| Toiletries | ||
| shampoo/conditioner | ||
| toothbrush and toothpaste | ||
| soap-all in one | ||
| toliet paper | ||
| deodorant | ||
| hand sanitizer | ||
| emery board | ||
| chaffing stick/oil/cream | ||
| comb | ||
| baby
powder Cotton swaps Glass cleaner Wet wipes Sunscreen Hand warmers |
||
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Camino Toiletries Packing List
Friday, May 1, 2015
Camino First Aid Packing list
Its time to get organized for the trip and nothing helps me organize more that a packing list! In fact I love list! I decided I would break down the packing list into sections and show what i have. This is my first Camino so I just went by what the books said. Here is what I came up with for the First Aid Kit.
| First aid | |
| percription medicine | |
| band aides/plasters | |
| antibiotic ointment | |
| medical tape | |
| ankle brace | |
| pain reliever | |
| Benadryl | |
| imodium | |
| blister treatment-moleskin | |
| saftey pins | |
| scissors
and tweezers |
|
I am using trial/samples of ointment and Advil. I found a small sewing kit at the dollar store that has the thread and needle for blisters and also has scissors and tweezers. The complete kit fit in the white bag you see and weighs 4.4 oz.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
April 14th More lessons learned
Had a late start to my walk today. I didn't head out the door until around 11 am. The temperature was 75 F and the humidity was at 90%. My goal for the day was 10 miles. There is a bench at about 5 miles out from my house and I thought that would make a nice spot to have lunch and a break. In fact its the bench in the picture from yesterday. So I set off, happy that the rain was holding off. There was a lot of cloud cover as I walked and the wind was a nice cooling breeze.
As I made my way toward the bench I was really looking forward to a break. It was very hot and humid and I just wanted a break. Then I saw the bench sitting there, in the sun. Yes in the sun. Every other time i had been by the bench it had been in the shade. But today, due to later time and the clouds decided to clear for that moment, my little bench was in the sun. I was tired and a bit disappointed I didn't have shade to rest. So I walked a bit further down the road and found a wooden bridge. The bridge is over what would be a swamp. Luckily for me it was dry and I was able to sit on the bridge and let my feet hang over. I made my self comfortable and enjoyed the lunch I had packed. A nice sandwich, chips and Gatorade. Just as I finished eating the shade was was enjoying was no longer. Time to get moving again.
The walk wasn't really difficult today, it was just so hot. I felt as if the heat and humidity was sucking out my energy. As I made my way back home I was happy to see the skies cloud up again. The clouds were getting dark and I prayed i would make it home without rain. The wind was picking up and was cooler which felt so good to me. I am happy to say I made it home before the rain.
At home as I was resting and cleaning up I noticed that my legs and feet had red blotches on them. I did some research and found that most likely it is heat rash. It never occurred to me that I could get heat rash on my legs when I was wearing shorts. So tonight i will relax and keep the spots cool and dry.
So todays lessons are don't count on the shade always being there for you. Sometimes you may need to look a little further for some. Also its important to watch the time you walk and the weather. If its too hot or humid its okay to postpone, making your walks more enjoyable. Early walks are best in the spring and summer. Also in Spain, an early start will be more necessary than I realized.
This is why we do this training. To get to know theses pitfalls and how to handle them. I am feeling stronger every day.
Had a late start to my walk today. I didn't head out the door until around 11 am. The temperature was 75 F and the humidity was at 90%. My goal for the day was 10 miles. There is a bench at about 5 miles out from my house and I thought that would make a nice spot to have lunch and a break. In fact its the bench in the picture from yesterday. So I set off, happy that the rain was holding off. There was a lot of cloud cover as I walked and the wind was a nice cooling breeze.
As I made my way toward the bench I was really looking forward to a break. It was very hot and humid and I just wanted a break. Then I saw the bench sitting there, in the sun. Yes in the sun. Every other time i had been by the bench it had been in the shade. But today, due to later time and the clouds decided to clear for that moment, my little bench was in the sun. I was tired and a bit disappointed I didn't have shade to rest. So I walked a bit further down the road and found a wooden bridge. The bridge is over what would be a swamp. Luckily for me it was dry and I was able to sit on the bridge and let my feet hang over. I made my self comfortable and enjoyed the lunch I had packed. A nice sandwich, chips and Gatorade. Just as I finished eating the shade was was enjoying was no longer. Time to get moving again.
The walk wasn't really difficult today, it was just so hot. I felt as if the heat and humidity was sucking out my energy. As I made my way back home I was happy to see the skies cloud up again. The clouds were getting dark and I prayed i would make it home without rain. The wind was picking up and was cooler which felt so good to me. I am happy to say I made it home before the rain.
