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I am sorry for your pain. Hopefully, you can walk the rest later onHello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
So sorry that you had to stop your CaminoHello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Oh, dear, @AndyTomas ... What can I say? Well, first, congratulations on posting this news. I have been following your preparation, and hoping that all would work out for your timescale on this, your first - but not final -camino. Just get sorted, enjoy the visit to family - are you not going to Italy? and then, another day, Santiago will call you back. I usually don't talk like this, but somehow, I think it applies to you. Sorry, but listen: have you heard of Jean Vanier? Look him up. Life is bigger than our little setbacks. courage et confiance! (courage and confidence, although I imagine with your Italian connection you could understand)Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Oh dear. I am so very sorry for your pain and painful decision to stop your Camino. I hope that you recover well and quickly. The Camino will still be there for you.Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Not really!I'm sorry for your pain. I hope there was a visit to a health clinic in there.
Well, it doesn’t happen always. It’s not a rule!I am also sorry to read about your injury and that you had to stop - for a while, anyway. How are your legs now - have you received any medical advice and are they getting better?
I hope you don't mind if I remind new pilgrims of a few lessons... It is risky to start the camino by walking 32-40 km/day if you are not experienced in those daily distances. Your body gets fatigued and you are more likely to stumble, fall or get overuse injuries. Once injured, you should respect the body's need to rest and heal. A couple of days of rest can sometimes (but not always) do miracles.
Of course, I don't always follow my own advice, but I keep reminding myself of these things.
Unfortunately it didn’t works.Hi Andy,
Since you came such a long way, is there any possibility for you to book yourself to a Holiday area maybe in Barcelona (not so expensive there) for a week or two and see if your condition with rest and treatment gets better. You look young so you may heal faster. Meanwhile walk in soft shoes like crocks a minimum. Then you maybe can resume it.
You came such a long way and you achieved so much.
Oh yes..... definitely I will keep it!Remember to save and preserve your Pilgrim credencial. When you return, pick up at Leon where you left off. You only have to finish the second half of this route to have completed the entire Camino Frances.
We are ALL presuming that you WILL be back.
My dear, the Camino is something that every single person does as he/she wishes.I'm so very sorry to hear about your injury! It sounds like you put alot of effort into planning and training to suffer such an unfortunate injury. I'm just curious....
Did you have some time constraint that made you WANT to do 32-40 kms a day? That sounds extremely fast and contrary to the advice that is repeated here again and again to walk at your pace, listen to your body, the adages that it's not a race, these things are shared with those who want to walk so they will be prepared and not get injured.
When I walk my Camino I'm planning on giving myself 6-8 weeks to do it. Because of my spinal condition I might only want to walk 6-20 kms a day. I don't mind because I want to absorb all the Camino has to offer.
Your pace just sounds so fast and I'm wondering how many pilgrims did you get to fellowship with? How many hours did you spend losing yourself in views of the terrain? How many people did you not get to know because they couldn't walk at your pace? Did you see any of the sights with that pace? I'm asking because I want to know, respectfully and understand.
There is a member who walked from SJPP to Santiago in 24 days plus two rest days in Burgos. He posted a thread recently about his disillusionment with the Camino and his faith (Druidism). He too became injured because of his pace. Not just physically but I suspect his pace prevented him from achieving his spiritual goals as well. His injuries were minor compared to yours so if your goal is to set a record, I'm pretty sure he set it already lol!
If you read my report, I used poles every day except while I was doing the downhill towards Burgos plus I did it too fast without distribution the weight carefully.Andy I have been prevented by life circumstances from doing the Camino for the past seven years. I have not been able to follow my call to walk until this year and still circumstances have not granted me full freedom to get on a plane. I agree that people can do the Camino as they wish but if they want to ignore tried and true advice they proceed at their peril. I won't give you pity because you hurt yourself. Planning means taking poles and you left that out in your original post. I'm glad you were able to enjoy your walk and recieve benefits at the pace you did it. It sounds like you just wanted to from your response. or you might have said no I had to get back to work or family.
I'm glad you walked the Camino you wanted to and got many benefits from it. Getting hurt on day one or day ten would be a nightmare for me as long as I have waited to go. But I think you are doing a disservice to future pilgrims by adhering to this "walk it as you wish" philosophy. Walking it as you wished, without poles, pushing your body like you did lead you to the end you have now. Let's hope all reading now will realize this actually was a failure of planning and not some "chance" circumstance that having poles could have prevented.
Buen Camino and take poles next time! And if I seem trite because I want to follow in the footsteps of the "stereotype" of the pilgrims past who took things slower and live to tell without injuries so be it. I will walk my way. You walk yours.
