StepheninDC
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- June 2017
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Thank you, due to my schedule the earliest I can get the MRI is Thursday night, i.e. two days from now. The longer it takes, the longer I have to wait until I figure out what to do. It's really a Catch-22, I NEED to train for the Camino but if I have an injury I can't train. Grr...I am not a medic but don't exacerbate the injury because you feel compelled to start walking on that date. Go to Spain anyway, take it easy, travel by bus along the Camino until your foot is better, consult an expert before shifting to walking. Expect more informed responses after this. Just wanted to encourage you in your decision to travel to Spain no matter what.
Stephen, people try to get themselves into the best shape possible to go and do this, right? Not your fault and hopefully not a Camino-ender. Better to understand if there's a problem and know what to do about it rather than being sidelined in Spain with a worsened problem. This is NOT medical advice - I was an ortho/neuro trauma nurse for many years before retiring, but we saw the major injuries, not necessarily stress fractures. If there was point tenderness, that might be some indication, but try to manage until after the MRI (that's the hard part.....)...... if it's not a stress fracture, it might be such a subtle thing that your doc, especially as a runner, will have suggestions for how to manage it, knowing you're going on Camino, and maybe would suggest some modifications such as shorter walking days. When I ran, I sometimes had mild foot pain, even heel pain, and it was nothing at all. It was smart of you to go to your orthopedic surgeon to have it checked out. Also, I hiked 2 Caminos in hiking shoes and this year am training in good trail runners - what a huge difference in comfort!I just came from an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. I've had a mild pain sometimes in my left foot when I sit cross-legged and decided to have him check it out. He did an X-ray and found no fracture, however he did a manual examination and thinks I might (I emphasize, might) have a stress fracture in my calcaneus (heel). Well this sucks, I'm supposed to start walking the CF from SJPdP just 6 weeks from yesterday, and it can take 6-8 weeks just to heal from a stress fracture. I still have to get an MRI to be certain, but what to do now??
The doctor said it can come from suddenly ramping up walking (which is of course what I need to do to train for the Camino), and he suggested switching from hiking shoes (My Merrell Moabs, which I love) to a trail running shoe. I guess it helps that my doctor is himself a marathon runner and understands this stuff from something other than just a medical background. Even so, I'm really upset right now. I am going to Spain next month no matter what, but I'm a little depressed at the prospect of having to shorten my walking dramatically and/or stay off my feet for the next 5 1/2 weeks. Can anyone offer advice? (please don't say "go later" or "call it off", but that's not happening). Maybe it's not a big deal, but I'm worried. BTW I'm guessing it's my fault because while I work out a lot, I've been using the same New Balance shoes for several years and I probably wore out the cushioning which has now led to this.
Stephen, people try to get themselves into the best shape possible to go and do this, right? Not your fault and hopefully not a Camino-ender. Better to understand if there's a problem and know what to do about it rather than being sidelined in Spain with a worsened problem. This is NOT medical advice - I was an ortho/neuro trauma nurse for many years before retiring, but we saw the major injuries, not necessarily stress fractures. If there was point tenderness, that might be some indication, but try to manage until after the MRI (that's the hard part.....)...... it might be such a subtle thing that your doc, especially as a runner, will have suggestions for how to manage it, knowing you're going on Camino, and maybe would suggest some modifications such as shorter walking days. When I ran, I sometimes had mild foot pain, even heel pain, and it was nothing at all. It was smart of you to go to your orthopedic surgeon to have it checked out. Also, I hiked 2 Caminos in hiking shoes and this year am training in good trail runners - what a huge difference in comfort! The very best to you!
