I apologise if you didn't find my post humorous. Although in my defense I am an unfit overweight pilgrim and offer as much advice and positivity to people who may be doubting themselves. I've walked two (or three?) Caminos and written day by day blogs from the perspective of someone not in the best condition to be doing so. This (I hope) has helped inspire/motivate/encourage people to do something that they were feeling unable to accomplish. I don't mock others, I mock myself and even though I do, I still show that people like me can achieve their goals despite living on a diet of kebabs and frozen pizza (although I don't recommend it) .
All the best
Buen camino
Andy
x
I know you well enough, through the forum, to understand your highly self-deprecating humor. We share that trait. However, your sense of humor is far more developed than mine. You are indeed the Great One as relates to self-deprecating humor.
However, and erring on the side of being heart-attack, dead serious, and ASSUMING for the moment that you are accurately describing your physical condition and attributes, I make the following valid and dead serious recommendations:
1. Get thee to a doctor, or several specialists, to get a FULL cardiac workup BEFORE attempting any Camino. Too many well-intended pilgrims end up having their remains repatriated, having not learned this lesson THE HARD WAY. It is wholly unnecessary.
N.B. I also schedule my dental, vision, and all specialists follow-up or routine examination appointments for the one or two months before I plan to go on Camino. For me this means I have a lot of doctor appointments in February and March. I treat the situation as if I was taking my car on a really long trip. If I would get the car checked from bumper to bumper, why would I not do the same for my most precious possession...ME?
2. Try to lose as much extra weight as you can before the Camino. I know this sounds trite coming from a fellow who cannot look at a food advert without gaining weight...but it is helpful...
3. Check, and regulate your blood pressure. Cardiac events are only the most obvious threat to a large-ish, out of condition pilgrim. Strokes also happen with alarming frequency. Sometimes the doctor will merely prescribe a daily child's strength aspirin. But let a doctor do the prescribing.
I find that losing about 15 pounds - 7 kilos is enough to convert my blood pressure from high to normal. I presently take medications for this, but I am not at a higher risk. MY high blood pressure is strictly due to my excess weight. If I lose the weight, I can drop the meds...
If you TRULY need velcro fasteners on your footwear, do as Chrissy says above...google it. Try Hiking Boots with Velcro Closure, or "Hook & Loop Men's Boots." It works! You can go directly to Amazon, but the same rule holds true as for any other pilgrim and their footwear. Only buy AFTER you try it on and walk around the shoe shop.
Hope this helps...like someone who actually thought you were being serious...pfffft!
And don't forget to cut the tag out of it to save weight.
