I am reading threads and enjoying. I can't go yet, but I'm beginning to bet I'm one of the best prepared unexperienced, absolute newbies around. I've even been learning why, for the last 20 years, my feet hurt at the end of each day (Keds, no support...), and what to do about it: I'm taking store-bought gel inserts and making modifications to them to provide just the right amount of arch and plantar support.
BUT...
On the topic of SJPP to Roncesvalles, I know about stopping in Orisson on the Naqpoleon Route. I know about the Valcarlos route (bit shorter, not as high, better for bad weather)----it appears Daniel was killed in the movie "The Way" getting lost off the Napoleon route in bad weather.
BUT... (Again )
I do read now and then experienced trekkers talking to us new folks about doing this or that and then setting out on the first leg of the Camino, being the SJPP-Roncesvalles leg, and I'm prompted again to ask the question: Really?
Because, while I'm not an experienced trekker, I'm thinking it's not just the distance—24k?—but it's also the grades: first up to over 1400 then down the other side, both of which are harder to make than just plodding on the flats.
I'm in fair shape. Not the best by any means, but not the worst, either. But I've been thinking that the Camino, itself, will show my body what shape it needs to be in. Muscles will be used on the Way that aren't normally used, even in a workout: carrying a pack, the way the body leans, muscles used to lift the foot many more times, to use Pacer poles, just bending over to take shoes off and air feet out...and other issues may relate from hydration to nutrition, to a change in psychological stressors from those of daily life here to the different ones of daily trekking there.....
And with all that, I've been thinking I'd force myself to slow down, settle into that pace, by choosing to take the Napoleon route (if possible), and to stop in Orisson for that first night. It's all up hill, and I can guarantee I'll be tired. Then get down to Burgete the next day.
Even if I'm willing to go on, that first day, I may force myself—tie myself to a post—to stay in Orisson, get the marvelous views, and let my body adjust to aches it doesn't even know it has yet.
BUT...
On the topic of SJPP to Roncesvalles, I know about stopping in Orisson on the Naqpoleon Route. I know about the Valcarlos route (bit shorter, not as high, better for bad weather)----it appears Daniel was killed in the movie "The Way" getting lost off the Napoleon route in bad weather.
BUT... (Again )
I do read now and then experienced trekkers talking to us new folks about doing this or that and then setting out on the first leg of the Camino, being the SJPP-Roncesvalles leg, and I'm prompted again to ask the question: Really?
Because, while I'm not an experienced trekker, I'm thinking it's not just the distance—24k?—but it's also the grades: first up to over 1400 then down the other side, both of which are harder to make than just plodding on the flats.
I'm in fair shape. Not the best by any means, but not the worst, either. But I've been thinking that the Camino, itself, will show my body what shape it needs to be in. Muscles will be used on the Way that aren't normally used, even in a workout: carrying a pack, the way the body leans, muscles used to lift the foot many more times, to use Pacer poles, just bending over to take shoes off and air feet out...and other issues may relate from hydration to nutrition, to a change in psychological stressors from those of daily life here to the different ones of daily trekking there.....
And with all that, I've been thinking I'd force myself to slow down, settle into that pace, by choosing to take the Napoleon route (if possible), and to stop in Orisson for that first night. It's all up hill, and I can guarantee I'll be tired. Then get down to Burgete the next day.
Even if I'm willing to go on, that first day, I may force myself—tie myself to a post—to stay in Orisson, get the marvelous views, and let my body adjust to aches it doesn't even know it has yet.