Thank you, yes I am doing the Camino Frances. (or at least planning to) I did contact Bourricot Express, although that was because I was looking for transportation FROM Pamplona and she only goes the way way. These are all good ideas, thanks. I am thinking more and more it's because of the workouts I do. I go to a very intense fitness boot camp about 3 times a week, it's great for fitness but exhausting-we've had people throw up and then leave because it was too much-and I'm 53 years old but in very good shape (except, apparently, for my pie izquierdo). However, I haven't changed shoes in probably 3 years, and I think the stress of using the same shoes over and over is to blame. I'm going to go to REI tonight after work and try on some trail runners, we'll see. I guess I'll need to start the RICE treatment as well, just to be on the safe side. I won't lie, I'm bummed that I won't be able to walk the entire Camino at this rate. Oh well, it is what it is. PS I've never been to Dairy Godmother, they closed earlier this year but reopened...I loved my Merrells too. People really like the Hokas - they have a roomy toe box. I have New Balance Hierro v2's this time and they're more comfortable than I could have hoped for. They don't look anywhere near as "hiker-cool" as real hiking shoes or boots, but maybe worth that sacrifice for the comfort. Again, this isn't medical advice, but it's sometimes the injuries related to repetitive actions (like pushing training) that cause stress fractures and tendonitis. Here's the thing, and you probably know this - only a few sessions of whole-Camino-day prep will be fine. I'm 61 -you look like a young guy. And I just do some yoga to counteract the compacting effects of hiking and do about 2 months of 3X/week hikes of maybe 6 - 10K/week and in the last month, I step it up to one or two longer hikes per week with a pack. Everyone here can give you ideas for starting out easy - such as taking Caroline's Bourricot Express up the less scenic and most strenuous 5 - 8K of the first day out of SJPP (are you doing the Frances?). You can send your pack ahead to reduce the stress on your feet. You can do bus-aheads through the more tedious parts. So, 11-12 miles per day of daily walking is possibly (read: probably) overkill. You pick up great strength from however far you hike ON the Camino every day and by 10 days in things are much easier if you've done good footcare and not gotten injured. Oh, yes, there's always the Rioja and Cervezas:0)))). And all kinds of good things to see in Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and Santiago (the food is great in Santiago, BTW). You wouldn't be at a massive loss for a good trip, even under the worst case scenario for this.
Ha! My sister does Boot Camp in Alexandria and runs on the Potomac at 05:30. I don't see how she does it. You're thinking that if you don't train very seriously you won't be able to walk the whole way? Your Spanish will really help, and one way or another, things will work out.Thank you, yes I am doing the Camino Frances. (or at least planning to) I did contact Bourricot Express, although that was because I was looking for transportation FROM Pamplona and she only goes the way way. These are all good ideas, thanks. I am thinking more and more it's because of the workouts I do. I go to a very intense fitness boot camp about 3 times a week, it's great for fitness but exhausting-we've had people throw up and then leave because it was too much-and I'm 53 years old but in very good shape (except, apparently, for my pie izquierdo). However, I haven't changed shoes in probably 3 years, and I think the stress of using the same shoes over and over is to blame. I'm going to go to REI tonight after work and try on some trail runners, we'll see. I guess I'll need to start the RICE treatment as well, just to be on the safe side. I won't lie, I'm bummed that I won't be able to walk the entire Camino at this rate. Oh well, it is what it is.
Thanks, my boot camp is in Alexandria, too. Small world. Yes, I do speak fluent Spanish, so that should help. As for running on the Potomac at 5:30 (I assume you mean AM?), that's awesome. I have too many evening obligations to be able to get up that early!Ha! My sister does Boot Camp in Alexandria and runs on the Potomac at 05:30. I don't see how she does it. You're thinking that if you don't train very seriously you won't be able to walk the whole way? Your Spanish will really help, and one way or another, things will work out.
I had a metatarsal stress fracture 2 years ago. Before it was diagnosed, I had several months when I could walk a few km but no more than 8 km without significant pain. I had tried resting it for 3 weeks but it didn't heal. Finally, once I got it diagnosed, the doctor said it typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal. He suggested I wear a boot or an special insert in my shoe. I decided that the insert increased my discomfort, and the boot was overkill (since I was in no pain if I walked extremely slowly and wore cushioned footwear). Instead, I chose instead to stay off my feet as much as possible for the duration. I rarely left the house, wore crocs around the house on the hard floors, and when I did go out I walked very very slowly so there was virtually no discomfort. It took some hard discipline as the healing was not clear until 6 weeks, when I realized it was almost completely better; at 7 or 8 weeks it was 100%, and I ramped up walking at more than 10%/week (after all, what is 10% of 0 km?) At 10 weeks later I was walking from SJPP. It has never bothered me since.
The lesson... if it is a stress fracture, 6 weeks of rest are probably needed. What that "rest" looks like might be variable. I'd suggest that you be really strict in the time you have at home, starting right now - no walking; use soft shoes around the house and when going out. Consider a "boot cast" if your doctor suggests. Forget about even modest walking/training. What I learned is that until it is healed, it isn't healed; and you don't want to set it back. Each day of healing could be undone by a day of walking! So, stay off the foot!
