frmikeminn said:
those in the class of 08 want to weigh in on last month planning you are currently working on?
I've been riding my bike to work 2 or 3 times a week - about a 25km return journey, I'm finding it good for building up my leg muscles and general fitness.
I'm extremely busy at work at the moment (working long hours and most weekends) so I haven't been able to walk as much as I want. When I do walk I generally wear my Camino gear, take my backpack with at least 8kg in it. I have done a few 10-15km walks without too much difficulty, been tired at the end of it but not totally exhausted, have thought that with an hour or so rest I could get up and walk a bit further, maybe not another 10-15km but probably 5 or so.
I'm doing a small amount of yoga most days - back strengthening, leg stretches (my calves are very tight), twists, salute to the sun - just to get my body in slightly better condition and a bit stronger all round.
I work in a building with 4 floors so I try to walk up the stairs twice a day - I seem to forget to do this though!! But when I do its a good aerobic and leg workout.
Once my work dies down (after this weekend) I am going to ramp up my walking, at least every weekend a good long walk each day. I also plan to do some gym based exercise - boxing and weights perhaps.
When I reach the Camino I plan to walk short distances for the first 2 or 3 days (around 15km each day), then start to increase as I get used to walking and over jet lag.
I start my Camino on 25 April.
hope that helps - I suspect I'm not doing as much as I should do right now, but I really don't have a lot of spare time so I have to find inventive ways of keeping my fitness level up.
In terms of mental preparation I try to analyse those anxiety dreams I have and look at what I am scared of. I've travelled to Europe before, though not Spain, so am not too concerned about that aspect of things. As Sil says on her blog its the 'Camino demon' that seems to be sitting on my shoulder whispering nasty things like "are you mad - you can't do this" - I see these as just anxiety and perhaps an early warning to get fit! I am excited and apprehensive at the same time.
I figure if I can get my body into reasonable shape I will be better prepared to handle mental doubts or difficult emotions as they arise - at least I will know that I can physically get up each morning and walk. And if I try to predict some of the negative thoughts I might have (like on the first night thinking "what the hell have I done - I've got weeks of this") then they won't be such a shock to me.
I think its a challenge to understand where your fears are coming from and figure out why you behave the way you do - that's a big reason for me to embark on the Camino. I know my Camino has already begun with all the emotions its already throwing up at me.
Good luck with your prep evryone.
cheers
Megan