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I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
Great fun isn't it
Best way to prepare yourself? Pack more underwear .!
One on, one in your pack - and one flying like a flag from the back of your pack as it air dries if it didn't quite get there after yesterdays wash
There is also the exact opposite: the lazy pilgrim syndrome.
1. As in "oh, no need to hurry...I have three weeks before leaving".
2. "But wait, now it is only three days!...ok, plenty of time, anyway".
3. "Oh no, only three hours to be at the airport! I should have...
Ok, I will solve it on the spot, after arriving".
Welcome to the club @stgcph ;-) I am still doing most of what you have described ;-) The important bit about plans is to toss them out of the window when they don't fit the reality! Buen Camino, SY
On the Camino, the best plan is to not have a plan. Believe me.
To be honest, this IS the best plan: Walk in earnest, take what comes, have no worries, do not set dates, just enjoy. The Camino has a place for you each day. Fear not. You will be fine, and you will experience a new form of freedom. Do not fear: All will be well, you will meet people that may become life-long friends, and you will hopefully find the freedom of the Camino. Just remember to let go, enjoy your freedom days, and relax, fellow Scandinavian.With your CV! - how can I not believe you.
No, no. Pack socks. Thin, thick, wool, liners, wicking, water proof socks.Best way to prepare yourself? Pack more underwear .!
I found them on Amazon. Which type are they? Thanks.Lorpen
We leave in a week - I've got the syndrome!!!I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I found him by accident after wearing holes in the only thin socks I had and I did buy Lorpen liners from him . Of all the socks I wore these alone have retained their shape and remain good enough to wear.After Burgos, in Castrojeriz, you will find a small shop with an old gentle man in the town square.
I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
We leave in a week - I've got the syndrome!!!
I leave in 23 days and I am NOT ready. I am NOT in shape. I have NOT walked enough or trained enough, but I have packed and repacked my backpack, and arranged for cat and plant care, and made a meeting place for my granddaughter when she gets to Lisbon after me. The first week will be hard, I know, and my heart will not be the only "Achey-Breakey" part of me.
So I'll be the slowest one on the trail (again).
But I'll be on the trail!!!
Yippee Kayee!
I leave in 23 days and I am NOT ready. I am NOT in shape. I have NOT walked enough or trained enough, but I have packed and repacked my backpack, and arranged for cat and plant care, and made a meeting place for my granddaughter when she gets to Lisbon after me. The first week will be hard, I know, and my heart will not be the only "Achey-Breakey" part of me.
So I'll be the slowest one on the trail (again).
But I'll be on the trail!!!
Yippee Kayee!
I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
We leave at the end of August and I feel the same way!! I find myself spending much of my free time reading various threads on this forum. I LOVE IT!!I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I am overwhelmed by all the responses. It seems Pre Camino Syndrome is a fairly common condition (followed by Post Camino Syndrome – something to look forward to).
The good thing, of course, is that these conditions are benign, actually desirable, although at times a bit frustrating.
Hope to run into some of you nice people on the trail – Buen Camino to all.[/QUOT
Buen Camino to you as well
ps: I think my family is getting sick of hearing about it though
the number of replies to this thread shows how common this syndrome is.
oh and I have just added another!!
The other symptom is the aches and pains in the few weeks before. Every little twinge you never noticed you had you become acutely aware of and you are convinced that some enormous medical calamity is about to befall you. Which of course it doesn't. I know a sports physiotherapist who loves the w€€ks leading up to the local marathon for this very reason !
I know!!!!the number of replies to this thread shows how common this syndrome is.
oh and I have just added another!!
The other symptom is the aches and pains in the few weeks before. Every little twinge you never noticed you had you become acutely aware of and you are convinced that some enormous medical calamity is about to befall you. Which of course it doesn't. I know a sports physiotherapist who loves the w€€ks leading up to the local marathon for this very reason !
So well said, it seems as if I am in the same boat! I start Sept 1st. Been Camino!I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
Or say "lo que, lo que sera" and pour a glass of wine!I know!!!!
It's like, wait! What was that? Did that hurt before?
That's swollen. Should that be swollen?
I've got a headache. Should I get an MRI?
Then I pour a glass of wine and say my favorite word,
Whatever.