If you are lucky, you might be better in 6 weeks. However, it would be wise to expect to modify your plans for the first week or two. I.e. don't walk the first week, and then work up your distances to see how it goes. This can be a lesson in humility for those of us who like to be in control!
I almost never train for my walks, i normally tend to take it slowly to start with, then build up. I am 62. I don't think taking it easy for 6 weeks will set you back massively as far as fitness goes. It is imperative that bone healing occurs undisturbed. The more pressure and movement you put the fracture area under the more you interfere with the healing process. I just walked the entire Via Gebenennsis on a fractured 2nd metatarsal and lisfrancs joint sprain, which was total agony. I sustained the injury on day 1 when I got lost and ended up walking 26 km after 1 pm in extreme heat, jetlagged and feeling off after a tummy bug. I was wearing orthotics which were too high under the midfoot, then tripped slightly twice. I didn't notice I had injured myself other than a needle sharp pain shooting through my foot a few times.Thank you, I actually read an earlier thread you posted on this subject (I think it was a post from 2 years ago, if I remember correctly). What you describe above sounds a lot like what I read from before. Thank you! I really appreciate the helpful advice. My situation is somewhat different, in that I experience NO pain whatsoever under normal circumstances, i.e. while walking, running, working out, relaxing, sleeping, etc. I walked 7 miles on Sunday and was fine the whole time, as well as yesterday, no fatigue or soreness whatsoever. The only time it bothers me is if the left foot is twisted onto its side as is the case when sitting cross-legged (we used to call it "Indian style" but that's gone out of fashion). To me it feels much more like a sprain than a fracture. Yes, my heel hurt a little when the doctor was jabbing at it with his finger, but I feel pain anytime anyone jabs his finger into me, injury or no. That's one of the reasons I'm anxious to see what the MRI shows. I'll be honest, it'd be extremely difficult for me to stop moving. I have to go to work, and I work Monday through Friday 8-4:30, and I do a lot of professional singing so I'm driving around to churches and to rehearsals, in addition to my fitness classes. I simply can't stay home, it just isn't possible. However, I would like to try and take care of the foot as best I can, wearing softer shoes as you suggest, maybe putting ice on it when I can. I'm just crossing my fingers that the MRI shows it's not actually a fracture, and that I can train slowly over the next 5 1/2 weeks before I leave for Spain. I agree with your last line, it IS a lesson in humility. I won't be crushed if I can't walk the entire Camino, I'd be okay if I had to skip some parts and walk at a very gentle pace. But I'm going, come what may. I have a strong will!
Don't panic until you get the MRI. "Maybe's" are just too stressful. Once you get the straight scoop you can make decisions. I'm not sure that I would trust a runner (even if he is a doctor) to be the last word on shoes that you need for a long walk. I think you will be better off doing your own research. Runners have their own bias, just as each of us has our own bias. The trick is to absorb as much of it as you can and then make a decision based upon what you already know about you and your body. Good luck. I hope the MRI is clear.
My pain wasn't great. It only became significant after several km of walking, and it was never a sharp pain. I expect also that there are degrees of stress fracture.people who experience fractures have constant pain, which I don't.
Do you have access to a swimming pool? Deep water running and walking or a deep water aerobics class can do a lot for maintaining fitness without putting pressure on your injured foot. Granted it's not the same as training while carrying your pack but it's better than nothing.Thank you, due to my schedule the earliest I can get the MRI is Thursday night, i.e. two days from now. The longer it takes, the longer I have to wait until I figure out what to do. It's really a Catch-22, I NEED to train for the Camino but if I have an injury I can't train. Grr...
I did the French way with NO training. And the Primitivo, and in the last 3 weeks, 180 miles of the Via de la Plata. For someone with your great general fitness, these walks should not be hard.
So my opinion: you are overdoing it on all counts. Take a big big rest from now until you start your camino. Stop your boot camp and training walks. Go swimming 3 or 4 times a week and do pilates class.
Consider the small compromise of starting in Roncesvalles instead of SJPP. Nitpick your pack weight right down (under 10kg including water). Learn good poles technique (get a one to one Nordic Walking lesson if necessary).
If your doctor says don't do it, follow that advice, but generally, chill out.
I just came from an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. I've had a mild pain sometimes in my left foot when I sit cross-legged and decided to have him check it out. He did an X-ray and found no fracture, however he did a manual examination and thinks I might (I emphasize, might) have a stress fracture in my calcaneus (heel). Well this sucks, I'm supposed to start walking the CF from SJPdP just 6 weeks from yesterday, and it can take 6-8 weeks just to heal from a stress fracture. I still have to get an MRI to be certain, but what to do now??