At home as I was resting and cleaning up I noticed that my legs and feet had red blotches on them. I did some research and found that most likely it is heat rash. It never occurred to me that I could get heat rash on my legs when I was wearing shorts. So tonight i will relax and keep the spots cool and dry.
So todays lessons are don't count on the shade always being there for you. Sometimes you may need to look a little further for some. Also its important to watch the time you walk and the weather. If its too hot or humid its okay to postpone, making your walks more enjoyable. Early walks are best in the spring and summer. Also in Spain, an early start will be more necessary than I realized.
This is why we do this training. To get to know theses pitfalls and how to handle them. I am feeling stronger every day.
April 13, 2015
i have been a little lazy about writing my blog. There are those days when it seems I have done nothing towards my Camino Experience. Then there are those day when I do all sorts of preparation whether in walking or packing and then run out of time to write. Or just too tired to write.
I find it amazing that as I walk I can think of all sorts of things to write about. Then when the walk is done and I get cleaned up, somehow I forget it all. So tonight I will do my best to capture some of those thoughts and recap where i am on the preparation for the journey.
We are now 7 weeks out from the beginning of our Camino. Or as I have begun to call it...my mini camino. I have purchased new boots and have been breaking them in. I do believe I have all of my gear for the trip. Well apart from a pretty outfit to wear the night we are in Bordeaux. I know it seems silly, but I would like to look decent that evening and not like a pilgrim.
Today I set out to walk 10 miles with my pack. I had gone through the pack on Sunday and repacked it. I also weighted and noted that weight of all of the items on the packing list. Going through which toothbrush was lighter, that sort of thing. I went a head and put in bigger bottles of Gatorade to add more weight. When all was done the pack weighed in at 17 pounds. I figured this was a good weight to train with since I believe in the end the pack will be lighter.
At the start of today's walk the weather looked like it might rain. It had rained most of the night and into the morning. The forecast called for rain all week in fact. Luckily the rain held off and I was able to do my walk. I decided that I would just go for it. Knowing I needed to walk and that I did have rain gear and cover in the pack. What better training for the rain in Spain. Funny, that now put that song in my head, From My Fair Lady "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plains." We can hope, can't we.
I set out on my walk and headed towards Subway sandwich shop. The route i took was through a few neighborhood and added an extra mile or so. When I arrived at Subway on Dean Forrest Road I had completed 6 and a half miles. After having a quick break and a bite to eat, I headed back. I did learn that i should not have eaten a 6 inch sub and half a bag of chips at the stop. After about 20 minutes my stomach started to ache. I have learned that I need to either eat smaller meals or wait longer after eating before heading back out. Better to learn that lesson today and not on the Camino.
When i returned I was surprised to see that I had completed 12.88 miles. That was nearly a half marathon. I also did it in 4 hours, which was good training for having the pack on for 4 hours. I did take it off for the break, which i am sure we will do when on the Camino. All in all I feel today's walk was a success. Yeah! And no blisters!
My goal for this week is to do 50 miles with the pack. Now I have done 12 I only have 38 more to go.
I think I will reward myself with a pedicure on Friday if I complete my goal. After all my feet deserved to be pampered.
Soon I will be posting my packing list, with pictures.
i have been a little lazy about writing my blog. There are those days when it seems I have done nothing towards my Camino Experience. Then there are those day when I do all sorts of preparation whether in walking or packing and then run out of time to write. Or just too tired to write.
I find it amazing that as I walk I can think of all sorts of things to write about. Then when the walk is done and I get cleaned up, somehow I forget it all. So tonight I will do my best to capture some of those thoughts and recap where i am on the preparation for the journey.We are now 7 weeks out from the beginning of our Camino. Or as I have begun to call it...my mini camino. I have purchased new boots and have been breaking them in. I do believe I have all of my gear for the trip. Well apart from a pretty outfit to wear the night we are in Bordeaux. I know it seems silly, but I would like to look decent that evening and not like a pilgrim.
Today I set out to walk 10 miles with my pack. I had gone through the pack on Sunday and repacked it. I also weighted and noted that weight of all of the items on the packing list. Going through which toothbrush was lighter, that sort of thing. I went a head and put in bigger bottles of Gatorade to add more weight. When all was done the pack weighed in at 17 pounds. I figured this was a good weight to train with since I believe in the end the pack will be lighter.