I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I am in the exact same boat as you!! I finally booked my ticket, ordered my credential and guidebook, and the reality has started to set in! I've been reading this forum, watching videos and reading blogs, examining packing lists and scouring outdoor gear store websites and catalogues. It's very much on my mind and consuming most of my waking moments. My main worry right now is trying to get in enough time to train before I leave so I don't end up hobbling and limping for the first few days and also trying to figure out the best way to avoid blisters if at all possible! Oh and what pack, walking poles, shoes to buy... So many things to think about! Buen camino!!
I have just decided; I cannot resist the callling: I will be wal.king again in Sept. The calling is too stromg, so why not...
I have those as well
I just thought I was screwed up
Actually, that is a good approach for many things. The only thing I can think of that you can't buy in any city and most villages is the data in your computer. Why struggle with how to keep your checked baggage under 23 kilograms when you can get what you need on arrival or along the way?Ok, I will solve it on the spot, after arriving".
I have just decided; I cannot resist the callling: I will be wal.king again in Sept. The calling is too stromg, so why not...
Enjoy another CF: It will be different than your first, but you will be more knowledgable and confident. It will be a good walk for you, I am sure. (I am 63, retired, so we are more or less in the same league)August 10, 2017(Frances again) and May 15, 2018 (Norte) It's futile to resist the irresistible, the Sept 2016 was just not enough
Buen Camino !!!
Thank You Alex !!! 67 here and you are right ... far wiser this time and will be walking it with a new set of eyes (metaphorically speaking). I saw what I saw the last time and after being home realized how much more I did not see ... literally.Enjoy another CF: It will be different than your first, but you will be more knowledgable and confident. It will be a good walk for you, I am sure. (I am 63, retired, so we are more or less in the same league)
Buen Camino!
You can buy it in any city, large or small, and even in some villages. I bought three in an outdoor market in Los Arcos, €1 each.Great fun isn't it
Best way to prepare yourself? Pack more underwear .!
You can buy it in any city, large or small, and even in some villages. I bought three in an outdoor market in Los Arcos, €1 each.
On this point I disagree.No, no. Pack socks. Thin, thick, wool, liners, wicking, water proof socks.
To be honest, this IS the best plan: Walk in earnest, take what comes, have no worries, do not set dates, just enjoy. The Camino has a place for you each day. Fear not. You will be fine, and you will experience a new form of freedom. Do not fear: All will be well, you will meet people that may become life-long friends, and you will hopefully find the freedom of the Camino. Just remember to let go, enjoy your freedom days, and relax, fellow Scandinavian.
Make food in the albergue kitchen with new friends whenever you can. Enjoy Spanish wine in the afternoons. Sleep long and well after long days.
Edit: I am very happy on your behalf, that you have decided to walk the Camino. If you let it, it will be a life-changer. Just let it in to you. And do not rush: I have seen so many people cry in Santiago when they realised that the walk was over, and suddenly understood that the WAY was the goal...
I totally agree! I am experiencing the same thing with frequent moments of suddenly feeling as if I am there, can feel the temperature, smell a forest path. Just crazy.I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I totally agree! I am experiencing the same thing with frequent moments of suddenly feeling as if I am there, can feel the temperature, smell a forest path. Just crazy.
Buen Camino to you!
I just returned from a 24 km. training walk with my backpack - that was really hard. I know i will be in for a treat when i hit the mountains in Spain. So maybe i will be the slowest on the trail....but that's fine.
Steen (El Camino Tortuga)
Steen,
There is no accolade or derision for being the fastest or slowest on the Camino. It took me 9 hours to walk from SJPP to Orrison. What I needed appeared before my eyes, every single time. Unfortunately, I was like Yost in the movie, "The Way," with too big a belly. That is now reducing and will be fully in control when I return next year. Just so everyone checks, not all weight is carried in your backpack and it is a very wise thing to leave as much lard at home as you can while doing those training walks. LOL.
I paid 17 Euro/pair in Castrojeriz: Worth every cent. Must be something else you bought?You can buy it in any city, large or small, and even in some villages. I bought three in an outdoor market in Los Arcos, €1 each.
And leave all expectations at home.On the Camino, the best plan is to not have a plan. Believe me.
Camino addiction.... the only cure is walkingI have more 'bad' news for you though... It doesn't end with the culmination of your Camino! In fact that when it hits the hardest, the almost desparate craving to be back on the trail surrounded by like-minded people, enjoying great food and drink and most of all, a life simplified...! Buen Camino!