The doctor said it can come from suddenly ramping up walking (which is of course what I need to do to train for the Camino), and he suggested switching from hiking shoes (My Merrell Moabs, which I love) to a trail running shoe. I guess it helps that my doctor is himself a marathon runner and understands this stuff from something other than just a medical background. Even so, I'm really upset right now. I am going to Spain next month no matter what, but I'm a little depressed at the prospect of having to shorten my walking dramatically and/or stay off my feet for the next 5 1/2 weeks. Can anyone offer advice? (please don't say "go later" or "call it off", but that's not happening). Maybe it's not a big deal, but I'm worried. BTW I'm guessing it's my fault because while I work out a lot, I've been using the same New Balance shoes for several years and I probably wore out the cushioning which has now led to this.
Thank you, I was sort of assuming that from your earlier comment about not being able to walk more than 8 km without pain. I don't have any pain after walking, regardless of the distance. Sorry about that, I wasn't clear..My pain wasn't great. It only became significant after several km of walking, and it was never a sharp pain. I expect also that there are degrees of stress fracture.
Stephen, if you are so inclined, please leave a word about how tomorrow's MRI comes out and how your visit to the REI there in D.C. went (I live in a rural mountain area now and the kids at the outfitter here just shrug their shoulders and pop their bubble gum if asked a question:0)). I'm just curious about the results given your circumstances. You're probably at work, but hope you're at peace and feeling some optimism about the prospects of getting your Camino under way.Thank you, I was sort of assuming that from your earlier comment about not being able to walk more than 8 km without pain. I don't have any pain after walking, regardless of the distance. Sorry about that, I wasn't clear..
Do you have access to a swimming pool? Deep water running and walking or a deep water aerobics class can do a lot for maintaining fitness without putting pressure on your injured foot. Granted it's not the same as training while carrying your pack but it's better than nothing.
I did the French way with NO training. And the Primitivo, and in the last 3 weeks, 180 miles of the Via de la Plata. For someone with your great general fitness, these walks should not be hard.
So my opinion: you are overdoing it on all counts. Take a big big rest from now until you start your camino. Stop your boot camp and training walks. Go swimming 3 or 4 times a week and do pilates class.
Consider the small compromise of starting in Roncesvalles instead of SJPP. Nitpick your pack weight right down (under 10kg including water). Learn good poles technique (get a one to one Nordic Walking lesson if necessary).
If your doctor says don't do it, follow that advice, but generally, chill out.
Sound advice. Good pole techniques are a must. I would add.....get you pack transported over the more challenging sections. This will relieve pressures on knees and feet.
Merrell Moabs have a hard wearing but unyielding Vibram sole with no internal cushioning whatsoever . To compound matters the inner soles supplied with them amount to little more than a piece of paper like plastic which acts as the only shock absorbing layer between your foot and the road .
If you want to continue to use them invest in an aftermarket cushioning sole made for sufferers of Neuropathy or Diabetes , these will be very supportive and will turn the Moabs into far more comfortable footwear than when they left the factory .
What sort of distances were you planning on walking on the Camino? How much time are you planning to give it?
What comes across in your original post is a kind of panic or desperation that if you don't do all this intensive training, then you won't be able to do the Camino. That's simply not true. It may alter the details of how you do it, though. You are already fitter than many people who walk the Camino, and you can see from the comments that the amount of training people do is usually less than their original intention. Mine certainly is, I'm 54.
What's most important is that you can turn up with feet sufficiently healthy to start and be able to continue. If you don't rest them now, you risk not being able to do it at all. while you are on the Camino, you can pace yourself to not push the distances too much at the start, and see how you body responds. As you get used to it, you can increase the distance. The first day from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is a tough starting day, so depending on your diagnosis, either start in Pamplona, or book a bed in Orisson for the first night.
Stephen, if you are so inclined, please leave a word about how tomorrow's MRI comes out and how your visit to the REI there in D.C. went (I live in a rural mountain area now and the kids at the outfitter here just shrug their shoulders and pop their bubble gum if asked a question:0)). I'm just curious about the results given your circumstances. You're probably at work, but hope you're at peace and feeling some optimism about the prospects of getting your Camino under way.