At the start of today's walk the weather looked like it might rain. It had rained most of the night and into the morning. The forecast called for rain all week in fact. Luckily the rain held off and I was able to do my walk. I decided that I would just go for it. Knowing I needed to walk and that I did have rain gear and cover in the pack. What better training for the rain in Spain. Funny, that now put that song in my head, From My Fair Lady "The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plains." We can hope, can't we.
I set out on my walk and headed towards Subway sandwich shop. The route i took was through a few neighborhood and added an extra mile or so. When I arrived at Subway on Dean Forrest Road I had completed 6 and a half miles. After having a quick break and a bite to eat, I headed back. I did learn that i should not have eaten a 6 inch sub and half a bag of chips at the stop. After about 20 minutes my stomach started to ache. I have learned that I need to either eat smaller meals or wait longer after eating before heading back out. Better to learn that lesson today and not on the Camino.
When i returned I was surprised to see that I had completed 12.88 miles. That was nearly a half marathon. I also did it in 4 hours, which was good training for having the pack on for 4 hours. I did take it off for the break, which i am sure we will do when on the Camino. All in all I feel today's walk was a success. Yeah! And no blisters!
My goal for this week is to do 50 miles with the pack. Now I have done 12 I only have 38 more to go.
I think I will reward myself with a pedicure on Friday if I complete my goal. After all my feet deserved to be pampered.
Soon I will be posting my packing list, with pictures.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
I love Chocolate Half Marathon
Valentines Day was for our family started out early. We had decided to participate in the "i Love Chocolate 10K and Half Marathon" My son in law John and I were signed up for the half marathon and my grandson Jaden was singed up for the 10k, his first ever. We were up by 630 am and with a quick breakfast of cereal, we were out the door for a quick walk to the event site. The event was being held at the church just a mile down the road form our house. It was however a very cold morning. When we left the house it was 29 degrees. Burr. I had on gloves, and head band over my ears and by the time we got to the church it didn’t feel that cold. At least the sun was shining.
We arrived at the church as they were doing the warm up exercises. We found our way to the starting area and did some stretching on our own. There was 450 people signed up for the race. It was a good turn out. There was a lot of people but it didn't feel too crowded. The race was due to start at 800, but it started a little late. And then we were off. Jaden said he was just going to walk with us and not run. So we headed off. Then Jaden got bored with me and ran up to John, and then was bored with him as well and started to run.
I felt I had a good pace and didn’t want to start off too fast. But I also didn’t want to be last. Then I remembered that Jess , my daughter, had said it didn’t matter if I was last as long as I finished. So I tried to keep that in my mind. I was feeling good about being able to over take some people that started out fast and were slowing down. And then we can to mile 3 which is also the turn around for the 10k people. It was at this point I saw Jaden turn around and head back.As I approached the turn around point I saw the people all behind me turn around. They were all doing the 10k. I was at this point the last of the half marathon.
I should add here that for these events John and I were walking as opposed to running, which most of the people were doing.
I looked up and noticed a couple that was ahead of me. Probably around 1/4 of a mile. I set my sights out to overcome therm. And after around 2 miles I did! And i was making space between us. I was feeling pretty good with my self. I was no longer last.
The route first looked like it was a flat route on side streets around the neighborhood. However as we made our way around it became clear that those flat streets actually had slight inclines. I don't really want to call them hills, but the road when up slightly here and there. This was especially true coming back. I thought it was just me but John asked me about the hills after and said he felt it was hard to pick up his feet at that point as well.
I saw John on his way back at around mile 6 not far from the turn around point. Its funny when you are out there on your own what your mind can start tell you. There was a moment in time that I wondered if I could turn around before the turn around and no one would notice. I decided that was a silly idea. Not only would that only be cheating myself I knew that the staff people knew i was close to the end. So I continued on. I was happy to see the turn around point. It always gives me a mental boost to know I am half way done and on the way back.
Then it happened. At around mile 9 the pain in my hips began and I felt it harder and harder to walk. My thighs started to feel heavy. I felt myself slowing down. Then around mile 10 the couple over took me and I was again in last place. Part of me wanted to stop and stretch or rest, but I knew I had to keep walking. After all there was just 3 miles left.
The people putting on the event were really nice. When we came by for water they stations were all still open and they were cheering us on. That made me feel better, at least mental. I always worry about other people and I know I have to stop doing that. You know things like I know they want to be done and go home and such. But these people didn’t look like they minded at all. Even the guy on the bike who was keeping track of us, was very supportive and at the lake area, His words of encouragement helped. Especially when i came out of the lake loop and he said only 3/4 of a mile to go.
