ReStarting Via Francigena

[Thomas Yingst]

OK ... sitting in the airport waiting for a series of flights to Milan to start the second leg of my Via Francigena journey, restarting in Fidenza. Lots has happened over the last months. Found out I will become a first time grandfather, delivery around 10 May (very exciting!!!). So ... I changed my Via plans from May to March. Also, I went through a bout of lumbar back pain. I could hardly get in and out my truck. This has happened before ... but the timing of this happening before my Via walk was, to say the least, a bit inconvenient. After many chiropractic visits and non stop stretching, I’m much better. I got an MRI on my lower back ... turns out I have a severe narrowing where the spinal nerves leave the area between L4 and L5. Other problems as well, but not as severe. In addition, two weeks ago, after walking 13 miles, I was hobbled by heel pain ... the X-ray revealed bone spurs where the Achilles’ tendon inserts onto the heel bone. After lots of stretching and use of orthotics, I am now able to walk with minimal pain. And to top things off, (for crying out loud) ... I also just found out I have shoulder joint arthritis. So ... there it is ... quite a start ... I must really want to do this ...

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Keep looking forward!!!
You've made it to the airport, board the plane and enjoy.
Buenos Camino

 

[TrvlDad1]

Sounds like you need a Camino. Good luck & Buen Camino!

 

[Former member 92300]

What an ordeal! You certainly are determined to do this! Here's to wishing you a safe and healthy and mostly pain free journey. The normal muscle aches and pains are inevitable - but hoping you are able to keep the injuries at bay. Make sure to pace yourself and rest when your body tells you to.

 

[Pearlscamino2023]

OK ... sitting in the airport waiting for a series of flights to Milan to start the second leg of my Via Francigena journey, restarting in Fidenza. Lots has happened over the last months. Found out I will become a first time grandfather, delivery around 10 May (very exciting!!!). So ... I changed my Via plans from May to March. Also, I went through a bout of lumbar back pain. I could hardly get in and out my truck. This has happened before ... but the timing of this happening before my Via walk was, to say the least, a bit inconvenient. After many chiropractic visits and non stop stretching, I’m much better. I got an MRI on my lower back ... turns out I have a severe narrowing where the spinal nerves leave the area between L4 and L5. Other problems as well, but not as severe. In addition, two weeks ago, after walking 13 miles, I was hobbled by heel pain ... the X-ray revealed bone spurs where the Achilles’ tendon inserts onto the heel bone. After lots of stretching and use of orthotics, I am now able to walk with minimal pain. And to top things off, (for crying out loud) ... I also just found out I have shoulder joint arthritis. So ... there it is ... quite a start ... I must really want to do this ...

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Wishing you a great Camino!