What causes people to stop their caminos?

[s. brown]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

 

[Former member 19626]

I remember a couple about our age proudly declare on the first night's pilgrim meal at Orisson that 3 weeks before they had seen the movie "The Way" and that the inspiration was so overpowering they couldn't wait. With gear, plane tickets and guidebook in hand, they arrived in SJPP with no other preparation.
I last saw them near Zubriri, exhausted and dejected try to communicate their need for a taxi in a loud and demanding tone to a shop keeper who clearly was not accustomed to being shouted at in English.
I presume they eventually got a ride to Pamplona and then back to California, wondering how Martin Sheen was able to do it.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

What usually stops people?
1. injury/illness
2. emergency at home
3. unmet expectations
4. exhaustion

Not necessarily in that order.

 

[lawrence graves]

i walked from st. jean to santiago in oct & nov. 2013. i am 66 and in reasonable shape, but i am not a hiker. i thought about quitting a few times due to foot problems and fatigue, but i kept going. i think the number one thing is give yourself plenty of time if reaching santiago is your goal. take days where you rest, treat your blisters, and eat lots of good food and take naps. don't worry about the calories - i lost 23 lbs. i went alone but quickly made lots of friends. this perhaps is the most enjoyable part of the journey. the hard part is you may want to rest and your new friends want to press on. don't try to keep up - you will meet them again later on the camino, or you might not. the camino is like life, friends come and go.
you have to walk your own camino. buen camino - lorenzo

 

[koilife]

Inspiration without preparation often results in frustration.

Train to get your body in shape (you'll probably benefit more form a solid base from daily walking more than you need long distances). Endurance and distance will grow if you take it easy in the early stages. Don't avoid bad weather during training; it won't avoid you on the Camino.

Make sure you know your equipment. Shoes/boots and pack must be properly fit. Break them all in during your practice hikes. Know exactly why you are taking each item (often we pack our fears, hedging against all kinds of unlikely occurrences, though prudence remains necessary) and pack only what you truly need. Spend time on the forum and you'll see a lot of opinions, advice, and disputes on various types of equipment. Make your own judgement and learn from the success/failure (better during practice, but some lessons will only be learned along the way). In a pinch, you can adjust gear (leave behind/ship forward/replace) along the way.

The camino is all about adapting to the conditions you face, not the ones you planned to face. Therefore, spend time learning the route using the forum and good guidebooks. Make your plans, but keep them flexible because you'll have a better understanding of the route and your options when faced with a condition you didn't plan for initially.

Mental toughness counts for a lot, especially when things happen that might make another person leave when they really didn't need to.

 

[OzAnnie]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

Hi S. Brown

I think it has a lot to do with your personality as well as being fit enough.
Note: fit enough, you don't gave to be 'gym fit'.

If you are jet lagged or tired, or not feeling great when you arrive at your starting point, take a decent break. Maybe plan (if doing CF from SJPdP) to have a day on the way in France, and spend some time in sjpdp. It's a lovely area. Take it easy. In your case, enjoy the Le Puy region. Rest an recuperate !

Rushing off I think (sometimes) is the reason some people find that they are 'feeling it' on the first stage, and their 'head' starts playing games like: why am I doing this? Who am I trying to impress, etc.
Now if you are strong minded and have the attitude, of 'I can do this, just take it easy, one step after the other, rest, and keep going' - You will be okay. You are as good as many others trying to do this, have confidence in yourself . You got this far !,
If you need support or encouragement in these moments, open up to other pilgrims about how you are feeling. Sometimes it is just that support/encouragement, that will be all you will need.
Once you build up your stamina, these thoughts fade.
Just don't load yourself with expectations of being able to achieve x kilometres/hr.. It is a different ball game on day 1 or any day with inclines, backpack, day after day of around 7 hrs walking (give or take!).
Know your capabilities though, see how far you can tolerate on different terrains, before you get on the plane.

Buen camino. / and happy training!
Annie

 

[Leaniamath]

I'm a 58 year old unfit woman. I did 2 hr daily "walks" at home for one month prior to coming. I am not a Camino "purist" and realized I better start in Pamplona and I'm glad I did. I'm lying in bed in Viana with sore feet and leg muscles but I can feel my body getting fitter, ever so slightly, each day. I decided early not to get caught up in the "how many kms did you do today?" discussion. But I also have no time limit. If you are in a hurry...you may not finish. Buy the ticket and come...it's amazing.
Buen Camino


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[amorfati1]

As nothing can really prepare you for the actual feel and experience of childbirth ( nevermind those spiffy breathing exercises)... Nothing i know of can really prepare you for the feel of the daily loooong walk with backpack, poles, heat, rain and whatever else the skies offer and the nightly snoring concert if you are staying mainly in albergues/ hostels.
But by all means...have some endurance and some flexibility, heaps of bloody-mindedness, lots of humour, good earplugs and even better shoes and socks and bodyglide or such items, backpack...etcetc..and off you go.

It has been pointed out plenty...pushing too hard and early and carrying too much are usually camelbackbreakers par excellence...
Or believing that youth or age saves you from any bloody realities of not taking care of yourself, your feet, and getting enough and good rest.
And people actually forget to enjoy themselves....
That is not just my observations...those were "confessions" ....of people who drove themselves too hard and were rather crankyrinos instead of peregrinos...

Btw..i still have camino dust on my trusty shoes...just left santiago...
All rather fresh in the memory cells...
So, enjoy your preparations....do not overplan , fret, microdetail everything....
Make sure you are fit enough to swim in the river, well nourished etc, ...but you won't direct the rapids or curves of the river
Best of wishes...
Claudia

 

[s. brown]

Wow, thank you everyone! This is so encouraging and helpful. I have a year to shape up (I've already started). A young man I know wants to come along, but I am making it very clear to him that we are likely to go at different speeds and have different requirements. I have a strong sense that I should not rush this walk due to my untested body. I also like to eat well and often. And I am curious about my surroundings and like to investigate. It might be best if I do this alone, although he is charming and fun.

Let me add that my introduction to the Camino de Santiago was a chance reading of an article in an old Gourmet Magazine. I collect cookbooks and cooking magazines and happened upon an article by Herb McGrew, a psychiatrist from California, in the September 1990 issue. He and a pilot, an artist, and a vineyard owner started their camino in Le Puy and walked for three weeks. They finished the camino in four yearly vacations. I had to rifle through hundreds of magazines and found all four articles (Gourmet, May 1991, August 1992, and April 1996)! It was a real Eureka! moment for me. Gourmet is no longer in publication, but if anyone can get these articles I highly recommend that you do. They are wonderful, charming accounts of their caminos. I often find old Gourmets at book fairs and resale shops. He could very well be a member on this site, and it would be fantastic if he would give the rights to re-publication in some form.

Keep the answers coming. Thank you.

 

[Icacos]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

Sounds like you really want to do this, but are apprehensive. I was too, throughout my planning. What kept me going was Eleanor Roosevelt's words, "Everyday do something that really scares you." Happy planning.

 

[Leaniamath]

Someone told me...your Camino starts the day you hear about it..


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[Tia Valeria]

................ A young man I know wants to come along, but I am making it very clear to him that we are likely to go at different speeds and have different requirements. I have a strong sense that I should not rush this walk due to my untested body. I also like to eat well and often. And I am curious about my surroundings and like to investigate. It might be best if I do this alone, although he is charming and fun.
................................
Keep the answers coming. Thank you.