When I made it nearly to the finish John and Jaden were there waiting for me and walked with me the rest of the way in.By this time i was feeling down right sick to my stomach. I was shaking and feeling all hot. My hips hurt so bad I thought i would cry at any moment. Then I saw the people at the finish line and they came out to meet me and hand me my medal and then go out of their way to get me some water and make sure i was alright.
I guess i looked pretty bad. We were going to take pictures of us at the finish line, but I was more concerned about getting bananas and water and we missed the opportunity.
There was a chair by a table with a bakery stand. I was able to sit there while i replenished my energy. Jaden went and got me fruit. Then the lady handed Jaden a cupcake. It looked so good. She then gave me one saying i need to replenish my energy. She also gave John some brownies. The lady said I came in at the perfect time because I got all these freebies. They all made me feel that it was the finishing that mattered. That made me feel better.
John offered to go get the car, but I said I would walk home if we took it slow. I knew he was hurting too. Our mile home must have taken us a half hour or so. I kept having to stop and stretch and drink water. We did finally make it home.
I rested a bit and then showered. its a good thing we had left overs from last nights dinner to eat, because none of us wanted to go anywhere or cook anything. I spent the afternoon, resting with my feet up and re hydrating. I must say I am happy to report that I have only one blister as far as i can tell. So that's not too bad.
As we were resting i received the email saying the results where posted. I really didn’t have any idea of my time. I had my phone with an app for walking but it didn't start on time. So when I saw that my time was as good if not better than some of my other races, i was happy! i did do my best and that is what matters most. I now think being last isn’t bad at all.
My friend asked me about my walk and then mentioned that at least the camino is not a race. Its funny what sort of things go through your mind when you are walking, one your own, for hours at a time. The half marathon was 3 and a half hours for me. Which give one a lot of time to think. Some of the things I find going through my mind will be first the practice stuff. Where am I in relation to the rest of the race field, do i have a good pace. Then as the time passes I might think about the things I have to do when I get home. Usually around mile 8 I will start to dream about food and what i want to eat. Then around mile 10 i don't want to think about food anymore. Odd really. However on this walk I found myself thinking about what it might be like on the camino. How on the camino I hope I will be able to let my mind be open to the experience and not get caught up in the logistics of it all.
As for my Camino journey it is important to remember that it is not a race. That we can take our time and breaks when we need to. To let our minds be open to the beauty around us and not get caught up in our heads. No matter how sore I am after this half marathon I won’t let my pains discourage me from our trip.
15 weeks and counting!
We arrived at the church as they were doing the warm up exercises. We found our way to the starting area and did some stretching on our own. There was 450 people signed up for the race. It was a good turn out. There was a lot of people but it didn't feel too crowded. The race was due to start at 800, but it started a little late. And then we were off. Jaden said he was just going to walk with us and not run. So we headed off. Then Jaden got bored with me and ran up to John, and then was bored with him as well and started to run.
I felt I had a good pace and didn’t want to start off too fast. But I also didn’t want to be last. Then I remembered that Jess , my daughter, had said it didn’t matter if I was last as long as I finished. So I tried to keep that in my mind. I was feeling good about being able to over take some people that started out fast and were slowing down. And then we can to mile 3 which is also the turn around for the 10k people. It was at this point I saw Jaden turn around and head back.As I approached the turn around point I saw the people all behind me turn around. They were all doing the 10k. I was at this point the last of the half marathon.
I should add here that for these events John and I were walking as opposed to running, which most of the people were doing.
I looked up and noticed a couple that was ahead of me. Probably around 1/4 of a mile. I set my sights out to overcome therm. And after around 2 miles I did! And i was making space between us. I was feeling pretty good with my self. I was no longer last.
The route first looked like it was a flat route on side streets around the neighborhood. However as we made our way around it became clear that those flat streets actually had slight inclines. I don't really want to call them hills, but the road when up slightly here and there. This was especially true coming back. I thought it was just me but John asked me about the hills after and said he felt it was hard to pick up his feet at that point as well.
I saw John on his way back at around mile 6 not far from the turn around point. Its funny when you are out there on your own what your mind can start tell you. There was a moment in time that I wondered if I could turn around before the turn around and no one would notice. I decided that was a silly idea. Not only would that only be cheating myself I knew that the staff people knew i was close to the end. So I continued on. I was happy to see the turn around point. It always gives me a mental boost to know I am half way done and on the way back.
Then it happened. At around mile 9 the pain in my hips began and I felt it harder and harder to walk. My thighs started to feel heavy. I felt myself slowing down. Then around mile 10 the couple over took me and I was again in last place. Part of me wanted to stop and stretch or rest, but I knew I had to keep walking. After all there was just 3 miles left.
