SuperPilgrim
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF June 5, 2013
CF June 5, 2015
CF June 3, 2017
CN May 27, 2019
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Good on you! Shows what can be achieved with guts and determination. Hope your leg improves and you have a great second Camino! Love the video, appropriate song as well.I've wanted to walk the Camino since I first learned about it in high school in 1985. From time to time I would get motivated to do it, but then always found a reason to put it off. For ten years I even lived in Spain and still kept postponing my Camino. Finally in June of 2013 I made a decision to walk the way. A week later I was in St Jean Pied de Port walking out of my hotel on June 5th. It was 8:00am, exactly.
In the week prior I walked as much as I could. Tried to get at least a few days of training under my belt, but clearly not enough. After the first day I was tired, but not broken. After the second day I was a wreck. My right foot swelled so badly I could not get it into my shoe. I couldn't put any weight on my foot. I called some friends of mine who are professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars for help. The advice was to wrap it tight with ice packs, elevate and rest. I did that through the night and was able to walk again the next day.
Each day was a struggle. On June 13 I stopped to take a photo. At the same second I snapped the picture I felt a stabbing pain in my right leg. Upon looking down I saw a large bump on the side of my shin. Later I learned that a section of muscle had torn away from my bone. It will never heal. Despite a little more pain I continued on my Camino. The rest of the muscle still worked, so I kept going. Each night with ice and elevation. Trying to not quit.
About 3 miles (5km) from Burgos my right foot decided to swell again. I couldn't put any weight on it, but I had my walking poles so I just lifted the right foot off the ground and hopped the rest of the way into Burgos. This time I went to the hospital and was there for the rest of the day. My leg was a mess and I was told to rest for at least 2 weeks before continuing.
I listened to the doctors and began to rehab my leg. After two days I decided that two weeks was too long! I started again on my walk. Stretching every couple hours, seeing physical therapists each night. I was walking through my rehab.
Maybe it was stupid, but I did get stronger. My last 5 days where amazing. I was at 100%. I could walk forever. Many of the people I met again in Santiago could not believe I finished. Neither could I, but it was done.
On June 5th 2015 it will be time for my second Camino de Santiago. Exactly two years from my first. I'm starting with a right leg that only has about 70% of the muscle functioning, but that 70% is training. I'm walking, running, hiking and getting ready. I do have flashbacks of the pain, but that is my motivation.
The Camino is a serious undertaking. Let's hope my second Camino is a success.
I made this video after completing my first Camino.
The leg is so-so, but the tendons are much better conditioned for the long walks. I still have 100 days before my flight to Europe. I think of the Camino daily and I'm putting in the long distance training to prepare.Good on you! Shows what can be achieved with guts and determination. Hope your leg improves and you have a great second Camino! Love the video, appropriate song as well.
Here are some serious mistakes from my first Camino:Inspiring to read your story. With all you've learned I believe your second camino will be a success ~ as was your first one!
Buen camino!
I know the feeling. My first Camino starts in September, on my mind a lot, sooo looking forward to it.The leg is so-so, but the tendons are much better conditioned for the long walks. I still have 100 days before my flight to Europe. I think of the Camino daily and I'm putting in the long distance training to prepare.
I cannot wait for this Camino.
I've wanted to walk the Camino since I first learned about it in high school in 1985. From time to time I would get motivated to do it, but then always found a reason to put it off. For ten years I even lived in Spain and still kept postponing my Camino. Finally in June of 2013 I made a decision to walk the way. A week later I was in St Jean Pied de Port walking out of my hotel on June 5th. It was 8:00am, exactly.
In the week prior I walked as much as I could. Tried to get at least a few days of training under my belt, but clearly not enough. After the first day I was tired, but not broken. After the second day I was a wreck. My right foot swelled so badly I could not get it into my shoe. I couldn't put any weight on my foot. I called some friends of mine who are professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars for help. The advice was to wrap it tight with ice packs, elevate and rest. I did that through the night and was able to walk again the next day.
Each day was a struggle. On June 13 I stopped to take a photo. At the same second I snapped the picture I felt a stabbing pain in my right leg. Upon looking down I saw a large bump on the side of my shin. Later I learned that a section of muscle had torn away from my bone. It will never heal. Despite a little more pain I continued on my Camino. The rest of the muscle still worked, so I kept going. Each night with ice and elevation. Trying to not quit.
About 3 miles (5km) from Burgos my right foot decided to swell again. I couldn't put any weight on it, but I had my walking poles so I just lifted the right foot off the ground and hopped the rest of the way into Burgos. This time I went to the hospital and was there for the rest of the day. My leg was a mess and I was told to rest for at least 2 weeks before continuing.
I listened to the doctors and began to rehab my leg. After two days I decided that two weeks was too long! I started again on my walk. Stretching every couple hours, seeing physical therapists each night. I was walking through my rehab.