@lizlane - You are making some very strong statements that are not very kind and are based on some narrow generalizations about how the camino should be walked.Let's hope all reading now will realize this actually was a failure of planning and not some "chance" circumstance
"...I tell you something, plan as much as you want your journey, but you don’t know what can happen on the way..."
You did your best and you will return stronger . As you recover you will plan and maybe do a different approach next time . I am a way older than you and got to Fromista last year in 9 days , Why? because I only had nine days off and got up early and walked . Nobody’s Camino is the same or should be . Good luck on your recovery and look forward to returning.My dear, the Camino is something that every single person does as he/she wishes.
I could think the same of your way how to do the Camino, spending 40 days and walking always, since the first day, with people instead of enjoying the peace of silence walking alone. But I don’t like judging what people love.
The way as you are describing the Camino is the stereotype of thousands of people how they see the Camino.
Did you ever try to do the Camino in your way instead of following the stereotype? I did!!!
However let me tell you something.
If someone walk 30 to 40km at day like me, it doesn’t mean that he is not enjoying the Camino.
I loved every single step done of it. I enjoy the scenery, the terrain, I met a lot of people everyday, always different and I can tell you something more, I walked from Burgos to Leon with a Brazilian guy, who was walking as fast as me enjoying everything.
Anyway, I walked most of my days alone, listening only birds and my steps.
My injury came because I did a downhill towards Burgos (you will see what I’m talking about) too fast and without trekking poles even if I had it and did not happen because I was walking 30 to 40kms at day.
I tell you something, plan as much as you want your journey, but you don’t know what can happen on the way.
After that, I can only say to you GOOD LUCK AND BUEN CAMINO MY FRIEND.
My dear, I’m speechless of what you said, but I can’t get upset of it because you don’t even know what does mean the word “failure “ says to a pilgrim!!!!!Let's hope all reading now will realize this actually was a failure of planning and not some "chance" circumstance that having poles could have prevented.
You are so right!!!!!That rock field hill between Atapuerca and Burgos is an under-estimated hazard.
Hi AndyHello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
@AndyTomas, it is great that you have had the courage to share this story with us, and a shame that despite your preparation that this happened to you. I feel for you.My injury came because I did a downhill towards Burgos (you will see what I’m talking about) too fast and without trekking poles even if I had it and did not happen because I was walking 30 to 40kms at day.
Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
You are totally right but unfortunately the love to continue walking was stronger than stop a few days in Burgos for recovery.Hola @AndyTomas . I can understand your desire to continue "regardless". But on reflection I suggest it might have been better to have visited a medical clinic in Burgos before heading out to tackle the Meseta. Despite other comments the Meseta is not flat and some of those hills are reeling testing. The pills and the cream as you found out only provided partial relief and you could have done real (permanent damage). I walked 20+ KM on a numb foot back in 2013 - it took nearly 2 years for a total mend,. Cheers
Sending sympathy, that is so frustrating, but it will heal. I recommend seeing a physiotherapist once it starts to get better, they are very good at correcting your gait so it doesn't happen again.I’m still injured and the doctor told me that I have phlebitis plus micro fracture, due to too much stress, on my shin splints of both legs!!! I need a long recovery
Note from mod — I love this post but had to delete the obscenity, it’s against forum rules.
I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Hi AndyHello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino. I
You are quite wrong there. We do not see many posts like that. A day of 35 km is not harmful or unusual at all for the many strong walkers on the Camino. It is long for me, yes, but I'm not going to criticise others for their happy abilities. Virtually no one is recommending that others walk long days.I see a lot of posts here where people where people present their long distances as if it is something to be admired by lesser humans. .
Here you make another mistake - assuming what is the Camino "supposed to be." And the rest of your statement implies quite deliberately that long-day-walkers are typically foolish and create horrible conditions for themselves. That is a silly exaggeration that might be entertaining in certain situations, but it is not, when combined with your other words and the context of this whole thread.I thought the Camino was supposed to be...
Andy, you aren't alone. I had to call it quits on the Portuguese at the end of Day 5 with 100 miles down...infected big toes from friction of socks (thicker than socks used two years ago on the Frances). I was crushed, so I share the feeling you have. It's such a disappointment, particularly when you've broken in shoes, donned the backpack, and put in months of training miles. You listened to your body (finally), tried rest days, and were smart to make the decision you did. Our feet and legs are so integral to the success of our camino experience...along with head and heart. Even though I knew my toes were toast, I just hoped the ER doctor might say give it a few more days and then go gingerly...but, he confirmed what I already knew and said I'd have to reschedule my camino. Fortunately for me, the direct flight is fairly short and inexpensive out of Boston. You, on the other hand, plunked down a hefty chunk of change with flights out of Australia and long travel days.Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Hi Andy,Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Really, can you specify where in this thread supports your assumption?! Maybe it's more about your own limitations but I'm sure in your prime you achieved similar distance. Some people need to put themselves outside their comfort zone to gain insights and 40km isn't extreme. I don't believe the ops injury was as result of distance. He was very well prepared and only received injury after 500kms. Everyone walks their own Camino and based on evidence your statement is unfounded.I see a lot of posts here where people present their long distances as if it is something to be admired by lesser humans.