If you and your young man do decide to walk together then you could try reading the Walking with a Companion thread. Or read it together any way and it might help him to understand why you want/need to walk without him.
Failure to think things through when walking with close friends/relatives could be another reason folk stop their Caminos
Buen Camino

 

[mikevasey]

Mine came to an abrupt end on my 40th day in 2012, I got out off bed at Bodenya on the Primitivo and something went inside of my right knee. I hung around In Spain for another week hoping that it would pass but it was hurting too much. My NHS Dr advised me not to do walks again and a load more useless stuff, I knew he was having a bad day as soon as I walked into the room. I saw two specialists after him and they both said I could walk but start to make a habit of stretching exercises. Two years on I am sat in my hotel room in Toulouse tapping this away on my mobile after walking from Montpellier to Castres on the Arles route, caught a train yesterday to here but that was because my distance to cover to Santiago in the days left was getting slightly prohibitive for me. So decided to use common sense and just restart in Toulouse after 2 days resting. Funny thing was if I finished in 2012 I was going to give Camino's a miss for a few years they had/have seemed to have taken over my life, the way it finished made me determined to be back on the road as soon as possible.

 

[tploomis]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

It seemed to me that the people I saw rushing, either to keep up with somebody or to meet a self-imposed deadline, were the people most likely to give up, usually because of the aches and pains resulting from a Camino that is not attuned to natural physical and mental limitations. Anxious people tended to go too far too fast, and that did not work out in the long run, unless they were able to recognize early on that this approach was putting their Camino in jeopardy.

 

[bokormen91]

I think it is all about balance...

"The Camino Provides" and it does, but it cannot provide for those that do not listen...

You need a bit of stubbornness, but having too much makes you likely to fail. You need enough of stubbornness so that you do not give up if you have a few blisters, you're wet/cold/hot, but if you are stubborn you also need to realise that there is a difference between ignoring a blister and ignoring pain that might signify bigger problems. There are no failures, only different experiences.

I've met people that did triathlon's that did not reach their goal... I've met clinically obese people that did not reach their goal. I've met very fit people and unfit people that completed their goals. Those that succeeded were generally willing to listen to their body and through that had a flexible approach. There is no shame in a 0km day, and there is no prize for a 50km day.

You might meet people in your first couple of days that you really gel with, and you do not want to loose sight of... However, it is your Camino, do what feels right for you, taking it slower or faster do not mean that you will not see them again. When I walked from Le Puy, I met 2 wonderful people 3 days in, then we decided to move at different speeds, I often thought about them as I walked towards Santiago and did not expect to see them again. 2 months later I met them both at Finisterra. We all walked at our on speed, had rest days when we felt like it, but had the pleasure of meeting again; the Camino provides.

Deciding to walk the Camino is a big decision, deciding to walk it with someone is a bigger decision in my opinion. You need to define what walking together means - does it mean actually walking together the whole time; does it mean reaching the same destination every night and have dinner together, does it mean that you're both in the same country and have each others phone number as a safety blanket. By the sound of it - you're a "foodie", you might want to take detours, do local walks, experience vineyards, local festivals if they are taking place - is this what your friend want?

If you have this opportunity to follow a dream, grab it. You might find yourself standing outside a

Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing.

Don't worry, a few of us have wondered the same. Who knows - you might discover a "you" that loves being outdoors, having contemplative walks. Sticking labels on people seems to be the done thing... Does not mean you have to limit yourself to 1 or 2. You can always add gourmet traveler, appreciative of sunrise, backpacking superwoman to your current labels of "parlor person", "indoors girl". I do not see a contradiction - most of us have more to offer than one measly label.

Whatever you decide on, be kind to yourself and Buen Camino

 

[s. brown]

Thank you so much, Bokermen91. This is very helpful advice and makes a lot of sense to me. You are kind as well.

 

[s. brown]

I remember a couple about our age proudly declare on the first night's pilgrim meal at Orisson that 3 weeks before they had seen the movie "The Way" and that the inspiration was so overpowering they couldn't wait. With gear, plane tickets and guidebook in hand, they arrived in SJPP with no other preparation.
I last saw them near Zubriri, exhausted and dejected try to communicate their need for a taxi in a loud and demanding tone to a shop keeper who clearly was not accustomed to being shouted at in English.
I presume they eventually got a ride to Pamplona and then back to California, wondering how Martin Sheen was able to do it.

Yes, that is what I'm kind of afraid of. I think that is why I am reseraching this so carefully. I want to be as prepared as I can. Thanks.

 

[s. brown]

What usually stops people?
1. injury/illness
2. emergency at home
3. unmet expectations
4. exhaustion

Not necessarily in that order.

Ah, exhaustion and unmet expectations. I have been forewarned. Thank you.

 

[s. brown]

i walked from st. jean to santiago in oct & nov. 2013. i am 66 and in reasonable shape, but i am not a hiker. i thought about quitting a few times due to foot problems and fatigue, but i kept going. i think the number one thing is give yourself plenty of time if reaching santiago is your goal. take days where you rest, treat your blisters, and eat lots of good food and take naps. don't worry about the calories - i lost 23 lbs. i went alone but quickly made lots of friends. this perhaps is the most enjoyable part of the journey. the hard part is you may want to rest and your new friends want to press on. don't try to keep up - you will meet them again later on the camino, or you might not. the camino is like life, friends come and go.
you have to walk your own camino. buen camino - lorenzo

Part of the reason I want to go alone is to do this at my own pace. I have, of course, been reading this advice but intuitively it really rings a bell. Thank you.

 

[s. brown]

As nothing can really prepare you for the actual feel and experience of childbirth ( nevermind those spiffy breathing exercises)... Nothing i know of can really prepare you for the feel of the daily loooong walk with backpack, poles, heat, rain and whatever else the skies offer and the nightly snoring concert if you are staying mainly in albergues/ hostels.
But by all means...have some endurance and some flexibility, heaps of bloody-mindedness, lots of humour, good earplugs and even better shoes and socks and bodyglide or such items, backpack...etcetc..and off you go.

It has been pointed out plenty...pushing too hard and early and carrying too much are usually camelbackbreakers par excellence...
Or believing that youth or age saves you from any bloody realities of not taking care of yourself, your feet, and getting enough and good rest.
And people actually forget to enjoy themselves....
That is not just my observations...those were "confessions" ....of people who drove themselves too hard and were rather crankyrinos instead of peregrinos...

Btw..i still have camino dust on my trusty shoes...just left santiago...
All rather fresh in the memory cells...
So, enjoy your preparations....do not overplan , fret, microdetail everything....
Make sure you are fit enough to swim in the river, well nourished etc, ...but you won't direct the rapids or curves of the river
Best of wishes...
Claudia

"Confessions," that is something I will really listen to. Thank you.

 

[s. brown]

Mine came to an abrupt end on my 40th day in 2012, I got out off bed at Bodenya on the Primitivo and something went inside of my right knee. I hung around In Spain for another week hoping that it would pass but it was hurting too much. My NHS Dr advised me not to do walks again and a load more useless stuff, I knew he was having a bad day as soon as I walked into the room. I saw two specialists after him and they both said I could walk but start to make a habit of stretching exercises. Two years on I am sat in my hotel room in Toulouse tapping this away on my mobile after walking from Montpellier to Castres on the Arles route, caught a train yesterday to here but that was because my distance to cover to Santiago in the days left was getting slightly prohibitive for me. So decided to use common sense and just restart in Toulouse after 2 days resting. Funny thing was if I finished in 2012 I was going to give Camino's a miss for a few years they had/have seemed to have taken over my life, the way it finished made me determined to be back on the road as soon as possible.

