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Camino recuperation

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m21000

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Dear all,

I'm planning to do Camino Portuguese from Porto to Santiago, arriving in Porto on May 20th and should be back to Porto on June 6th.
Since on June 7th I have important conference I need to participate I wonder how much time is needed to recuperate? How you feel after ending the route, need for slle for few days or you are back to business next day?
I'm in average condition, weight normal, 37 years. I think that first days of walking will be difficult but maybe I will get used to it on walking 20-25km a day after 7 days?

Let me know your experience.
Thanks in advance.
 
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You're a lot younger than I am at 59- it takes me 4 days to get properly in the walking groove. And then because I'm crazy, I go back to work the day after arriving home (arrival 5pm in the morning, followed by laundry and sleeping the whole day - its a big trip back to NZ).
The tiredness hits me about day 3 home. I try to arrive Tuesday, have 3 days at work then crash for the weekend.
Its worth it to walk the Camino. The experience lasts forever, the tiredness goes.
 
Hello and welcome!
I think you will be just fine! I have walked four long caminos as a new retiree. You have youth on your side, and at the end of your camino with a hot bath or shower, a set of fresh, normal looking clothes, you will feel like a new person and ready for your conference! And sitting on a comfy chair should feel oh so good!
Your only problem will be if you can fully concentrate...cuz your mind will be thinking of how soon you can work in your next camino!
 
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Yes, I start plotting the next one, as I fly out of Santiago

Edited to add - but I dont tell my husband until much later
 
I agree, you should be fine.
My body kind of shuts down once I reach SdC.

Like its almost saying "OK, I've done my bit.........that's it"

I'm still mobile but slow down a bit and develop a few aches and pains.

And I sleep a lot! For about a week after, at any opportunity............
 
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Hmm. You return to Porto, and presumably return to Split that day if you have a meeting the following day. Sounds fine. Just make sure you have wiped your mind clean of camino stuff. Pay attention to the conference. Especially if you are delivering it. You are young, and have a wonderful camino ahead of you. Enjoy!
 
Camino Chris said:
Your only problem will be if you can fully concentrate...cuz your mind will be thinking of how soon you can work in your next camino!
Click to expand...

Agreed. I'm also 37, just arrived back in Australia on Sunday from our Camino Lebaniego and on Monday I was back to work. Must admit I had a 36-hour flight to "de-camino" my mind, but physically I was great.
As others have pointed out, the hardest part will be to focus on the conference and not to want to talk about the Camino to everyone.

With your timeframe, you will have plenty of time to finish your camino, enjoy Santiago, go back to Porto and then back to work. If you are relatively healthy, you should each Santiago after 10-12 days after leaving Porto, which will give you enough time to rest body and mind.

I did the same route in 2017 and loved every second of it. Enjoy!
 
Hey, Anamya! What else do you have to say? Waiting with bated breath...
 
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Hola/Ola!
What comes to my mind with your question is to be patient with yourself. I have suffered what I call "camino brain" which simplifies my thinking while I am walking. After walking four caminos, I find that there is some residual for a couple of days and to a lessor extent for a couple of weeks. Physically, it will feel good to sit and relax, but mentally and emotionally, be prepared for your mind to keep wandering....
All the best and bom caminho!
elle
 
Normally, jet lag is the biggest issue for many of us coming from around the world to Spain or France to walk a Camino. But, I see you are from Split. That suggests you are in the same time zone (CET). So, jet lag is not an issue for you.

This consideration aside, just dealing with any lingering physical issues, like blisters or sprains, should be a minimal problem. The BIGGER issue for most of us, is getting refocused on our non-Camino lives.

This is only really serious if you have a job where constantly being focused and paying attention is vital. One is seriously handicapped if performing surgery, administering medication, driving a bus, flying a plane, operating machinery, directing traffic, driving a delivery vehicle, working on an assembly line, etc. It is difficult to do any of these things property with your head still on Camino.

Coming off a Camino, many of us are distracted, reflecting and thinking about our experiences, and wishing we were still there rather than wherever life places us when we are not on Camino.

Think about this ahead of time, so you can develop a means to deal with it successfully after your Camino. BTW, the only 'cure' is to do another Camino.

Many of us start planning the next pilgrimage as soon as we get home. Personally, I never stop thinking and planning ahead. I am unable to walk this year, but am volunteering for an additional time at the Pilgrim Office. I admit, I am addicted and cannot stay away... sigh... I fly to Spain tomorrow... Yippee!

Hope this helps you.
 
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I’d like to add a different perspective. I got very sick after finishing in SJPP. We took a few days break then took the bus to Muxia. Getting off the bus just in time as we were both hit with food poisoning. Thought we were OK to walk 24 hours later but only make 8 miles when we realized we were in trouble - dehydration and such. Called a cab to finsterre, sick for 3 days and got home. I was impacted for a couple months.
 
Physically I was fine after completing the Camino, but Camino brain is a real thing. it took me a while before I could concentrate on work stuff - I went back to work right away, but I wasn't terribly effective the first week. And sitting in a chair was torture. My body just wanted to move. I seriously felt like I had ADHD for a while.
 
Thanks for answers. It seems I should be able to attend conference, physically.
Will post how will I feel.
Tnx
 
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I return to Porto, flight to Barcelona...conference same day as flight.
 
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