Maybe it was stupid, but I did get stronger. My last 5 days where amazing. I was at 100%. I could walk forever. Many of the people I met again in Santiago could not believe I finished. Neither could I, but it was done.
On June 5th 2015 it will be time for my second Camino de Santiago. Exactly two years from my first. I'm starting with a right leg that only has about 70% of the muscle functioning, but that 70% is training. I'm walking, running, hiking and getting ready. I do have flashbacks of the pain, but that is my motivation.
The Camino is a serious undertaking. Let's hope my second Camino is a success.
I made this video after completing my first Camino.
Dude, that's a heavy pack. ha haHere are some serious mistakes from my first Camino:
Now I'm a wise pilgrim. I can do this.
- My backpack weighed 32 pounds when I started. Ugh. It was 14 pounds when I finished.
- I only did a few hikes before starting the Camino. I had no endurance training.
- For the first week I never did a single stretch either before, during or after the hike. (after Burgos I stretched all the time to just keep going).
- I went way too fast on the first few days. Slower would have prevented most of my injuries.
For me in 2011 they were:Good advice. I am going to deliberately and consciously try to SLOW down.
Can someone comment on the stretches you have found helpful?
If you do an internet search on that you will find several videos and even guides you can download or watch that show good stretching exercises and warm-ups for your legs. I would say it even helps to strengthen your upper body before you walk the Camino.Thank you for your quick reply.
I was a little unclear and didn't quote the post in question.
I was wondering more about the leg/body stretches that people use to prepare for the day's hike.
I've wanted to walk the Camino since I first learned about it in high school in 1985. From time to time I would get motivated to do it, but then always found a reason to put it off. For ten years I even lived in Spain and still kept postponing my Camino. Finally in June of 2013 I made a decision to walk the way. A week later I was in St Jean Pied de Port walking out of my hotel on June 5th. It was 8:00am, exactly.
In the week prior I walked as much as I could. Tried to get at least a few days of training under my belt, but clearly not enough. After the first day I was tired, but not broken. After the second day I was a wreck. My right foot swelled so badly I could not get it into my shoe. I couldn't put any weight on my foot. I called some friends of mine who are professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars for help. The advice was to wrap it tight with ice packs, elevate and rest. I did that through the night and was able to walk again the next day.
Each day was a struggle. On June 13 I stopped to take a photo. At the same second I snapped the picture I felt a stabbing pain in my right leg. Upon looking down I saw a large bump on the side of my shin. Later I learned that a section of muscle had torn away from my bone. It will never heal. Despite a little more pain I continued on my Camino. The rest of the muscle still worked, so I kept going. Each night with ice and elevation. Trying to not quit.
About 3 miles (5km) from Burgos my right foot decided to swell again. I couldn't put any weight on it, but I had my walking poles so I just lifted the right foot off the ground and hopped the rest of the way into Burgos. This time I went to the hospital and was there for the rest of the day. My leg was a mess and I was told to rest for at least 2 weeks before continuing.
I listened to the doctors and began to rehab my leg. After two days I decided that two weeks was too long! I started again on my walk. Stretching every couple hours, seeing physical therapists each night. I was walking through my rehab.
Maybe it was stupid, but I did get stronger. My last 5 days where amazing. I was at 100%. I could walk forever. Many of the people I met again in Santiago could not believe I finished. Neither could I, but it was done.
On June 5th 2015 it will be time for my second Camino de Santiago. Exactly two years from my first. I'm starting with a right leg that only has about 70% of the muscle functioning, but that 70% is training. I'm walking, running, hiking and getting ready. I do have flashbacks of the pain, but that is my motivation.
The Camino is a serious undertaking. Let's hope my second Camino is a success.
I made this video after completing my first Camino.
Thank you for your quick reply.
I was a little unclear and didn't quote the post in question.
I was wondering more about the leg/body stretches that people use to prepare for the day's hike.
A very inspiring post and video! Thank you for sharing. By the way what is the song in the video?
Wishing you all the best on your second Camino!
Buen Camino! Davey
Davey,
That song is called "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus back when she was a good role model for kids. haha
Bob
If you are not a fan of Miley Cyrus, there is also a version of THE CLIMB on iTunes by HelenaMaria that is nice.Davey,
That song is called "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus back when she was a good role model for kids. haha
Bob
FooteK,SP,
What an inspiring story! I'm in awe of your stamina and determination. Congratulations.
For stretching (and overall fitness) have you thought about yoga?
All I can say : I salute you ..... ♥I've wanted to walk the Camino since I first learned about it in high school in 1985. From time to time I would get motivated to do it, but then always found a reason to put it off. For ten years I even lived in Spain and still kept postponing my Camino. Finally in June of 2013 I made a decision to walk the way. A week later I was in St Jean Pied de Port walking out of my hotel on June 5th. It was 8:00am, exactly.