Thanks. I am beginning my training with stretching. I've had physical therapy over the years for one thing another and that is also what they drummed into me. Good luck to you and your right knee on your walk!

 

[s. brown]

If you and your young man do decide to walk together then you could try reading the Walking with a Companion thread. Or read it together any way and it might help him to understand why you want/need to walk without him.
Failure to think things through when walking with close friends/relatives could be another reason folk stop their Caminos
Buen Camino

Thanks. I have already had a brief talk with him, telling him that I think it is entirely possible that our walking styles and needs might be radically different and that I am just fine with our starting together but separating. We are going to have another talk soon and I will get into this in more detail. He is fun though, but I don't want either of us to be a burden on the other.

 

[s. brown]

Someone told me...your Camino starts the day you hear about it..


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

I believe it.

 

[s. brown]

I'm a 58 year old unfit woman. I did 2 hr daily "walks" at home for one month prior to coming. I am not a Camino "purist" and realized I better start in Pamplona and I'm glad I did. I'm lying in bed in Viana with sore feet and leg muscles but I can feel my body getting fitter, ever so slightly, each day. I decided early not to get caught up in the "how many kms did you do today?" discussion. But I also have no time limit. If you are in a hurry...you may not finish. Buy the ticket and come...it's amazing.
Buen Camino


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

Thanks. This is encouraging. Glad to hear you are resting, as I am a firm believer in rest!

 

[s. brown]

Sounds like you really want to do this, but are apprehensive. I was too, throughout my planning. What kept me going was Eleanor Roosevelt's words, "Everyday do something that really scares you." Happy planning.

Thanks! Yes, I am a little scared!

 

[s. brown]

Hi S. Brown

I think it has a lot to do with your personality as well as being fit enough.
Note: fit enough, you don't gave to be 'gym fit'.

If you are jet lagged or tired, or not feeling great when you arrive at your starting point, take a decent break. Maybe plan (if doing CF from SJPdP) to have a day on the way in France, and spend some time in sjpdp. It's a lovely area. Take it easy. In your case, enjoy the Le Puy region. Rest an recuperate !

Rushing off I think (sometimes) is the reason some people find that they are 'feeling it' on the first stage, and their 'head' starts playing games like: why am I doing this? Who am I trying to impress, etc.
Now if you are strong minded and have the attitude, of 'I can do this, just take it easy, one step after the other, rest, and keep going' - You will be okay. You are as good as many others trying to do this, have confidence in yourself . You got this far !,
If you need support or encouragement in these moments, open up to other pilgrims about how you are feeling. Sometimes it is just that support/encouragement, that will be all you will need.
Once you build up your stamina, these thoughts fade.
Just don't load yourself with expectations of being able to achieve x kilometres/hr.. It is a different ball game on day 1 or any day with inclines, backpack, day after day of around 7 hrs walking (give or take!).
Know your capabilities though, see how far you can tolerate on different terrains, before you get on the plane.

Buen camino. / and happy training!
Annie

Yes, I've been worried about the jet lag, which always seems to take a toll on me. You are right, I don't need permission to rest a day or two before beginning. Thanks. That was helpful.

 

[eli2BK]

I walked some of the camino last fall (September 2013). An injury a few days in stopped me for a couple of weeks - but after recovering (with rest and red wine!) I moved along the route by bus to start on the meseta where my newly/nearly recovered injury was not severely tested . . . and simply ran out of time. I was 59 years old at the time -and plan to return in a couple of years to walk again - but with an open ended ticket. At first I was disappointed in myself and my body - but have come to appreciate that what I did was my "2013 Camino" and it is a continuing journey, much as anything else in life is just that!

 

[robertt]

I knew I wasn't a perfect fit when I made my first Camino acquaintance - an older gent from Lyon - walking from the train to the Capucins in Le Puy. We had some nice chats - then next morning he was off like a shot. He was intending to reach Santiago in haste to get back for a wedding and his scheduling was quite a shock to me. I loafed around in Le Puy, a place I really like, for several days, till I felt like budging. My intention was to go along the trail at any old pace that felt good and end before my Schengen visa expired. I actually got as far as Pamplona before heading back to Paris after interesting stops in Bordeaux and San Seb.

When you walk at a cold time of year, as I always do, there is less rush and competition for accommodation etc, but I find most people want to move along a bit more than me. So I let many friends come and go as I walked the Chemin, because they preferred a bit of a schedule and I didn't. It took me till close to the Bearn to link up with a French group (of geobiologists!) who were true waddlers and dawdlers and quite disgracefully slow.

The good news: I went back to Pamplona the following winter to the exact same hotel where I had stopped and continued on to Santiago...and Valenca...and back to Santiago...then on Finisterre. I did every inch on foot, even those industrial and urban areas which many don't like but which I appreciate just as much as the rural and picturesque stuff. There's interest everywhere.

I never tell people to slow down or be like me in any way. One of me is enough. But I will make one point which is sort of advice: nobody likes being treated as a thoroughfare. Take an interest in the place you're actually in - and with St James be the rest!

 

[Kanga]

I did every inch on foot, even those industrial and urban areas which many don't like but which I appreciate just as much as the rural and picturesque stuff. There's interest everywhere.

I never tell people to slow down or be like me in any way. One of me is enough. But I will make one point which is sort of advice: nobody likes being treated as a thoroughfare. Take an interest in the place you're actually in - and with St James be the rest!

I love this. Such wisdom.

 

[bimblingalong]

I am relishing the thought of being on the Camino once again, taking it REALLY slowly....stopping plenty to eat, talk, think, share & learn about the place & people.....the slightly temperamental left knee will determine my pace, distance & ultimate finishing point...but I will take special care of the body with stretches, massage, positive encouragement & really listen to what it can do...if I am comfortable enough physically my mind is free to wander & I am more aware of my surroundings...and, hopefully more open to my lessons...

 

[mspath]

Hiking 20 k up the 1060 meter Ibaneta pass via the Valcarlos route the first time in 2004 at 65 to the monastery at Roncevalles was one of the most difficult days on the Camino and certainly the most physically exhausting day of my adult life then to date. I was pooped!

I had hiked throughout the summer in preparation for the trip, but nothing had prepared me for such an effort. Beneath a deep blue sky and brilliant sun I gasped and ached while my pack weighed like bricks. But eventually I made it to Santiago walking all the way. Although in 2004 I did arrive in Santiago with broken glasses and a cyclopean black eye (!!) the only time I had to stop was after falling on ice in Pamplona in January 2010; nevertheless I returned the following October to continue .

I learned the hard way that this is NOT a walk in the park! Just because so many pilgrims have been successful does not guarantee that all will be. Anybody any moment can fall or pull or break anything. The most common injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much!

Thus now I always start walking slowly and very easy for the first week. Daily distances cited in the guidebooks are not sacred. Easy does it; slow but, determined. The topography and the weather plus health and pack weight as well as personal strength and ability to endure all must be juggled.

Nevertheless, even now at 75 what still matters most is to DO IT!

Ultreia!

Margaret Meredith

 

[s. brown]

I walked some of the camino last fall (September 2013). An injury a few days in stopped me for a couple of weeks - but after recovering (with rest and red wine!) I moved along the route by bus to start on the meseta where my newly/nearly recovered injury was not severely tested . . . and simply ran out of time. I was 59 years old at the time -and plan to return in a couple of years to walk again - but with an open ended ticket. At first I was disappointed in myself and my body - but have come to appreciate that what I did was my "2013 Camino" and it is a continuing journey, much as anything else in life is just that!