The people putting on the event were really nice. When we came by for water they stations were all still open and they were cheering us on. That made me feel better, at least mental. I always worry about other people and I know I have to stop doing that. You know things like I know they want to be done and go home and such. But these people didn’t look like they minded at all. Even the guy on the bike who was keeping track of us, was very supportive and at the lake area, His words of encouragement helped. Especially when i came out of the lake loop and he said only 3/4 of a mile to go.
When I made it nearly to the finish John and Jaden were there waiting for me and walked with me the rest of the way in.By this time i was feeling down right sick to my stomach. I was shaking and feeling all hot. My hips hurt so bad I thought i would cry at any moment. Then I saw the people at the finish line and they came out to meet me and hand me my medal and then go out of their way to get me some water and make sure i was alright.
I guess i looked pretty bad. We were going to take pictures of us at the finish line, but I was more concerned about getting bananas and water and we missed the opportunity.
There was a chair by a table with a bakery stand. I was able to sit there while i replenished my energy. Jaden went and got me fruit. Then the lady handed Jaden a cupcake. It looked so good. She then gave me one saying i need to replenish my energy. She also gave John some brownies. The lady said I came in at the perfect time because I got all these freebies. They all made me feel that it was the finishing that mattered. That made me feel better.
John offered to go get the car, but I said I would walk home if we took it slow. I knew he was hurting too. Our mile home must have taken us a half hour or so. I kept having to stop and stretch and drink water. We did finally make it home.
I rested a bit and then showered. its a good thing we had left overs from last nights dinner to eat, because none of us wanted to go anywhere or cook anything. I spent the afternoon, resting with my feet up and re hydrating. I must say I am happy to report that I have only one blister as far as i can tell. So that's not too bad.
As we were resting i received the email saying the results where posted. I really didn’t have any idea of my time. I had my phone with an app for walking but it didn't start on time. So when I saw that my time was as good if not better than some of my other races, i was happy! i did do my best and that is what matters most. I now think being last isn’t bad at all.
My friend asked me about my walk and then mentioned that at least the camino is not a race. Its funny what sort of things go through your mind when you are walking, one your own, for hours at a time. The half marathon was 3 and a half hours for me. Which give one a lot of time to think. Some of the things I find going through my mind will be first the practice stuff. Where am I in relation to the rest of the race field, do i have a good pace. Then as the time passes I might think about the things I have to do when I get home. Usually around mile 8 I will start to dream about food and what i want to eat. Then around mile 10 i don't want to think about food anymore. Odd really. However on this walk I found myself thinking about what it might be like on the camino. How on the camino I hope I will be able to let my mind be open to the experience and not get caught up in the logistics of it all.
As for my Camino journey it is important to remember that it is not a race. That we can take our time and breaks when we need to. To let our minds be open to the beauty around us and not get caught up in our heads. No matter how sore I am after this half marathon I won’t let my pains discourage me from our trip.
15 weeks and counting!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Walking with a pack
On Saturday the weather was nice and I had the opportunity to go for a nice walk outside. I had taken Friday as a rest day from the gym, so by Saturday I felt less sore. I decided to take my backpack with me. My backpack is filled with most of the items I will need for the Camino. With the exception of food. Currently it weighs about 12 pounds.
When I set off I thought I would just go for a couple miles. The walk it self was nice. The weather was in the mid 60's with a nice breeze. I was wearing the under amour long sleeve shirt, which is light. I was testing to see how the pack would be on my arms with long sleeves. The first time I walked with the pack my arms chaffed on the inside. So this time I wore a light weight long sleeve shirt to see if it helped.
With the nice breeze and the sunshine I found myself just walking and walking. Next thing I know its nearly 5pm, time for me to get home for dinner, and I had completed 5 miles. I felt strong, and even though my back felt the weight of the pack it was not hurting. Funny I felt I could go on more, but when i got home and took the pack off I started to feel sore. I won't say pain. Just the feeling of using your muscles, in a good way.
I am happy to say when I woke Sunday I wasn't sore at all. I feel stronger and more confident I will be able to do the walk. I know I have a lot of work still to do. I can see how the strength training will help me be more prepared for the Camino.
When I set off I thought I would just go for a couple miles. The walk it self was nice. The weather was in the mid 60's with a nice breeze. I was wearing the under amour long sleeve shirt, which is light. I was testing to see how the pack would be on my arms with long sleeves. The first time I walked with the pack my arms chaffed on the inside. So this time I wore a light weight long sleeve shirt to see if it helped.