Indeed , good advice! I suffered form stress fractures in both feet. I could not believe it as I am not a marathon runner. I have walked the Camino Frances in several stages. It seems to me that it is the accumulated stress over the years that provoked this painful experience. It took me several months to recover. My doctor could only give the advice to rest my feet.I had a metatarsal stress fracture 2 years ago. Before it was diagnosed, I had several months when I could walk a few km but no more than 8 km without significant pain. I had tried resting it for 3 weeks but it didn't heal. Finally, once I got it diagnosed, the doctor said it typically takes 6-8 weeks to heal. He suggested I wear a boot or an special insert in my shoe. I decided that the insert increased my discomfort, and the boot was overkill (since I was in no pain if I walked extremely slowly and wore cushioned footwear). Instead, I chose instead to stay off my feet as much as possible for the duration. I rarely left the house, wore crocs around the house on the hard floors, and when I did go out I walked very very slowly so there was virtually no discomfort. It took some hard discipline as the healing was not clear until 6 weeks, when I realized it was almost completely better; at 7 or 8 weeks it was 100%, and I ramped up walking at more than 10%/week (after all, what is 10% of 0 km?) At 10 weeks later I was walking from SJPP. It has never bothered me since.
The lesson... if it is a stress fracture, 6 weeks of rest are probably needed. What that "rest" looks like might be variable. I'd suggest that you be really strict in the time you have at home, starting right now - no walking; use soft shoes around the house and when going out. Consider a "boot cast" if your doctor suggests. Forget about even modest walking/training. What I learned is that until it is healed, it isn't healed; and you don't want to set it back. Each day of healing could be undone by a day of walking! So, stay off the foot!
If you are lucky, you might be better in 6 weeks. However, it would be wise to expect to modify your plans for the first week or two. I.e. don't walk the first week, and then work up your distances to see how it goes. This can be a lesson in humility for those of us who like to be in control!
I just came from an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. I've had a mild pain sometimes in my left foot when I sit cross-legged and decided to have him check it out. He did an X-ray and found no fracture, however he did a manual examination and thinks I might (I emphasize, might) have a stress fracture in my calcaneus (heel). Well this sucks, I'm supposed to start walking the CF from SJPdP just 6 weeks from yesterday, and it can take 6-8 weeks just to heal from a stress fracture. I still have to get an MRI to be certain, but what to do now??
The doctor said it can come from suddenly ramping up walking (which is of course what I need to do to train for the Camino), and he suggested switching from hiking shoes (My Merrell Moabs, which I love) to a trail running shoe. I guess it helps that my doctor is himself a marathon runner and understands this stuff from something other than just a medical background. Even so, I'm really upset right now. I am going to Spain next month no matter what, but I'm a little depressed at the prospect of having to shorten my walking dramatically and/or stay off my feet for the next 5 1/2 weeks. Can anyone offer advice? (please don't say "go later" or "call it off", but that's not happening). Maybe it's not a big deal, but I'm worried. BTW I'm guessing it's my fault because while I work out a lot, I've been using the same New Balance shoes for several years and I probably wore out the cushioning which has now led to this.
I've had a mild pain sometimes in my left foot when I sit cross-legged
Why are you icing and taking Ibuprofen when your foot is not swollen and you don't have pain except when you sit cross-legged? Just stop sitting cross-legged!I managed to ice my foot last night for about 20 minutes and again this morning for 15 as well as taking Ibuprofen, and my foot feels a bit better.
Be blunt, I like that!Why are you icing and taking Ibuprofen when your foot is not swollen and you don't have pain except when you sit cross-legged? Just stop sitting cross-legged!
Haha, good point, problem solved, no more cross-legged sitting!
No, it's more that it's only my left foot that hurts when I do that, so I know something's up. I'm icing and taking Ibuprofen because it seems to feel better after that.
It sounds to me that you have yourself on quite the high-speed treadmill. What are you trying to accomplish by going on the Camino? You say you have your heart set on starting in SJPP, but have only 28 days to get to Santiago, so maybe the physical challenge is a big objective. However, if calm thinking time and conversations with pilgrims are important, then you are not setting things up for success.
Please excuse me if I am being a little blunt.
Here's where I remember to go take the day's D3 and drink some of milk. Thanks!Indeed , good advice! I suffered form stress fractures in both feet. I could not believe it as I am not a marathon runner. I have walked the Camino Frances in several stages. It seems to me that it is the accumulated stress over the years that provoked this painful experience. It took me several months to recover. My doctor could only give the advice to rest my feet.