I join with others in wishing you a good recovery, Andy Tomas, and blessings for your continuing Camino. I really like your comments, Hilarious, I feel some connection, having done my first Camino last year at age 65 (not as trained as I would have liked and in the wake of rather serious illness just a few months earlier). I walked at my own pace, had to part ways with my fellow South Australian due to our very different rhythms, had to skip ahead at one point due to illness, but I made it, aches & pains and all. And, I'm going back in 2021! Courage to all, whatever your rhythm.Hi Andy
So sorry to hear about your injury and hope that you have received some medical attention to assist with your recovery and prevent any recurrence. As many others have said we make plans but life often throws up a curved ball.
I’m sure other Caminos will be waiting for you - look after yourself! I am going on my first Camino in mid September from Mackay in Queensland. I am 64 and I know the plane trip will take it out of me before I even begin walking so have booked 2 nights in Bayonne and 2 nights in SJPdP.
Sending positive thoughts and wishes your way!
...and will add to above, that I did seek out a podiatrist early on (Estella, blisters) and later was seen at the International Clinic in Léon (severe respiratory infection), both necessary decisions which allowed me to keep going after treatment. Remember to take out good travel insurance with medical cover!I join with others in wishing you a good recovery, Andy Tomas, and blessings for your continuing Camino. I really like your comments, Hilarious, I feel some connection, having done my first Camino last year at age 65 (not as trained as I would have liked and in the wake of rather serious illness just a few months earlier). I walked at my own pace, had to part ways with my fellow South Australian due to our very different rhythms, had to skip ahead at one point due to illness, but I made it, aches & pains and all. And, I'm going back in 2021! Courage to all, whatever your rhythm.
I would never dream of criticizing people who choose to walk 20 km and spend their afternoons sitting in a café, but it would drive me crazy! For me, there is no better way to “smell the roses” (another popular criticism of those who walk long days) than to be out walking and soaking it all in.
Thank you. Glad to hear you made it and are going back again in 2021. You and so many others on this forum have inspired me and given some very valuable advice on many topics.I join with others in wishing you a good recovery, Andy Tomas, and blessings for your continuing Camino. I really like your comments, Hilarious, I feel some connection, having done my first Camino last year at age 65 (not as trained as I would have liked and in the wake of rather serious illness just a few months earlier). I walked at my own pace, had to part ways with my fellow South Australian due to our very different rhythms, had to skip ahead at one point due to illness, but I made it, aches & pains and all. And, I'm going back in 2021! Courage to all, whatever your rhythm.
You are making some very strong statements that are not very kind and are based on some narrow generalizations about how the camino should be walked.
My dear, the Camino is something that every single person does as he/she wishes.
I could think the same of your way how to do the Camino, spending 40 days and walking always, since the first day, with people instead of enjoying the peace of silence walking alone. But I don’t like judging what people love.
The way as you are describing the Camino is the stereotype of thousands of people how they see the Camino.
Did you ever try to do the Camino in your way instead of following the stereotype? I did!!!
My injury came because I did a downhill towards Burgos (you will see what I’m talking about) too fast and without trekking poles even if I had it and did not happen because I was walking 30 to 40kms at day.
I know you must feel really sad, however it sounds like you pushed your self to hard. The lesson, always listen to your body. Sometimes we all need to slack off and take a rest day, or at the very least only walk a few kilometers. Anyway, look at what you did accomplish and remember the good parts of your journey. Maybe you will be able to finish your journey some time in the future. Buen CaminoHello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
My dear, the Camino is something that every single person does as he/she wishes.
I could think the same of your way how to do the Camino, spending 40 days and walking always, since the first day, with people instead of enjoying the peace of silence walking alone. But I don’t like judging what people love.
The way as you are describing the Camino is the stereotype of thousands of people how they see the Camino.
Did you ever try to do the Camino in your way instead of following the stereotype? I did!!!
However let me tell you something.
If someone walk 30 to 40km at day like me, it doesn’t mean that he is not enjoying the Camino.
I loved every single step done of it. I enjoy the scenery, the terrain, I met a lot of people everyday, always different and I can tell you something more, I walked from Burgos to Leon with a Brazilian guy, who was walking as fast as me enjoying everything.