With the nice breeze and the sunshine I found myself just walking and walking. Next thing I know its nearly 5pm, time for me to get home for dinner, and I had completed 5 miles. I felt strong, and even though my back felt the weight of the pack it was not hurting. Funny I felt I could go on more, but when i got home and took the pack off I started to feel sore. I won't say pain. Just the feeling of using your muscles, in a good way.
I am happy to say when I woke Sunday I wasn't sore at all. I feel stronger and more confident I will be able to do the walk. I know I have a lot of work still to do. I can see how the strength training will help me be more prepared for the Camino.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Getting support
Today I joined a gym. Well today was my first day at the new gym. I think going to the gym might just give me the boost I need to push past my block. I spent 3 hours there today. First doing some work on the treadmill and then using a stair machine, talking with a trainer and then a 30 minute workout. I feel good about it. I am really tired tonight and a bit sore. But it is a good sore.
I also met a couple ladies there during the training session. They were very friendly and are looking for support in their journeys as well. We made plans to meet there tomorrow at around the same time. Its good to get more support.
Its funny how sometimes we get so stuck in our ways and think no one is there for us. Then when we start to open ourselves up, we receive back what we need. I wanted and needed support to move forward with my weight loss and I am now finding that support not only in my family and friends but in new people coming into my life for fitness. Between the gym and also in the challenge I am involved in. I had joined a weight loss challenge that is a team challenge and after a month I finally have a full team. And our team seems very motivated and ready to lose the weight. We are in 22nd place currently out of 150 teams. I am happy to be apart of that.
I now have the support I need to be successful. However I see more and more it is I that needs to support myself and be proud of myself. I deserve this. I am good enough. My mind is starting to make that shift and the heart is close to follow.
I look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
I also met a couple ladies there during the training session. They were very friendly and are looking for support in their journeys as well. We made plans to meet there tomorrow at around the same time. Its good to get more support.
Its funny how sometimes we get so stuck in our ways and think no one is there for us. Then when we start to open ourselves up, we receive back what we need. I wanted and needed support to move forward with my weight loss and I am now finding that support not only in my family and friends but in new people coming into my life for fitness. Between the gym and also in the challenge I am involved in. I had joined a weight loss challenge that is a team challenge and after a month I finally have a full team. And our team seems very motivated and ready to lose the weight. We are in 22nd place currently out of 150 teams. I am happy to be apart of that.
I now have the support I need to be successful. However I see more and more it is I that needs to support myself and be proud of myself. I deserve this. I am good enough. My mind is starting to make that shift and the heart is close to follow.
I look forward to what tomorrow will bring.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Preparing for the Walk
Having decided to answer the call to the Camino and having made firm plans to do it. I now need a plan of action to get me physically from where I am fitness-wise to where I would like to be for the walk.
For starters, I should explain my fitness level at this time. Here it goes, I will be totally honest, mostly for myself. I am in my early 50's, female, and by all standards obese, fat. There I said it! I am not proud of that fact, but I find that i need to be honest with myself and face my fears. And perhaps this is one of the lessons I will learn from this journey. I think my mantra should be "let go". To let go of fear, to let go of past hurts, and to let go of the weight I carry. I need to lighten my load. Not only in my back pack, or my body, but in my heart.
For years I have been working towards losing weight and getting more healthy and fit. I am proud of the fact that I have made big changes in my life towards that goal. I have lost weight, about 50 pounds so far. I have changed my eating habits for the better. Okay, I still have an occasion day or two that's not great, but then again we all do. I have also walked in 5k's with the family and have completed 4 half marathons. With each event my time has gotten better. I am down 3 dress sizes. So I have seen results with my efforts.
However, for the last few months I have felt like I hit a wall, a plateau I just can't seem to break. So it is time for me step up the game and focus on breaking through this hurdle. Now with a firm date and goal in mind I find myself motivated and rejuvenated. Its funny how something like an event can make us work towards our goal easier. At least I find that to be true with me.
It is now February and my trip is in June. Roughly 17 weeks away. Also on the horizon in the near future is a half marathon I am doing over Valentines weekend. So lots to prepare for.
The walking part of the Camino is not a real issue to me. I realize i will be walking basically a half marathon every day for the week we are gone. While I was training before I was doing 5-8 miles a day. Since Christmas I will admit that between the weather and some health issues I have not been doing that routine. However that all changes now.
February first I walked for 4 miles. Today, I walked for 5. I will start off by walking consistently everyday. I will walk for 6 days and have a rest day. My goal for this next 2 weeks is to just walk everyday between 4-5 miles. I will also do one day a week to start, of walking with my pack. i know I have time, but I feel the sooner I get used to wearing the pack, the better I will be.