In the week prior I walked as much as I could. Tried to get at least a few days of training under my belt, but clearly not enough. After the first day I was tired, but not broken. After the second day I was a wreck. My right foot swelled so badly I could not get it into my shoe. I couldn't put any weight on my foot. I called some friends of mine who are professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars for help. The advice was to wrap it tight with ice packs, elevate and rest. I did that through the night and was able to walk again the next day.
Each day was a struggle. On June 13 I stopped to take a photo. At the same second I snapped the picture I felt a stabbing pain in my right leg. Upon looking down I saw a large bump on the side of my shin. Later I learned that a section of muscle had torn away from my bone. It will never heal. Despite a little more pain I continued on my Camino. The rest of the muscle still worked, so I kept going. Each night with ice and elevation. Trying to not quit.
About 3 miles (5km) from Burgos my right foot decided to swell again. I couldn't put any weight on it, but I had my walking poles so I just lifted the right foot off the ground and hopped the rest of the way into Burgos. This time I went to the hospital and was there for the rest of the day. My leg was a mess and I was told to rest for at least 2 weeks before continuing.
I listened to the doctors and began to rehab my leg. After two days I decided that two weeks was too long! I started again on my walk. Stretching every couple hours, seeing physical therapists each night. I was walking through my rehab.
Maybe it was stupid, but I did get stronger. My last 5 days where amazing. I was at 100%. I could walk forever. Many of the people I met again in Santiago could not believe I finished. Neither could I, but it was done.
On June 5th 2015 it will be time for my second Camino de Santiago. Exactly two years from my first. I'm starting with a right leg that only has about 70% of the muscle functioning, but that 70% is training. I'm walking, running, hiking and getting ready. I do have flashbacks of the pain, but that is my motivation.
The Camino is a serious undertaking. Let's hope my second Camino is a success.
I made this video after completing my first Camino.
Like the 10% of body weight rule, the advice on stretching should be taken with a grain of salt. There has been a lot of information in the press lately that challenges the idea that it's good for you before you exercise.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/reasons-not-to-stretch/?_r=0
(But since most of us on the Camino are not out for "explosive muscular performance", maybe we don't have to worry).
As usual, the Mayo Clinic is a good source of info too: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
I personally never stretch before walking, but I do start out walking more slowly until I work into a comfortable stride, I just think that once again, what works for me might not work for you.
C'mon dude, you look way younger than me. You shouldn't have any problems.Only a week until I head to Europe. A couple days later I will start my Camino June 5.
Have I trained enough?I don't know the answers to any of these questions, but I am ready to go anyway.
Am I fit enough?
Is my pack light enough?
Did I pack too much or pack enough?
I was injured bad last time (which is why I posted this topic). This time I feel more educated and prepared.
JUNE 5th 2015 ....... I'll start my second Camino. I cannot wait.
C'mon dude, you look way younger than me. You shouldn't have any problems.
Congrats on your ability to stay youthful and I imagine losing that 25 lbs will reduce a lot of strain while walking. It's like losing a heavier than average pilgrim's pack.Mark Lee, I am 46 but look younger. When I walked the Camino last time I was with some people much younger. A guy who was 21 had horrible shin splints and had to take a cab for about half of the Camino. His brother, 21, had knee and back problems and was taking cabs or buses for about a third of the Camino. A friend who was a school teacher had to stop after Pamplona, she was only 32 years old. That said I also walked with many people in their 40's, 50's and 60's who had very little problem with any part of the Camino.
I'm as ready now as I will ever be for the Camino. 140 days of training. Lost 25 lbs and could be in the best shape since I was in my 20's. I have the usual pre-camino jitters.
Bob
Here are some serious mistakes from my first Camino:
- My backpack weighed 32 pounds when I started. Ugh. It was 14 pounds when I finished.
- I only did a few hikes before starting the Camino. I had no endurance training.
- For the first week I never did a single stretch either before, during or after the hike. (after Burgos I stretched all the time to just keep going).
- I went way too fast on the first few days. Slower would have prevented most of my injuries.
Only a week until I head to Europe. A couple days later I will start my Camino June 5.
Have I trained enough?I don't know the answers to any of these questions, but I am ready to go anyway.
Am I fit enough?
Is my pack light enough?
Did I pack too much or pack enough?
I was injured bad last time (which is why I posted this topic). This time I feel more educated and prepared.
JUNE 5th 2015 ....... I'll start my second Camino. I cannot wait.
I liked your video (although I was surprised it was miley Cyrus. ) your story is nice to read . I'm not surprised to hear about your injury, as over striding and going too fast can cause leg injuries most commonly shin splints which are the most painful to deal with.Here are some serious mistakes from my first Camino:
Now I'm a wise pilgrim. I can do this.
- My backpack weighed 32 pounds when I started. Ugh. It was 14 pounds when I finished.
- I only did a few hikes before starting the Camino. I had no endurance training.
- For the first week I never did a single stretch either before, during or after the hike. (after Burgos I stretched all the time to just keep going).
- I went way too fast on the first few days. Slower would have prevented most of my injuries.
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