning.
I tested my Spenco (orthotic) sandals a few days ago as a backup for walking in my low-cut New Balance boots. After five miles I had a blister under a big toe from the friction of not being laced in. After treatment, the blister is not particularly uncomfortable in my boots, but now I know that I may not be warned by a hot spot; a blister may just form and burst before I detect it. My neighborhood is a much better place to learn this than on the camino! Sandals are usually marginal hiking footwear for all the reasons found elsewhere in this Forum, but it is good to know how they personally will work for me. I am ready to use them knowing their limitations as they apply to my feet. I may revert to my Crocs (non-orthotic), which are two ounces heavier, but have a known hiking history.
Practice, practice, practice to eliminate surprises on a pilgrimage!
I have been walking over 10km daily for a while. I walked today with my pack, and it makes a difference even at 15#. I discover this every pilgrimage as if it were new information! My feet and legs are tireder from the extra weight, and I rediscovered those pack balancing muscles in my back and upper thighs. Ideally, one should train so that the first day is as strong as the 30th, but I know that is not what I will do. So it is good to remind myself that it will be tough in the beginning.
I tested my Spenco (orthotic) sandals a few days ago as a backup for walking in my low-cut New Balance boots. After five miles I had a blister under a big toe from the friction of not being laced in. After treatment, the blister is not particularly uncomfortable in my boots, but now I know that I may not be warned by a hot spot; a blister may just form and burst before I detect it. My neighborhood is a much better place to learn this than on the camino! Sandals are usually marginal hiking footwear for all the reasons found elsewhere in this Forum, but it is good to know how they personally will work for me. I am ready to use them knowing their limitations as they apply to my feet. I may revert to my Crocs (non-orthotic), which are two ounces heavier, but have a known hiking history.
Practice, practice, practice to eliminate surprises on a pilgrimage!