The part of the Camino that I am most concerned about fitness wise is the hills and carrying the weight. I live in an area with flat land. My walking trail is flat as flat can be. Its a great path, but it is flat. I know in order to make it over the Pyrenees I need to get some hill training in. Also I know I need to add strength training to my work outs, and increases my intensity. So with that in mind I joined a gym today. Planet Fitness in fact. I belonged to Planet Fitness when I lived in New York and needed a place to work out in the winter. This gym just opened up in December and has all the newest equipment. To include a stair climbing machine. Not just the stair masters, but one with huge steps. I guess its like Jacobs Ladder machines. I will tell you more once I use it. I figure with the use of that equipment and my daily walks I should be more fit for the journey.
The key to this is consistency and commitment. Too often in the past I start fast on something to just get bored or let things get in the way of my commitment to myself. I need to focus on putting myself first on my list of things to do! I am hoping by writing this blog I will hold myself accountable and it will force me to continue, even on those days when I'd rather not.
17 weeks and counting!
For starters, I should explain my fitness level at this time. Here it goes, I will be totally honest, mostly for myself. I am in my early 50's, female, and by all standards obese, fat. There I said it! I am not proud of that fact, but I find that i need to be honest with myself and face my fears. And perhaps this is one of the lessons I will learn from this journey. I think my mantra should be "let go". To let go of fear, to let go of past hurts, and to let go of the weight I carry. I need to lighten my load. Not only in my back pack, or my body, but in my heart.
For years I have been working towards losing weight and getting more healthy and fit. I am proud of the fact that I have made big changes in my life towards that goal. I have lost weight, about 50 pounds so far. I have changed my eating habits for the better. Okay, I still have an occasion day or two that's not great, but then again we all do. I have also walked in 5k's with the family and have completed 4 half marathons. With each event my time has gotten better. I am down 3 dress sizes. So I have seen results with my efforts.
However, for the last few months I have felt like I hit a wall, a plateau I just can't seem to break. So it is time for me step up the game and focus on breaking through this hurdle. Now with a firm date and goal in mind I find myself motivated and rejuvenated. Its funny how something like an event can make us work towards our goal easier. At least I find that to be true with me.
It is now February and my trip is in June. Roughly 17 weeks away. Also on the horizon in the near future is a half marathon I am doing over Valentines weekend. So lots to prepare for.
The walking part of the Camino is not a real issue to me. I realize i will be walking basically a half marathon every day for the week we are gone. While I was training before I was doing 5-8 miles a day. Since Christmas I will admit that between the weather and some health issues I have not been doing that routine. However that all changes now.
February first I walked for 4 miles. Today, I walked for 5. I will start off by walking consistently everyday. I will walk for 6 days and have a rest day. My goal for this next 2 weeks is to just walk everyday between 4-5 miles. I will also do one day a week to start, of walking with my pack. i know I have time, but I feel the sooner I get used to wearing the pack, the better I will be.
The part of the Camino that I am most concerned about fitness wise is the hills and carrying the weight. I live in an area with flat land. My walking trail is flat as flat can be. Its a great path, but it is flat. I know in order to make it over the Pyrenees I need to get some hill training in. Also I know I need to add strength training to my work outs, and increases my intensity. So with that in mind I joined a gym today. Planet Fitness in fact. I belonged to Planet Fitness when I lived in New York and needed a place to work out in the winter. This gym just opened up in December and has all the newest equipment. To include a stair climbing machine. Not just the stair masters, but one with huge steps. I guess its like Jacobs Ladder machines. I will tell you more once I use it. I figure with the use of that equipment and my daily walks I should be more fit for the journey.
The key to this is consistency and commitment. Too often in the past I start fast on something to just get bored or let things get in the way of my commitment to myself. I need to focus on putting myself first on my list of things to do! I am hoping by writing this blog I will hold myself accountable and it will force me to continue, even on those days when I'd rather not.
17 weeks and counting!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
A Call to the Camino de Santiago
It's a call that starts more like a whisper. One day you are going about your life and then some how, some way you hear of the Camino de Santiago. From that moment your world and life start to change. Perhaps a slight shift at first, but then it grows into a calling you can't ignore. At least thats the way it happened for me.
Perhaps I should go back in time a little and tell you how I heard of the Camino-The Way. It was around the end of 2013. My good friend said he had seen a program on tv about a pilgrimage across Spain. He said he was very intrigued by it and looked for books on Kindle to learn more. He shared with me the name of the book and I downloaded it as well. We live apart and one way we stay connected is to share books, or read the books at the same time.