What kind of injury?

 

[Olivares]

I have been reading quite a bit of blogs from pilgrims on the Camino this year. May was wet and a lot of pilgrims were hurt after falling on wet rocks and sliding on to wired fences and rocks. Injuries included broken ankles, wrists, arms, and twisted knees. Some injuries take a couple of days of rest, i.e. infected blisters, others require more. The type of injury that would make you stop would be a broken bone that needs extended rest. Often times, pilgrims with pains and aches think the pilgrimage is over when in fact a couple of days of rest and some physical therapy is all is needed to bounce right back.

I think you already got what you need to know. Do it.

 

[soydechiapas]

Think about quitting?! Oh yes, it will happen. I remember two specific occasions during my Camino in June of 2013. The first time was starting out in the Pirineos. I thought I would never make it to the top. I sat down convinced I couldn't take another step and off in the distance I see this older couple (well into their 60's) trekking up the trail. Without knowing it, they gave me inspiration to continue. Making it over the Pirineos was a HUGE accomplishment for me that let's me know that when times get tough I tell myself: "Hey, you made it over the Pirineos! You can overcome this too!"
The 2nd time was a few days later in Pamplona. It had rained 3 days straight. I was waterlogged, exhausted and my feet were killing me. I couldn't find an albergue with open beds. They were all full. In the pouring rain I sat beside a quickly swelling river and cried. I asked myself what kind of crazy must I be to do this. What was I thinking? After an hour or so I decided to keep going and I am glad I did. I experienced the most wonderful act of human kindness when an older couple from the area noticed my plight and walked me 3 miles out of their way to a little-known off path albergue where I was able to rest, recover and wait out the flooding in Pamplona. That was exactly one year ago today. My advice: Do it!


Trent Shupperd
Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum mobile app

 

[Richo]

Wow, thank you everyone! This is so encouraging and helpful. I have a year to shape up (I've already started). A young man I know wants to come along, but I am making it very clear to him that we are likely to go at different speeds and have different requirements. I have a strong sense that I should not rush this walk due to my untested body. I also like to eat well and often. And I am curious about my surroundings and like to investigate. It might be best if I do this alone, although he is charming and fun.

Let me add that my introduction to the Camino de Santiago was a chance reading of an article in an old Gourmet Magazine. I collect cookbooks and cooking magazines and happened upon an article by Herb McGrew, a psychiatrist from California, in the September 1990 issue. He and a pilot, an artist, and a vineyard owner started their camino in Le Puy and walked for three weeks. They finished the camino in four yearly vacations. I had to rifle through hundreds of magazines and found all four articles (Gourmet, May 1991, August 1992, and April 1996)! It was a real Eureka! moment for me. Gourmet is no longer in publication, but if anyone can get these articles I highly recommend that you do. They are wonderful, charming accounts of their caminos. I often find old Gourmets at book fairs and resale shops. He could very well be a member on this site, and it would be fantastic if he would give the rights to re-publication in some form.

Keep the answers coming. Thank you.

I say go for it, S Brown. I, too am doing my first camino. I start in September 2014 from Le Puy. I'm overweight and not "gym fit" by any means, although I do walk an hour or two most days. If I have to pull out after a few weeks or even days, so be it and no skin off my nose.
Enjoy your preparation, and Bon Chemin!
btw - I intend making the most of the gastronomic offerings of the region and due to the extra caloric expenditure, I look forward to being able to eat and drink as much as I like of whatever I like.

 

[CelWilliams]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

My first Camino started from SJPP in Sept. 2013. I had heard about it in 2008 from a couple on a "Walking Provence" tour. At the time I thought they were crazy to spend vacation time walking across Spain. I am a 54-year old obese woman who happens to be able to walk 8 miles/day at 4mph on a treadmill in an air conditioned room which I have done daily for many years. I started walking the bleachers/stairs at the local high school football stadium daily with my backpack two months before I left. I am an extremely light sleeper and can barely tolerate my husband snoring in my ear so I knew alberges weren't going to work for me. I made reservations at hotels, B&Bs, and even a few apartments along the way which forced me to keep going. I also bought good boots one size larger than I wear as recommended which kept me from getting the huge blisters others experienced who didn't know to allow room for their feet to swell because of the daily walking. Let me tell you that I quit 22 times the first day, 17 times the second day, 14 times the third day, you get my point. With taking breaks I was only averaging 2mph! What kept me going was telling myself that when I arrived at my accommodations that night I could go online and cancel my reservations for the rest of my Camino and make reservations to fly to and spend a week each in Athens, London, St. Petersburg, and Berlin looking at great architecture as well as fabulous works of art in air conditioned museums. I only had to be back in Madrid on a certain date to fly home. A week into it when I was only quitting twice a day I met my Camino family (I had come alone) and the walking was easier. I also survived by sending my backpack by Jacotrans many days and even took the bus a few times. (Just remember, you are only required to walk the last 100 kilometers to receive the Compostella.) Everyone's Camino is their own. Some people quit because they allowed others' judgement about how to walk the Camino "authentically" influence their daily survival. You don't have to suffer to receive the spiritual benefits of walking to Santiago. I made many great friends that I now correspond with regularly. My only advice is to make sure to watch where you are walking even when chatting with other pilgrims and use two trekking poles. The rocks, and you will be walking on lots of earthen path rocks, caused some people to fall and ultimately to quit. By the way, I am walking the Camino Portuguese in 2015!

 

[burritobear9]

I began in SJPdP with a friend and only made it halfway up to Orisson before I made a car stop and take me the rest of the way.

I left my friend the next morning, went back to Bayonne and formulated a new plan, which involved a very last minute ten day walk on the southern coast of England.

When I was near the end of that trip I decided that if I could do the cliffs of Dorset I could certainly do the Camino.

I booked with a Camino Tour, had my bags sent ahead, my rooms booked and completed Sarria to Santiago, then they helped me book to Finisterre.

So, what stopped my Camino at the beginning? A wicked combination of Pyrenees, no faith in myself, exhaustion and trying to keep up with my walking partner who is way faster and stronger than myself.

We both had amazing journeys and that is what I think the Camino is about, your journey.

Buen Camino

Cheryl



Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum mobile app

 

[Linda SLP]

Stretching...
My husband and I are on the Camino, and we stretch whenever my feet and heels get a twitch (plantar fasciitis) or his back starts hurting. It looks weird, but it really helps. (One friend looked up and said she thought we had been zapped by aliens!)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Beyond the specific reasons, except for those who head home for a family emergency, everyone quits because the pilgrimage is beyond their current capabilities, physical or mental. In some cases it is a lack of preparation including conditioning, and sometimes it is an immediate happening. Either way, they are overmatched.

 

[Kanga]

I say go for it, S Brown. I, too am doing my first camino. I start in September 2014 from Le Puy. I'm overweight and not "gym fit" by any means, although I do walk an hour or two most days. If I have to pull out after a few weeks or even days, so be it and no skin off my nose.
)

Richo, I was not in good shape the first year we did Le Puy - it had been a couple of years between Caminos and I'd put on a few kilos. And boy, did I do penance for those extra calories. I know why people carry light packs. On the road out of Le Puy super fit scrawny French walkers kept streaming past while I panted and puffed and sweated, red in the face - the first hill felt like hell. Just keep walking every day is my advice - even if it is only 8 kilometers. If you stop or catch a bus or a taxi, you will be too tempted to keep doing it or hire a car and abandon the whole thing - and you will never know what you missed and what you could have accomplished. Plus you will get fit. For those of us who are not super fit to start the Camino is hard work for at least the first weeks - some true grit is required. Like most things we get back what we put in, and it does feel fabulous to have an in shape body. Let alone the cleared mind, the rush of joy that comes in the morning, the spray of roses over an ancient stone wall, smell of freshly wet grass, the sound of birds.....