Anyway, I walked most of my days alone, listening only birds and my steps.
My injury came because I did a downhill towards Burgos (you will see what I’m talking about) too fast and without trekking poles even if I had it and did not happen because I was walking 30 to 40kms at day.
I tell you something, plan as much as you want your journey, but you don’t know what can happen on the way.
After that, I can only say to you GOOD LUCK AND BUEN CAMINO MY FRIEND.
Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
I'm so very sorry to hear about your injury! It sounds like you put alot of effort into planning and training to suffer such an unfortunate injury. I'm just curious....
Did you have some time constraint that made you WANT to do 32-40 kms a day? That sounds extremely fast and contrary to the advice that is repeated here again and again to walk at your pace, listen to your body, the adages that it's not a race, these things are shared with those who want to walk so they will be prepared and not get injured.
When I walk my Camino I'm planning on giving myself 6-8 weeks to do it. Because of my spinal condition I might only want to walk 6-20 kms a day. I don't mind because I want to absorb all the Camino has to offer.
Your pace just sounds so fast and I'm wondering how many pilgrims did you get to fellowship with? How many hours did you spend losing yourself in views of the terrain? How many people did you not get to know because they couldn't walk at your pace? Did you see any of the sights with that pace? I'm asking because I want to know, respectfully and understand.
There is a member who walked from SJPP to Santiago in 24 days plus two rest days in Burgos. He posted a thread recently about his disillusionment with the Camino and his faith (Druidism). He too became injured because of his pace. Not just physically but I suspect his pace prevented him from achieving his spiritual goals as well. His injuries were minor compared to yours so if your goal is to set a record, I'm pretty sure he set it already lol!
Hello to everyone,
Some of you already know me due to the many questions I asked trying to be ready for the Camino.
I have to say thanks to everyone for helping me to prepare all the necessary to put on my backpack (at the end it was only 5.3kg) and all the others things that I needed to know.
Unfortunately, as I learnt by myself, the Camino is unpredictable. Nobody can plan it ahead or nobody can be sure that what they planned will be perfect.
There is a long list of things that can change your plan, from meeting and making new friends to share the Camino with to an Albergue better than the other or weather conditions and last but not least INJURE!
I want to talk exactly about my injury that I couldn’t planned and arrived while I was walking, like the other days, doing one step as millions before it during my journey.
Day number 8, I was walking downhill, after a steep hill with a very bad terrain (maybe the worst of the Camino till Leon), towards Burgos. Was a normal day as 7 before, walking between 32km to 40km since I started in Pamplona. I could see Burgos from the hill and all the way going down, it was there close to me!
I walked around the airport, I started to walk through the periphery of Burgos quiet enjoying it because was Sunday and the streets were empty and a one point it happened. I felt on my right leg a very bad pain coming exactly from the neck of my foot going up until half of the way of my front calf.
I started limping and I was worried about it because it was a “new feeling” for me. Never a pain like that from my calf.
Anyway, I was already in Burgos, so I said to myself that I needed just a rest and the day after would be ok.
I arrived at the albergues spending the night there and I tried walking as less as possible. I was still in pain.
The day after it wasn’t the same because I had the same problem in the other leg too. In addition, both legs were puffy. I didn’t care!!! I was hungry of kms. Not a good way to start the Mesetas
I walked all day limping.
I arrived at the Albergue and I asked for a pharmacy.
I bought an anti inflammatory pills and cream.
I started to take it since I bought it. It helped me a lot with the pain.
The day after I took the pill in the morning and it did the job for 50%. I walked again for another entire day thinking positive for the day after.
I want to make it shorter.
At the end I walked 5 days with this injury, taking pills and applying cream but without any positive effects.
The pain was killing me step after step for all the 5 days and at the end I took the decision to stay in Leon for 2 days of rest.
The 2 days didn’t helps at all and at the ends i took the hardest decision for a pilgrim to stop my Camino, in Leon.
Sorry if it was a big too long to read it but this is what happened to me.
Many times people talk only when they finish it, but rarely pilgrims write about injuries or similar.
Keep in mind planning is part of us, but it doesn’t mean that it is wise to do so!
Buen Camino
Just to say that comments like these are not helpful and are unnecessarily judgmental. I don't want to rehash our earlier discussion, but if you read the entire thread, you will see plenty of comments explaining why what you have written is out of line.Sorry to hear about your injury.
Just a question: why walk so many kilometres per day? So many people walk too big stretches,getting injured knees, ankles, getting shin splints and blisters all over. We walked 15-25 kms a day and did not get one injury or blister.
I read that a human body is able to walk 20 kms a day. Everything more is too much, even for a trained body. It’s just too much.
Hope you’re alright now and able to finish the Camino some other time.
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