Angie:I just got back from my first Camino. I remember some of your early posts when you were first training. I didn't even think to post on the forum when I was there, if I had it might have been easier. I had very little anxiety about being alone,walking alone or just getting around. (I also was alone most of the time) But my first 2 weeks were very hard - yes, some of it was mental- somewhere I thought I was lead to believe once you make it over the Pyrennes, you've done the hardest and it is easy after that. I was not prepared for how physically hard it was day after day. I was also encouraged that after the 2nd or 3rd week you are in such good condition it is easier and you practically waltz into Santiago. I want to tell you that was not my experience. I trained for the Camino for seven months on city streets and mountain trails,ups and downs and all around, but it was as if I did not train at all. Every day was a physical challenge. Because I am a slow walker I found it very hard to get to the albergues in time to get laundry done and dried, shower, dinner let alone time to explore in the evenings. My mental challenge was accepting the reality of my limitations. Once I DID accept them, and quit comparing myself to the throngs of people that passed me by every day, I had a wonderful time. That was the lesson I had to learn. But . . . . It never got physically easy - I just did it, my way, my pace, my Camino. It was one of the best times of my life spiritually and emotionally. You are very wise to get a private room every 4th night. I took a couple days off in Leon and it changed my attitude and it was a piece of cake (mentally) after that. You have so many wonderful beautiful things to see ahead of you. Someone asked me what would I do different if I were to do it again. I didn't hesitate - I said take more time. I rushed through the first 14 or stages too quickly. My last week was so different. 2 friends from home came and finished the Camino with me from Sarria on. We stayed in pensions and walked only 6 -11 mi/day - how fun! I stopped and played more. I took hundreds of photos and I treasure every one of them. But mostly I treasure what I learned about myself, how to be a better person, and the people sent to me to help learn those lessons. Well enough about me - just wanted to share that it was hard for me but rewarding. Even the last day walking into Santiago - it was hard, step, step, step on hard concrete or stone. Anyhow that was my experience. Thanks for sharing yours.
