Hello from Ed
We all know about the pleasurable aspects that walking pilgrims receive and remember long after the event. I just want to spend a moment speaking about the possible difficulty of injury.
Last year I walked my second pigrimage this time from Le Puy a distance of 1550km. I first had a problem with the tendon behind the ankle just after Figeac, a distance of only 260km and this was to dog me throughout.
It forced me to stop regularly as the limping would get worse eg stopped 2days at Cajarc, 7days Moissac, 2days Burgos, 7days Leon. Sometimes it was both ankles. My worst moment was leaving Moissac ater 7days rest, within 2hours of walking I was limping as bad as ever and felt at my lowest at that point, possibly I had gone too early and should have rested more. I never gave up and arirved in Santiago after 79days.
But half of the time I was in discomfort or pain.
Someone told me that drinking plenty of water helps prevent tendonitis, but I'm not sure about that.
It may be an age thing, I'm 63.
I walk solo, so no one else was affected and I had no flight to meet. My time was my own. So I was not worried.
I dont think this problem would affect someone walking in stages or shorter distances. If your thinking about walking this distance don't be put off, I just pass my experience on so that others may know.
I've not been put off. I plan to be in Le Puy in April to do it all again.
But this time at a slow pace with some rest days built in.
Cheerio for now / Buen Camino
We all know about the pleasurable aspects that walking pilgrims receive and remember long after the event. I just want to spend a moment speaking about the possible difficulty of injury.
Last year I walked my second pigrimage this time from Le Puy a distance of 1550km. I first had a problem with the tendon behind the ankle just after Figeac, a distance of only 260km and this was to dog me throughout.
It forced me to stop regularly as the limping would get worse eg stopped 2days at Cajarc, 7days Moissac, 2days Burgos, 7days Leon. Sometimes it was both ankles. My worst moment was leaving Moissac ater 7days rest, within 2hours of walking I was limping as bad as ever and felt at my lowest at that point, possibly I had gone too early and should have rested more. I never gave up and arirved in Santiago after 79days.
But half of the time I was in discomfort or pain.
Someone told me that drinking plenty of water helps prevent tendonitis, but I'm not sure about that.
It may be an age thing, I'm 63.
I walk solo, so no one else was affected and I had no flight to meet. My time was my own. So I was not worried.
I dont think this problem would affect someone walking in stages or shorter distances. If your thinking about walking this distance don't be put off, I just pass my experience on so that others may know.
I've not been put off. I plan to be in Le Puy in April to do it all again.
But this time at a slow pace with some rest days built in.
Cheerio for now / Buen Camino