 

[mspath]

... Plus you will get fit. For those of us who are not super fit to start the Camino is hard work for at least the first weeks - some true grit is required. Like most things we get back what we put in, and it does feel fabulous to have an in shape body. Let alone the cleared mind, the rush of joy that comes in the morning, the spray of roses over an ancient stone wall, smell of freshly wet grass, the sound of birds.....

If you have never hiked wearing a pack just imagine or try carrying 15 pounds of potatoes continually for several hours; one gets pooped. Nevertheless at the end of each camino day what a great pleasure it always is to at last remove your pack and only sit!! True Bliss.

 

[bismith]

I remember a couple about our age proudly declare on the first night's pilgrim meal at Orisson that 3 weeks before they had seen the movie "The Way" and that the inspiration was so overpowering they couldn't wait. With gear, plane tickets and guidebook in hand, they arrived in SJPP with no other preparation.
I last saw them near Zubriri, exhausted and dejected try to communicate their need for a taxi in a loud and demanding tone to a shop keeper who clearly was not accustomed to being shouted at in English.
I presume they eventually got a ride to Pamplona and then back to California, wondering how Martin Sheen was able to do it.

I love your post, it made me laugh. I can visualize the couple clearly.

 

[Cari T]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

To S. Brown ~ As I myself prepare for my May 2015 Camino from SJPDP to Finisterre, on the days I'm feeling anxious about what is ahead of me, I re-read these few words and find comfort that my decision to test myself is what I've been waiting for my whole life :

"Don't fear failure - In great attempts it is glorious even to fail"~Bruce Lee

Buen Camino

 

[gapowell]

I learned the hard way that this is NOT a walk in the park! Just because so many pilgrims have been successful does not guarantee that all will be. Anybody any moment can fall or pull or break anything. The most common injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much!

Thus now I always start walking slowly and very easy for the first week. Daily distances cited in the guidebooks are not sacred. Easy does it; slow but, determined. The topography and the weather plus health and pack weight as well as personal strength and ability to endure all must be juggled.

Margaret Meredith

YES! These are very wise words...

In fact, I noticed that it was often the 'younger and fitter' folks who came a cropper... It was because they felt fit and full of energy that they thought they could (or should) push on hard from the get-go. This is a huge danger, ESPECIALLY in the early days, as Margaret says, above.

Relax, take it easy, enjoy, and smell the roses...!

 

[eli2BK]

What kind of injury?

My right knee essentially gave out - may have been unknown arthritis - or a tear of some sort . . . two weeks on crutches and icing, along with ibuprofen gel and voltaren pills (I think they were) . . . and I resumed walking - first days back used crutches as extra support - but after a few days on meseta was able to make my way with minimal pain.

 

[bismith]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

What causes many to stop is pain, plain and simple. It will be tough to avoid pain as you will become tired walking 25km day after day for 30+ days. What can reduce that is to be prepared by training and then training some more. Find your cadence that is good for you and then look after yourself. Remember to have fun and meet up with the other Pilgrims. Buen Camino.

 

[Kanga]

As discussed in another thread, tendonitis is the real show stopper. Luckily it has never affected me on Camino but I've seen what it has done to others, some of them young and fit. If you start to feel those characteristic twinges you have to eliminate the cause. Over tight lacing of high boots seems one. Or it could be something about the way your feet strike the ground. Maybe swop to sandals or put some inserts in your shoes.

 

[Urban Trekker]

I did my first Camino (the Ingles) May 2013. It was the hardest most strenuous, best good time I've ever had. Like others have said start walking, get your ticket, and just do it.

 

[Richo]

Richo, I was not in good shape the first year we did Le Puy - it had been a couple of years between Caminos and I'd put on a few kilos. And boy, did I do penance for those extra calories. I know why people carry light packs. On the road out of Le Puy super fit scrawny French walkers kept streaming past while I panted and puffed and sweated, red in the face - the first hill felt like hell. Just keep walking every day is my advice - even if it is only 8 kilometers. If you stop or catch a bus or a taxi, you will be too tempted to keep doing it or hire a car and abandon the whole thing - and you will never know what you missed and what you could have accomplished. Plus you will get fit. For those of us who are not super fit to start the Camino is hard work for at least the first weeks - some true grit is required. Like most things we get back what we put in, and it does feel fabulous to have an in shape body. Let alone the cleared mind, the rush of joy that comes in the morning, the spray of roses over an ancient stone wall, smell of freshly wet grass, the sound of birds.....

Yes, that's my plan, Kanga - walk every day. It's exactly three months until I start from Le Puy and it's time to up the pace a bit and add in some walking in the beautiful Adelaide hills. Luckily there are some terrific hilly walks just twenty minutes from the CBD! Surely the hills out of Le Puy can't be any tougher than our Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty walk? . Wonderful images you conjure, btw. I certainly intend to smell the roses - I'm in no hurry and will stop where I like to explore, rest if necessary and sample the local fare. Actually, the local fare is one of the reasons why I chose Le Puy instead of VDLP, which I had initially intended to do. I agree that it's important to keep walking. I'd rather rest another day if required than keep going by alternative transport. I'm not concerned about sticking to a schedule and if it get's too cold to walk by the end of October/early November I can return another year.

 

[OzAnnie]

My first Camino started from SJPP in Sept. 2013. I had heard about it in 2008 from a couple on a "Walking Provence" tour. At the time I thought they were crazy to spend vacation time walking across Spain. I am a 54-year old obese woman who happens to be able to walk 8 miles/day at 4mph on a treadmill in an air conditioned room which I have done daily for many years. I started walking the bleachers/stairs at the local high school football stadium daily with my backpack two months before I left. I am an extremely light sleeper and can barely tolerate my husband snoring in my ear so I knew alberges weren't going to work for me. I made reservations at hotels, B&Bs, and even a few apartments along the way which forced me to keep going. I also bought good boots one size larger than I wear as recommended which kept me from getting the huge blisters others experienced who didn't know to allow room for their feet to swell because of the daily walking. Let me tell you that I quit 22 times the first day, 17 times the second day, 14 times the third day, you get my point. With taking breaks I was only averaging 2mph! What kept me going was telling myself that when I arrived at my accommodations that night I could go online and cancel my reservations for the rest of my Camino and make reservations to fly to and spend a week each in Athens, London, St. Petersburg, and Berlin looking at great architecture as well as fabulous works of art in air conditioned museums. I only had to be back in Madrid on a certain date to fly home. A week into it when I was only quitting twice a day I met my Camino family (I had come alone) and the walking was easier. I also survived by sending my backpack by Jacotrans many days and even took the bus a few times. (Just remember, you are only required to walk the last 100 kilometers to receive the Compostella.) Everyone's Camino is their own. Some people quit because they allowed others' judgement about how to walk the Camino "authentically" influence their daily survival. You don't have to suffer to receive the spiritual benefits of walking to Santiago. I made many great friends that I now correspond with regularly. My only advice is to make sure to watch where you are walking even when chatting with other pilgrims and use two trekking poles. The rocks, and you will be walking on lots of earthen path rocks, caused some people to fall and ultimately to quit. By the way, I am walking the Camino Portuguese in 2015!