I don't think anyone would say don't train at all, we are just confessing that we didn't, and in fact, were still able to manage. Just trying to create a context that's all: it's not an Ironman challenge, unless you decide to make it that, by putting undue time pressure on yourself.some people with experience on the Camino say “make sure you train well in advance,” others say “don’t train at all.”
I don't think anyone would say don't train at all, we are just confessing that we didn't, and in fact, were still able to manage. Just trying to create a context that's all: it's not an Ironman challenge, unless you decide to make it that, by putting undue time pressure on yourself.
But you can definitely over-train for it, and start off half worn out, and that is what we are warning about. Being 10lb overweight at the start is nothing to worry about, that weight will drop off very fast.
Meantime, if you can't get to swim (the pool closes for rain?) then stay off your feet and do some weights. Elliptical is still weight bearing. And CHILL OUT. Look I wrote it in capitals so you have to take notice.
Thank you, yes I did have an MRI done last night, and they gave me a CD with the results. Yay! Today I tried to view it on my computer and my computer locked up. Boo! So I'll have to take it to my doctor(s) and have them analyze the results. I did have an appointment with a podiatrist yesterday and she is inclined to believe it's more likely tendonitis rather than a stress fracture. She made me a little ankle support which will help stabilize my foot throughout the day, and she recommended icing the foot and taking ibuprofen for the next 7-10 days. She also told me I have high arches, which is news to me since I'm 53 years old and I have never known that, if you can believe it. Last night I went to the Metro Walk and Run store near me (my wife swears by that place since she has plantar fasciitis and other foot troubles), and they fitted me with some unbelievably comfortable Altra Lone Peak 3.0 trail runners. They are super comfortable, almost like not wearing shoes at all. I might end up walking in those rather than my hiking shoes.Did you get MRI and how long do you have to wait for results?
I am sorry you are facing that challenge. I am not a doctor nor pretend to be one but am a former Marine and I had same situation on my right foot. I kept my activities, humping 25 miles with full pack; I was given a foot brace (nowdays, they have better ones with copper) and I was able to keep my march and running. I did El Camino Frances last year June to July and walked with a stress fracture. I had a 30lb. pack and pace myself on walking. I used a foot brace and at the end I rubbed my foot with magnesium paste; it worked for me. Also, I took 600 mg ibuprofen to keep swelling down and pain. As I said, am not a doctor but if careful it can be done.I just came from an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. I've had a mild pain sometimes in my left foot when I sit cross-legged and decided to have him check it out. He did an X-ray and found no fracture, however he did a manual examination and thinks I might (I emphasize, might) have a stress fracture in my calcaneus (heel). Well this sucks, I'm supposed to start walking the CF from SJPdP just 6 weeks from yesterday, and it can take 6-8 weeks just to heal from a stress fracture. I still have to get an MRI to be certain, but what to do now??
The doctor said it can come from suddenly ramping up walking (which is of course what I need to do to train for the Camino), and he suggested switching from hiking shoes (My Merrell Moabs, which I love) to a trail running shoe. I guess it helps that my doctor is himself a marathon runner and understands this stuff from something other than just a medical background. Even so, I'm really upset right now. I am going to Spain next month no matter what, but I'm a little depressed at the prospect of having to shorten my walking dramatically and/or stay off my feet for the next 5 1/2 weeks. Can anyone offer advice? (please don't say "go later" or "call it off", but that's not happening). Maybe it's not a big deal, but I'm worried. BTW I'm guessing it's my fault because while I work out a lot, I've been using the same New Balance shoes for several years and I probably wore out the cushioning which has now led to this.
Altra shoes are getting a very good rep on the Caminos. I had not heard of them until this spring when a few people I met in albergues rabed about them. I look forward to trying them to compare to my Hokas.
Glad you went to the podiatrist. I used to suffer on my first Caminos, not understanding how others could walk so much when I was in so much pain: it took a podiatrist for me to learn I have flat feet. So now I always rwcommend a visit to a podiatrist a few months before a first Camino. And every couple of years after that as well, because feet change and orthotics weardown.
I walked the CP Central Route from Porto to SdC then out to Muxia & Finisterre in April wearing Altra Lone Peak 3.0 trail runners. After a week off I decided that wasn't enough so I have jumped onto the CF in León heading West. The Altra shoes have worked very well for me. I replaced the inners with Scholl gel inserts, and use elastic laces. Combined with Injinji hiking toe socks this is the most comfortable footwear I have found so far. My only concern is that the tread on the shoes might not last to SdC this time, but so far so good. Buen Camino.