I'm in that same place! I leave for Spain on Sept 1 and start my camino on Sept 3. I spent most of today organizing my paperwork/itinerary and practice packing my backpack. I became quite worried that it's too big to carry on. It's 55L! I bought it before doing any research about carry on size restrictions. Live and learn! BUT I'm traveling very light. I packed most of my items into it and leaving the top pocket unused. I cinched down all the straps and it looks like it will make it onto the plane. I also packed a sling bag that I'll use as a day pack (yes, I'm having my pack transported on my first, but hopefully not last, camino). Perfectly fine! Now I'm worried that they will think the sling is too big. LOL! I'm so very very excited! This trip is a gift to myself for my 60th birthday. I'm walking alone - from Sarria to Santiago. A baby camino - but good for a first timer, I hope. I love reading everyone posts! You are all so awesome! Buen camino!I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I'm in that same place! I leave for Spain on Sept 1 and start my camino on Sept 3. I spent most of today organizing my paperwork/itinerary and practice packing my backpack. I became quite worried that it's too big to carry on. It's 55L! I bought it before doing any research about carry on size restrictions. Live and learn! BUT I'm traveling very light. I packed most of my items into it and leaving the top pocket unused. I cinched down all the straps and it looks like it will make it onto the plane. I also packed a sling bag that I'll use as a day pack (yes, I'm having my pack transported on my first, but hopefully not last, camino). Perfectly fine! Now I'm worried that they will think the sling is too big. LOL! I'm so very very excited! This trip is a gift to myself for my 60th birthday. I'm walking alone - from Sarria to Santiago. A baby camino - but good for a first timer, I hope. I love reading everyone posts! You are all so awesome! Buen camino!
Instead of making a wild guess about what “it” is, you could have read the quote and seen that it was underwear. And yes, they were €1 each.I paid 17 Euro/pair in Castrojeriz: Worth every cent. Must be something else you bought?
Ref. this link: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=lorpen+socks&tag=casaivar-20
It was 6 months before I didn't wake up every morning thinking about the Camino. About that time a friend told me that after listening to me talk about my Camino he was going to do the Frances. That was all it took. I am returning to the Camino, in September, with him to walk from Pamplona to Finisterre and Muxia. I have the syndrome and love it.I have just decided; I cannot resist the callling: I will be wal.king again in Sept. The calling is too stromg, so why not...
The syndrome is luckily incurable. I am returning to start walking from Pamplona 1-2-3 Sept. (Not decided exact date yet, I am very relaxed about it. Have to visit a friend in Madrid first, and who knows how long time that will takeIt was 6 months before I didn't wake up every morning thinking about the Camino. About that time a friend told me that after listening to me talk about my Camino he was going to do the Frances. That was all it took. I am returning to the Camino, in September, with him to walk from Pamplona to Finisterre and Muxia. I have the syndrome and love it.
Sounds like your Camino has already begun. . .I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I read about it on this forum, but being an academic and boasting a rational mind, I thought it was never going to happen to me, that it was not going to affect me. But it did, it has! All my thoughts are on this coming Camino walk six weeks from now; on details of equipment, footwear, training, and of course on how it is going to be. Can I do it? How will it affect me? I find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on daily chores; I feel I am wasting my time if I am not on a training walk, preparing for the next training walk, fiddling with my gear or at least doing some reading on Camino history and Camino experiences.
I have done a lot of travelling over the years, but this is the first time that preparations and anticipations have absorbed me totally for several months.
Serious symptoms, but oh, how delightful.
I will look for you Alexwalker. We will be in Pamplona 2 days before we set off the morning of 1 Sept.The syndrome is luckily incurable. I am returning to start walking from Pamplona 1-2-3 Sept. (Not decided exact date yet, I am very relaxed about it. Have to visit a friend in Madrid first, and who knows how long time that will take).
As my plans are right now, I will arrive in Pamplona sept. 1 and start next day, but I may take the weekend in Madrid firstI will look for you Alexwalker. We will be in Pamplona 2 days before we set off the morning of 1 Sept.
You are a youngster, probably in better shape, you will soon catch up to two tottering Americans.As my plans are right now, I will arrive in Pamplona sept. 1 and start next day, but I may take the weekend in Madrid firstCU & Buen Camino!