When I started to read the book, I was captivated. The book was a fictional book based up the Camino de Santiago. The Path by Malcolm McKay. It follows a group of individuals as they set out on their way to walk the Way of St James. When we finished that book we went on to read a book about a woman who had walked. Somewhere during that month of reading those books I felt I wanted to do it. It was odd at first. I started saying things to my friend such as "i know its crazy but, I think I'd like to do that" and "would you walk 500 miles with me?" to use the Proclaimers song.
Over the last few years my friend and I have met and done an "adventure". One year was Ireland, one year was mountain biking in Scotland. Another time was in Wales where we climbed Snowden Mountain. So when it came to our adventure for 2014 I said one day we should walk Hadrians Wall Path in England as a trial to doing the Camino. With out hesitation my friend agreed.
Early in the year of 2014 I was talking with my sister Donna. We were talking about getting together at a family get together and making plans for that. We just got to chatting and over the course of the phone call she asks me if I had heard of "The Camino de Santiago". Just out of the blue. When I said I did and that I had been reading about it, she told me that she was thinking of doing the Camino as well. What are the chances of us, both over the same time period, living across the country from each other and not in routine contact to have this same inspiration.
During her visit to my home later in the year we spent a good amount of time talking about our calling to do the pilgrimage. It was inspiring to see the light in her eye and the excitement as she spoke about it. To me that was another sign that I was on the right path and should do this.
So over the course of the year, and after we completed Hadrians wall walk, we began to make some plans. I believe my question to my friend was "if you could only do a week, what part of the camino would you like to do first" His response was "the first part, from St Jean Pied de Port." So that was the plan. We would have time where we didn't talk much about it and then it would come back up in conversation. Not always in the foreground but always there waiting for the right time.
At the beginning of 2015 as we started to plan our holiday adventure we decided we would definitely do the Camino. Mid January we had our time book off from work and Airline flights booked. We were on our way.
Now it is February and we will begin our training. After all we need to be able to carry a pack and walk 10 to 15 miles a day by June. This blog will follow that training and our Camino Experience.
It's a call that starts more like a whisper. One day you are going about your life and then some how, some way you hear of the Camino de Santiago. From that moment your world and life start to change. Perhaps a slight shift at first, but then it grows into a calling you can't ignore. At least thats the way it happened for me.
Perhaps I should go back in time a little and tell you how I heard of the Camino-The Way. It was around the end of 2013. My good friend said he had seen a program on tv about a pilgrimage across Spain. He said he was very intrigued by it and looked for books on Kindle to learn more. He shared with me the name of the book and I downloaded it as well. We live apart and one way we stay connected is to share books, or read the books at the same time.
When I started to read the book, I was captivated. The book was a fictional book based up the Camino de Santiago. The Path by Malcolm McKay. It follows a group of individuals as they set out on their way to walk the Way of St James. When we finished that book we went on to read a book about a woman who had walked. Somewhere during that month of reading those books I felt I wanted to do it. It was odd at first. I started saying things to my friend such as "i know its crazy but, I think I'd like to do that" and "would you walk 500 miles with me?" to use the Proclaimers song.
Over the last few years my friend and I have met and done an "adventure". One year was Ireland, one year was mountain biking in Scotland. Another time was in Wales where we climbed Snowden Mountain. So when it came to our adventure for 2014 I said one day we should walk Hadrians Wall Path in England as a trial to doing the Camino. With out hesitation my friend agreed.
Early in the year of 2014 I was talking with my sister Donna. We were talking about getting together at a family get together and making plans for that. We just got to chatting and over the course of the phone call she asks me if I had heard of "The Camino de Santiago". Just out of the blue. When I said I did and that I had been reading about it, she told me that she was thinking of doing the Camino as well. What are the chances of us, both over the same time period, living across the country from each other and not in routine contact to have this same inspiration.
During her visit to my home later in the year we spent a good amount of time talking about our calling to do the pilgrimage. It was inspiring to see the light in her eye and the excitement as she spoke about it. To me that was another sign that I was on the right path and should do this.
So over the course of the year, and after we completed Hadrians wall walk, we began to make some plans. I believe my question to my friend was "if you could only do a week, what part of the camino would you like to do first" His response was "the first part, from St Jean Pied de Port." So that was the plan. We would have time where we didn't talk much about it and then it would come back up in conversation. Not always in the foreground but always there waiting for the right time.
At the beginning of 2015 as we started to plan our holiday adventure we decided we would definitely do the Camino. Mid January we had our time book off from work and Airline flights booked. We were on our way.
Now it is February and we will begin our training. After all we need to be able to carry a pack and walk 10 to 15 miles a day by June. This blog will follow that training and our Camino Experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)