@StepheninDC Tendinitis isn't the best news but it's better than a fracture. You have time to rest and heal before starting your Camino and at your level of fitness, you need not worry. I hope you will listen to your body along the way and let it call the shots. Buen Camino.
Hola from Villadangos, StepheninDC.
I put about 250km into my Altra's before starting the CP. Not that they needed any wearing in, I just wanted to be sure the "zero drop" design would be OK for my feet. So add another 320km for the CP+ and probably another 100km for the walking since and that puts this pair at about 670km (420 miles). I'm hoping they will get me to SdC again. The predominance of hard surfaces, i.e. cobblestones and asphalt on the CP was pretty tough on the soles. Despite the comparative lack of stone protection I did not experience any problems with foot soreness.
You're right about the slipper like nature of the Altra's, and with the elastic laces they become even more so. They are so light you hardly know you are wearing them. They breathe very well also. I had temp's close to 30°C early on in the CP and had no problems with the heat. I think the gel inserts help dissipate heat as I was getting some hot spots before switching to them.
My first Camino with Injinji toe socks and I'm a convert! I wore Merrell Moabs on my first Camino and liked them, but now that I have found Altra's I think I'll be sticking with them.
I hope I have covered all your queries. Buen Camino.
Isn't that the normal routine?So I'll have to take it to my doctor(s) and have them analyze the results.
Happy to be of some assistance StepheninDC. I should probably clarify that I removed the Altra inserts and replaced them with the Dr Scholl's. I use the "Work" type, or you could try the "Sport" type if you want some arch support and a bit more stone protection. Must admit I was pleasantly surprised that the zero drop shoes worked fine for me, but I'm sure they are not for everyone. I hope your first Camino is a wonderful experience. I don't want to start a debate, but I would highly recommend you take a good quality set of walking poles on the CF. Used properly they can be of great benefit.
Buen Camino.
Isn't that the normal routine?
I am still confused as I understood that you only had pain (it is in your heel somewhere) when you sit cross-legged, and you don't have pain associated with walking. The podiatrist said to let pain be your guide (very good advice) but what pain are you treating with ice and ibuprofen?
Be careful with all the new shoes and inner soles you are trying just 5 weeks before you go.
Thank you, due to my schedule the earliest I can get the MRI is Thursday night, i.e. two days from now. The longer it takes, the longer I have to wait until I figure out what to do. It's really a Catch-22, I NEED to train for the Camino but if I have an injury I can't train. Grr...
Merrell Moabs have a hard wearing but unyielding Vibram sole with no internal cushioning whatsoever . To compound matters the inner soles supplied with them amount to little more than a piece of paper like plastic which acts as the only shock absorbing layer between your foot and the road .
If you want to continue to use them invest in an aftermarket cushioning sole made for sufferers of Neuropathy or Diabetes , these will be very supportive and will turn the Moabs into far more comfortable footwear than when they left the factory .
I just came from an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon. I've had a mild pain sometimes in my left foot when I sit cross-legged and decided to have him check it out. He did an X-ray and found no fracture, however he did a manual examination and thinks I might (I emphasize, might) have a stress fracture in my calcaneus (heel). Well this sucks, I'm supposed to start walking the CF from SJPdP just 6 weeks from yesterday, and it can take 6-8 weeks just to heal from a stress fracture. I still have to get an MRI to be certain, but what to do now??
The doctor said it can come from suddenly ramping up walking (which is of course what I need to do to train for the Camino), and he suggested switching from hiking shoes (My Merrell Moabs, which I love) to a trail running shoe. I guess it helps that my doctor is himself a marathon runner and understands this stuff from something other than just a medical background. Even so, I'm really upset right now. I am going to Spain next month no matter what, but I'm a little depressed at the prospect of having to shorten my walking dramatically and/or stay off my feet for the next 5 1/2 weeks. Can anyone offer advice? (please don't say "go later" or "call it off", but that's not happening). Maybe it's not a big deal, but I'm worried. BTW I'm guessing it's my fault because while I work out a lot,[/QUO
For what it's worth, and until your MRI, an old folk remedy is to use a vibrating old fashioned tuning fork on the site area. Apparently, it hurts like heck if the bone is fractured. Might be worth googling.
I walked the Camino (and on to Finisterre/Muxia) blister and pain free in my Altra Lone Peaks. They did not need breaking in, though I did wear them ahead of time.
A pedorthist at a local running shop fitted me with an insert to use in place of the stock ones. All in all, it was like walking on clouds. I was very happy.