He, he, 63, but like wine (and cognac & cheese), the best ones mature slowly...You are a youngster, probably in better shape, you will soon catch up to two tottering Americans.
Buen Camino Peregrino!
I wished I had taken more socks ... next time 6 pair I reckonGreat fun isn't it
Best way to prepare yourself? Pack more underwear .!
Sí, es verdad.He, he, 63, but like wine (and cognac & cheese), the best ones mature slowly...
Well, I take 3 pairs of socks and 3 underwear. 1 more than most, but I hate to wash, so have more flexibility with that. But that being said, I bring 2 and buy one more pair of Lorpen socks from the old man's shop in Castrojeriz, in the town square. The best socks ever for the Camino.I wished I had taken more socks ... next time 6 pair I reckon
Socks, like underwear, can be purchased in Spain. I wish I had more of the €8 trekking socks made in Barcelona that I bought in Los Arcos. Much better than the $15-20 items that I used to get in USA.I wished I had taken more socks ... next time 6 pair I reckon
¡Aja! Los buscaré. Gracias.... and buy one more pair of Lorpen socks from the old man's shop in Castrojeriz, in the town square. The best socks ever for the Camino.They are seamless and reinforced at the hotspots. Perfect.
Socks, like underwear, can be purchased in Spain. I wish I had more of the €8 trekking socks made in Barcelona that I bought in Los Arcos. Much better than the $15-20 items that I used to get in USA.
Well, I take 3 pairs of socks and 3 underwear. 1 more than most, but I hate to wash, so have more flexibility with that. But that being said, I bring 2 and buy one more pair of Lorpen socks from the old man's shop in Castrojeriz, in the town square. The best socks ever for the Camino.They are seamless and reinforced at the hotspots. Perfect.
Edit: Sorry for hijacking this thread. Let's get back to The Syndrome!
What many people do not understand (hence the stupid packing frenzy beforehand; seems like people believe they are going into a desert instead of into a higly cultural country with tradiditions from centuries before the US was "discovered"...) , is that Spain is a 1st world very sivilised country, where you can get anything you need, often at a fraction of the price in your home country, and most likely, better quality.
Regarding quality. F.ex. I would much more trust products bought in Spain than in Norway. This is my experience after many years in Spain. Having said that; Bus and train schedules in Spain are MUCH more reliable in Spain than in Norway, in my yearlong experience. Signs of a sivilised country in total control, IMHO. Highly apprecieated. Impressed.
Well, I can understand that. But I also don't want to choose between paying a hundred dollars for "excess luggage" and paying more than that for a more generous airline.This is true BUT I don't want to spend any of my time in a shoponce I have arrived
Embrace the madness that is your Camino prep but, the day before you leave, re-evaluate your "stuff" and get rid of some if you can, you will find the simplicity of Camino life refreshing and you'll wonder why you brought 6 pairs of socks. The day before I left in May, I got rid of 18oz, you may laugh, that's what a half liter of water weighs. I needed the water, not the stuff I got rid of. Buen Camino!
There is also the exact opposite: the lazy pilgrim syndrome.
1. As in "oh, no need to hurry...I have three weeks before leaving".
2. "But wait, now it is only three days!...ok, plenty of time, anyway".
3. "Oh no, only three hours to be at the airport! I should have...
Ok, I will solve it on the spot, after arriving".
An interesting(and brave) proposition...Actually, I have thought about just getting to SJPdP with an empty backpack as nearly everything one could possibly need can be found there. Not sure I will ever try it.
Actually, I have thought about just getting to SJPdP with an empty backpack as nearly everything one could possibly need can be found there. Not sure I will ever try it.
For me the syndrome seems a little different. I leave in three weeks for 7 weeks in Portugal and Spain. I haven't even looked at my pack or thought about packing. When the time comes I will throw a few items in the pack and hit the road. I am very excited and won't believe it is real until I am there again.
You have been before though. I go over my kit when I get back, and then I can pack the next time in ten minutes. My mom and I have a running night before leaving joke - Mom 'Have you packed yet?' Me 'No'.I haven't even looked at my pack or thought about packing.
I still carry a couple of things I've never used. And I’ve survived a lot of trips without things that I nevertheless wish I had been able to take (and hope to take next time).Hate portable washing lines, never used one. Miraculously survived several caminos without a suction hook or a laminated copy of my passport or a multitool.
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