Hi Cel
Liked your post and emphathised with a lot of your 'head thoughts'.
The Camino family or bonding with others makes a big difference. Possibly those deciding to keep to privacy from the start may miss out on the advantages of this support.
Annie

 

[catferguson]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

I can appreciate that some people have to leave the Camino because they cannot physically continue, for whatever reason. But there are other reasons why a pilgrim might leave. Ending a Camino prematurely is a matter of interpretation. What does prematurely mean? Does it mean leaving the Camino before you reach Santiago, or ending it before you are ready to end it? The importance of the Camino experience is the journey, especially the internal journey, so actually reaching a prescribed physical destination is not necessarily the point of completion of the inner journey. I have experienced both of these. My first pilgrimage from Roncesvalles to Santiago was completed, but I felt that the reason I had undertaken the Camino was not resolved; although I had had an enjoyable Camino, my inner journey had not been completed . And so I returned the following year. On this second occasion, my experience was quite the opposite. I suddenly realised, just after Carrion de los Condes, that my inner pilgrimage was now fulfilled. I was not quitting because of physical problems; far from it, I felt incredibly fit, healthy and full of great joy. My pilgrimage experiences on that second pilgrimage had been absolutely extraordinary and I felt, with great conviction, that everything was now accomplished, so continuing to Santiago was pointless and, indeed, might even have detracted from those feelings of joy. I know I left the Camino at the right time for me. Some might consider it a premature departure, but it is good to remember that not all journeys end where we might expect; such is the joy of pilgrimage. As the grafitti says on several bridges on the Camino 'the best way is your way; the best speed is your speed'. Relax and follow your inner self.

 

[s. brown]

I am relishing the thought of being on the Camino once again, taking it REALLY slowly....stopping plenty to eat, talk, think, share & learn about the place & people.....the slightly temperamental left knee will determine my pace, distance & ultimate finishing point...but I will take special care of the body with stretches, massage, positive encouragement & really listen to what it can do...if I am comfortable enough physically my mind is free to wander & I am more aware of my surroundings...and, hopefully more open to my lessons...

Yes, I too like the idea of taking it really slowly. It just sounds right for me. Thanks.

 

[s. brown]

My first Camino started from SJPP in Sept. 2013. I had heard about it in 2008 from a couple on a "Walking Provence" tour. At the time I thought they were crazy to spend vacation time walking across Spain. I am a 54-year old obese woman who happens to be able to walk 8 miles/day at 4mph on a treadmill in an air conditioned room which I have done daily for many years. I started walking the bleachers/stairs at the local high school football stadium daily with my backpack two months before I left. I am an extremely light sleeper and can barely tolerate my husband snoring in my ear so I knew alberges weren't going to work for me. I made reservations at hotels, B&Bs, and even a few apartments along the way which forced me to keep going. I also bought good boots one size larger than I wear as recommended which kept me from getting the huge blisters others experienced who didn't know to allow room for their feet to swell because of the daily walking. Let me tell you that I quit 22 times the first day, 17 times the second day, 14 times the third day, you get my point. With taking breaks I was only averaging 2mph! What kept me going was telling myself that when I arrived at my accommodations that night I could go online and cancel my reservations for the rest of my Camino and make reservations to fly to and spend a week each in Athens, London, St. Petersburg, and Berlin looking at great architecture as well as fabulous works of art in air conditioned museums. I only had to be back in Madrid on a certain date to fly home. A week into it when I was only quitting twice a day I met my Camino family (I had come alone) and the walking was easier. I also survived by sending my backpack by Jacotrans many days and even took the bus a few times. (Just remember, you are only required to walk the last 100 kilometers to receive the Compostella.) Everyone's Camino is their own. Some people quit because they allowed others' judgement about how to walk the Camino "authentically" influence their daily survival. You don't have to suffer to receive the spiritual benefits of walking to Santiago. I made many great friends that I now correspond with regularly. My only advice is to make sure to watch where you are walking even when chatting with other pilgrims and use two trekking poles. The rocks, and you will be walking on lots of earthen path rocks, caused some people to fall and ultimately to quit. By the way, I am walking the Camino Portuguese in 2015!

I love your post! A lot of good advice, but the part that knocks me out is quitting 22 times the first day, 17 times the second day, etc. Then you a had a little conversation with yourself about canceling your upcoming reservations. I love this. Thank you. You've given me a formula for success and I plan on using it. My adaptation will probably include something like, "Just get to your next hot chocolate, your next draft beer, your next blueberry tart... then think about quitting." Really, I love your way of thinking and your success! Good luck on the Portuguese 2015!

 

[s. brown]

I can appreciate that some people have to leave the Camino because they cannot physically continue, for whatever reason. But there are other reasons why a pilgrim might leave. Ending a Camino prematurely is a matter of interpretation. What does prematurely mean? Does it mean leaving the Camino before you reach Santiago, or ending it before you are ready to end it? The importance of the Camino experience is the journey, especially the internal journey, so actually reaching a prescribed physical destination is not necessarily the point of completion of the inner journey. I have experienced both of these. My first pilgrimage from Roncesvalles to Santiago was completed, but I felt that the reason I had undertaken the Camino was not resolved; although I had had an enjoyable Camino, my inner journey had not been completed . And so I returned the following year. On this second occasion, my experience was quite the opposite. I suddenly realised, just after Carrion de los Condes, that my inner pilgrimage was now fulfilled. I was not quitting because of physical problems; far from it, I felt incredibly fit, healthy and full of great joy. My pilgrimage experiences on that second pilgrimage had been absolutely extraordinary and I felt, with great conviction, that everything was now accomplished, so continuing to Santiago was pointless and, indeed, might even have detracted from those feelings of joy. I know I left the Camino at the right time for me. Some might consider it a premature departure, but it is good to remember that not all journeys end where we might expect; such is the joy of pilgrimage. As the grafitti says on several bridges on the Camino 'the best way is your way; the best speed is your speed'. Relax and follow your inner self.

Your story fascinates me. Please elaborate on your inner pilgramage being fulfilled. I would love to know more about how it was exordinary and left you with great joy. If you would prefer you can send me a private message. Thank you.

 

[s. brown]

To S. Brown ~ As I myself prepare for my May 2015 Camino from SJPDP to Finisterre, on the days I'm feeling anxious about what is ahead of me, I re-read these few words and find comfort that my decision to test myself is what I've been waiting for my whole life :

"Don't fear failure - In great attempts it is glorious even to fail"~Bruce Lee

Buen Camino

Ah, Bruce Lee. I have one of his books, left in my home by a champion fighter, and I read it over and over. Thank you.

 

[s. brown]

I did my first Camino (the Ingles) May 2013. It was the hardest most strenuous, best good time I've ever had. Like others have said start walking, get your ticket, and just do it.

Your description is frightening and inspiring. Thank you.

 

[s. brown]

As discussed in another thread, tendonitis is the real show stopper. Luckily it has never affected me on Camino but I've seen what it has done to others, some of them young and fit. If you start to feel those characteristic twinges you have to eliminate the cause. Over tight lacing of high boots seems one. Or it could be something about the way your feet strike the ground. Maybe swop to sandals or put some inserts in your shoes.

Good advice. My training will involve a lot of stretching exercises, which my ortho tells me relieves and prevents tendonitis.

