Hello. I have a sad tale. Started Camino Frances on April 5th with my husband and we have had a wonderful time. We coped with the bad weather over the Pyrenees, the floods and endless rain that followed and loved it all. We had a rest day in Burgos and set out across the Meseta. We are seasoned walkers and have hiked the Himalayas, Alps and endless other long distance European trails, BUT, we had never walked the long distances and stony ground of the mesteta. It was easy walking, so we went for it and had long days. It was beautiful. Suddenly disaster struck and I woke up with severe foot pain. Hobbled on to Mansilla de las Mulas, where the wonderful municipal albergue actually offered free massage and physio. I felt sure I would be fine, but the next day still could not walk and by this time my other leg was suffering due to my limp. I took the bus to Leon. More physio and three days rest and still no better. So, we have had to return home, very disappointed and sad. We plan to return in the autumn to do the Leon to Santiago stretch.
So, the moral of this is don't be over confident on the Meseta. It was basically a repetitive strain injury. Pace yourself - there's no hurry - use gel insoles in your boots if you feel sore and rest at the first sign of trouble. Buen Camino!
So, the moral of this is don't be over confident on the Meseta. It was basically a repetitive strain injury. Pace yourself - there's no hurry - use gel insoles in your boots if you feel sore and rest at the first sign of trouble. Buen Camino!