A friend of mine also got a pair of Altra Lone Peaks, she had not had zero-rise shoes before. She experienced some discomfort and was advised to break them in gradually -- one day for 15 minutes, the next day 20, etc.
She now prefers these shoes.
Buen Camino, sounds like your issues are being sorted.
What surfaces were you walking on in your Moabs? I've used them exclusively for hiking for a number of years putting upteen 100's (1000's?) of trail miles on them but they invariably give me tendinitis (anterior tibularis in my case) when I wear them on pavement. The soles just don't bend enough for my foot. Perhaps this the the same reason your doctor recommended the Hokas? I've converted to using Altra Olympus trail shoes for Camino training which have a super amount of cushioning and a Vibram sole (hopefully will make them last longer than the Lone Peaks, which also just didn't fit my foot shape).
Stephen, I want to echo the others here saying you are stressing too much about your fitness level. I walked from SJPP to Santiago last year, with a detour through Galicia on the challenging Camino Invierno (a lot of ups and downs, and far distances between towns.) I was 64, and my training at home was 3 to 5 mile daily walks wearing my 16 lb. pack.
On the Camino I had no blisters, injuries or even much in the way of aches and pains--in fact, I felt better than I do now, after a sedentary winter. The key to staying healthy was starting SLOW and with SHORT DISTANCES: for me, 8-10 miles a day the first week, gradually increasing to 12-17 miles a day my second month walking.
The other key was foot care. I wore New Balance running shoes, liner socks and wool socks. I rubbed vaseline on my feet morning and night, and took off my shoes and socks and aired my feet out a couple times a day. I washed my sock liners out every night, and stopped immediately to see what the problem was, including sitting down on a park bench to cut my toenails, if I felt even the slightest foot twinge.
I'd say pick your shoes for maximum comfort, don't worry too much about support on "rocky and cobblestone" trails. Much of the Camino is paved or gravel, it's not U.S. style wilderness trail walking.
The running shoes let me feet breathe, and dried out quickly when they got wet.
Also essential were my poles (Pacer poles, excellent), which I learned to use to leverage myself up hills, and support myself on the way down.
Many of the people who get hurt on the Camino are young and fit. They push too hard, keeping up with others or competing against an imaginary deadline. You can miss a lot that way, I think.
So rest that foot up now, and then go and have your walk on the Camino that means so much to you. If you can only get halfway, come back the next year, and do the rest!
My heart goes out to you. Listen to your doctor. Heal and get better, but more importantly learn and teach others about what happened.
A number of years ago, I really got into running half marathons and other shorter long distance races (10miles and 15Km's) What I learned in training the hard way was that too much training will produce over-use injuries. Your body needs rest days for recovery and to maintain health.
In a master runner book, it told me that most half-marathon training schedules were for young 25 year olds and not people 60 or older. It flat out told me that I needed more rest days as I got older, because it took longer for my body to recover from heavy exercise. I didn't make as much Human Growth Hormone as when I was younger and other important hormones were also in lesser supply.
Stress fractures among people training for endurance events like Iron-mans and marathons is not uncommon. I think that everyone who decides to do the Camino, should understand what training for an endurance event really means, because the Camino can be an endurance event! I trained for it, it kicked my butt, but I had enough experience to listen to my body so I didn't injure myself. Having done endurance training, I left about 1/3 of my planned Camino days as reserved for rest, tourism, recover, bad weather, or reflection.
Good luck to you.
I am surprised at this conclusion. Many people ask about support but the answers focus on fit (but roomy) and comfort, as the first 2 criteria.I got the impression from here (and I love this forum, BTW) that support was more important than comfort,
If you have built up to 25km on one of your weekend days, see how well you cope with doing this on two successive days then two successive weekends. If you pull up okay after that you won't have too much trouble on the Camino.
I certainly wouldn't intensify your weekday pattern.
Not so hard. If possible, it is good to build up to those distances, so we would probably all agree this is ideal. (Although most people don't do it.) However, and I expect @dougfitz would agree, if you are injured, the situation is very different. That is the only time we would recommend that you stop training.I'm having difficulty reconciling the "don't train at all" camp from the "walk 25km on the weekend" camp
Not so hard. If possible, it is good to build up to those distances, so we would probably all agree this is ideal. (Although most people don't do it.) However, and I expect @dougfitz would agree, if you are injured, the situation is very different. That is the only time we would recommend that you stop training.
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