 

[s. brown]

Richo, I was not in good shape the first year we did Le Puy - it had been a couple of years between Caminos and I'd put on a few kilos. And boy, did I do penance for those extra calories. I know why people carry light packs. On the road out of Le Puy super fit scrawny French walkers kept streaming past while I panted and puffed and sweated, red in the face - the first hill felt like hell. Just keep walking every day is my advice - even if it is only 8 kilometers. If you stop or catch a bus or a taxi, you will be too tempted to keep doing it or hire a car and abandon the whole thing - and you will never know what you missed and what you could have accomplished. Plus you will get fit. For those of us who are not super fit to start the Camino is hard work for at least the first weeks - some true grit is required. Like most things we get back what we put in, and it does feel fabulous to have an in shape body. Let alone the cleared mind, the rush of joy that comes in the morning, the spray of roses over an ancient stone wall, smell of freshly wet grass, the sound of birds.....

Thanks. I didn't think about taking a bus or taxi, but now I am forewarned. I love the idea of cleared mind, joy in the morning, birds, roses. Thanks.

 

[s. brown]

Beyond the specific reasons, except for those who head home for a family emergency, everyone quits because the pilgrimage is beyond their current capabilities, physical or mental. In some cases it is a lack of preparation including conditioning, and sometimes it is an immediate happening. Either way, they are overmatched.

"overmatched" . .. ... . . well put.

 

[s. brown]

I began in SJPdP with a friend and only made it halfway up to Orisson before I made a car stop and take me the rest of the way.

I left my friend the next morning, went back to Bayonne and formulated a new plan, which involved a very last minute ten day walk on the southern coast of England.

When I was near the end of that trip I decided that if I could do the cliffs of Dorset I could certainly do the Camino.

I booked with a Camino Tour, had my bags sent ahead, my rooms booked and completed Sarria to Santiago, then they helped me book to Finisterre.

So, what stopped my Camino at the beginning? A wicked combination of Pyrenees, no faith in myself, exhaustion and trying to keep up with my walking partner who is way faster and stronger than myself.

We both had amazing journeys and that is what I think the Camino is about, your journey.

Buen Camino

Cheryl



Sent from my iPad using Camino de Santiago Forum mobile app

Thank you for this. It is helpful, and I love youre tenacity. Good job.

 

[s. brown]

I say go for it, S Brown. I, too am doing my first camino. I start in September 2014 from Le Puy. I'm overweight and not "gym fit" by any means, although I do walk an hour or two most days. If I have to pull out after a few weeks or even days, so be it and no skin off my nose.
Enjoy your preparation, and Bon Chemin!
btw - I intend making the most of the gastronomic offerings of the region and due to the extra caloric expenditure, I look forward to being able to eat and drink as much as I like of whatever I like.

Ah, sister-in-walking, thanks. I, too, intend to make the most of gastronomic offerings as well as the restorative alcoholic gifts of the region. I have been researching the food this week and will soon post a thread of my findings.

 

[s. brown]

Hiking 20 k up the 1060 meter Ibaneta pass via the Valcarlos route the first time in 2004 at 65 to the monastery at Roncevalles was one of the most difficult days on the Camino and certainly the most physically exhausting day of my adult life then to date. I was pooped!

I had hiked throughout the summer in preparation for the trip, but nothing had prepared me for such an effort. Beneath a deep blue sky and brilliant sun I gasped and ached while my pack weighed like bricks. But eventually I made it to Santiago walking all the way. Although in 2004 I did arrive in Santiago with broken glasses and a cyclopean black eye (!!) the only time I had to stop was after falling on ice in Pamplona in January 2010; nevertheless I returned the following October to continue .

I learned the hard way that this is NOT a walk in the park! Just because so many pilgrims have been successful does not guarantee that all will be. Anybody any moment can fall or pull or break anything. The most common injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much!

Thus now I always start walking slowly and very easy for the first week. Daily distances cited in the guidebooks are not sacred. Easy does it; slow but, determined. The topography and the weather plus health and pack weight as well as personal strength and ability to endure all must be juggled.

Nevertheless, even now at 75 what still matters most is to DO IT!

Ultreia!

Margaret Meredith

Margaret, thank you. I always read your posts with much interest. You seem to offer a wealth of information and wise advice. By the way, I also really enjoy your blogs. I am on the third one now.

 

[s. brown]

I knew I wasn't a perfect fit when I made my first Camino acquaintance - an older gent from Lyon - walking from the train to the Capucins in Le Puy. We had some nice chats - then next morning he was off like a shot. He was intending to reach Santiago in haste to get back for a wedding and his scheduling was quite a shock to me. I loafed around in Le Puy, a place I really like, for several days, till I felt like budging. My intention was to go along the trail at any old pace that felt good and end before my Schengen visa expired. I actually got as far as Pamplona before heading back to Paris after interesting stops in Bordeaux and San Seb.

When you walk at a cold time of year, as I always do, there is less rush and competition for accommodation etc, but I find most people want to move along a bit more than me. So I let many friends come and go as I walked the Chemin, because they preferred a bit of a schedule and I didn't. It took me till close to the Bearn to link up with a French group (of geobiologists!) who were true waddlers and dawdlers and quite disgracefully slow.

The good news: I went back to Pamplona the following winter to the exact same hotel where I had stopped and continued on to Santiago...and Valenca...and back to Santiago...then on Finisterre. I did every inch on foot, even those industrial and urban areas which many don't like but which I appreciate just as much as the rural and picturesque stuff. There's interest everywhere.

I never tell people to slow down or be like me in any way. One of me is enough. But I will make one point which is sort of advice: nobody likes being treated as a thoroughfare. Take an interest in the place you're actually in - and with St James be the rest!

"Nobody likes being treated as a thoroughfare." Good advice. I, too, might be "disgracefully slow," but I intend to enjoy myself.

 

[Richo]

Ah, sister-in-walking, thanks. I, too, intend to make the most of gastronomic offerings as well as the restorative alcoholic gifts of the region. I have been researching the food this week and will soon post a thread of my findings.

Oh, please do post your food and wine research. And I will certainly add mine as I wend my way .

 

[sriyantra]

I can appreciate that some people have to leave the Camino because they cannot physically continue, for whatever reason. But there are other reasons why a pilgrim might leave. Ending a Camino prematurely is a matter of interpretation. What does prematurely mean? Does it mean leaving the Camino before you reach Santiago, or ending it before you are ready to end it? The importance of the Camino experience is the journey, especially the internal journey, so actually reaching a prescribed physical destination is not necessarily the point of completion of the inner journey. I have experienced both of these. My first pilgrimage from Roncesvalles to Santiago was completed, but I felt that the reason I had undertaken the Camino was not resolved; although I had had an enjoyable Camino, my inner journey had not been completed . And so I returned the following year. On this second occasion, my experience was quite the opposite. I suddenly realised, just after Carrion de los Condes, that my inner pilgrimage was now fulfilled. I was not quitting because of physical problems; far from it, I felt incredibly fit, healthy and full of great joy. My pilgrimage experiences on that second pilgrimage had been absolutely extraordinary and I felt, with great conviction, that everything was now accomplished, so continuing to Santiago was pointless and, indeed, might even have detracted from those feelings of joy. I know I left the Camino at the right time for me. Some might consider it a premature departure, but it is good to remember that not all journeys end where we might expect; such is the joy of pilgrimage. As the grafitti says on several bridges on the Camino 'the best way is your way; the best speed is your speed'. Relax and follow your inner self.

The first time was to learn the lesson. On the second you became the lesson, you didn't have to do anything more.

 

[Olivares]

By the way, I am walking the Camino Portuguese in 2015!

Cel-- I am also planning the Portugues in 2015 and it sure would be an honor to find you on the path!! Buen Camino!!

 

[Urban Trekker]

Your description is frightening and inspiring. Thank you.

Sorry, not trying to scare anyone. First 2 days were great but by the end of day 2 my feet self destructed. We went up and down the equivalent of 3 60 story buildings between Pontedeume and Betanzos. No blisters, just pain in my toes. In my case boots plus swelling plus steep down hill = oh oh. Pain level went to about 6 or 7 out of 10 and stayed there until I stopped walking each day. Took over 3 weeks after my Camino to get better and lost small toe nails. I didn't enjoy the pain but the people I met and the places I saw and visited made up for the discomfort. Tony

 

[Kanga]

Boots.

 

[november_moon]

We had to end our Camino before we intended due to an emergency at home. We will be back though, but this time we will be better prepared. My husband got some significant blisters, but we are also smarter about blisters now as well has boot in-soles. We also know what we used and what we didn't so will be smarter about what we take (ex. did not use our head lamps at all, won't take them next time and will take smaller ponchos).

 

[titasanz]

Wow, thank you everyone! This is so encouraging and helpful. I have a year to shape up (I've already started). A young man I know wants to come along, but I am making it very clear to him that we are likely to go at different speeds and have different requirements. I have a strong sense that I should not rush this walk due to my untested body. I also like to eat well and often. And I am curious about my surroundings and like to investigate. It might be best if I do this alone, although he is charming and fun.

Let me add that my introduction to the Camino de Santiago was a chance reading of an article in an old Gourmet Magazine. I collect cookbooks and cooking magazines and happened upon an article by Herb McGrew, a psychiatrist from California, in the September 1990 issue. He and a pilot, an artist, and a vineyard owner started their camino in Le Puy and walked for three weeks. They finished the camino in four yearly vacations. I had to rifle through hundreds of magazines and found all four articles (Gourmet, May 1991, August 1992, and April 1996)! It was a real Eureka! moment for me. Gourmet is no longer in publication, but if anyone can get these articles I highly recommend that you do. They are wonderful, charming accounts of their caminos. I often find old Gourmets at book fairs and resale shops. He could very well be a member on this site, and it would be fantastic if he would give the rights to re-publication in some form.

Keep the answers coming. Thank you.

Hi everybody, I did it last year in Aug-Sep , I was 58 and very well trained, and I went alone. I think that training just walking is not enough, I did Insanity three times (9 weeks each time) before going to Spain, I walked 5 weeks from SJPP to Finisterre, never missed a day, started Aug 14th ended Sep 17th. In my case the most important things were: the quality of every item I took, the last minute addition of my trekking sandals, eating well every day and being very careful not to eat things that could have unpleasant results, sleeping enough, following my own rythm, listening to my body, the determination to reach my destination although humbly knowing that not everything was under my control and chocolate milk.
Please feel free to contact me with any question, I'll be glad to help you.

 

[indyinmaine]

I can appreciate that some people have to leave the Camino because they cannot physically continue, for whatever reason. But there are other reasons why a pilgrim might leave. Ending a Camino prematurely is a matter of interpretation. What does prematurely mean? Does it mean leaving the Camino before you reach Santiago, or ending it before you are ready to end it? The importance of the Camino experience is the journey, especially the internal journey, so actually reaching a prescribed physical destination is not necessarily the point of completion of the inner journey. I have experienced both of these. My first pilgrimage from Roncesvalles to Santiago was completed, but I felt that the reason I had undertaken the Camino was not resolved; although I had had an enjoyable Camino, my inner journey had not been completed . And so I returned the following year. On this second occasion, my experience was quite the opposite. I suddenly realised, just after Carrion de los Condes, that my inner pilgrimage was now fulfilled. I was not quitting because of physical problems; far from it, I felt incredibly fit, healthy and full of great joy. My pilgrimage experiences on that second pilgrimage had been absolutely extraordinary and I felt, with great conviction, that everything was now accomplished, so continuing to Santiago was pointless and, indeed, might even have detracted from those feelings of joy. I know I left the Camino at the right time for me. Some might consider it a premature departure, but it is good to remember that not all journeys end where we might expect; such is the joy of pilgrimage. As the grafitti says on several bridges on the Camino 'the best way is your way; the best speed is your speed'. Relax and follow your inner self.

Very well stated but I think I'd go one step further (pardon the pun). Does any pilgrimage, once you realize you're on one, really have an goal or is it just that, a pilgrimage. I thought I felt much the same as you did on your second Camino, less than half way through my first, and yet each day another aspect of it unfolds, even though I'm not walking.

 

[indyinmaine]

S

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

S. Brown.
I'm not an indoors person but am certainly not a "hiker" either. Minus the vaselined feet I remember starting up the hill to Orisson last fall thinking to myself, "What have I gone and done?" The answer will unravel itself along the path. No mental picture is ever a complete one!

 

[s. brown]

Hi everybody, I did it last year in Aug-Sep , I was 58 and very well trained, and I went alone. I think that training just walking is not enough, I did Insanity three times (9 weeks each time) before going to Spain, I walked 5 weeks from SJPP to Finisterre, never missed a day, started Aug 14th ended Sep 17th. In my case the most important things were: the quality of every item I took, the last minute addition of my trekking sandals, eating well every day and being very careful not to eat things that could have unpleasant results, sleeping enough, following my own rythm, listening to my body, the determination to reach my destination although humbly knowing that not everything was under my control and chocolate milk.
Please feel free to contact me with any question, I'll be glad to help you.

Very sensible plan. Yes, I suspect that just walking won't be enough training for me. I, too, plan on bringing trekking sandals. My feet, which are troublesome in everyday life, are probably my biggest concern. I suspect I might have more rest days than most pilgrims. Chocolate milk, does that mean hot chocolate? Many years ago I discovered that hot chocolate in Europe is really good, especially compared to what's available in the USA. What exactly do you mean by being very careful not to eat things that could have unpleasant results? Are there foods to avoid? Thanks.

 

[s. brown]

S

S. Brown.
I'm not an indoors person but am certainly not a "hiker" either. Minus the vaselined feet I remember starting up the hill to Orisson last fall thinking to myself, "What have I gone and done?" The answer will unravel itself along the path. No mental picture is ever a complete one!

I'm laughing. Yeah, I think my mental picture of myself probably isn't complete either! The second image I have of myself is getting to the outskirts of Le Puy and telling myself, "Okay, you did well. Find a place for the night." Time will tell. I like it though, that you say the anwser will unravel itself along the path. Gosh I hope so. Did you make it?

 

[indyinmaine]

I'm laughing. Yeah, I think my mental picture of myself probably isn't complete either! The second image I have of myself is getting to the outskirts of Le Puy and telling myself, "Okay, you did well. Find a place for the night." Time will tell. I like it though, that you say the anwser will unravel itself along the path. Gosh I hope so. Did you make it?

With the exception of a few "chosen sections", "Yes" and at the tender age of 82! Go for it! It's the belief in doing it that counts.

 

[s. brown]

With the exception of a few "chosen sections", "Yes" and at the tender age of 82! Go for it! It's the belief in doing it that counts.

82 -- I'm very impressed! I'm taking your comments to heart.

 

[GITA7759]

Well, Paulo Coelho stopped to go off and write his first book...

 

[s. brown]

Well, Paulo Coelho stopped to go off and write his first book...

Really? Is that true? I'm not doubting you but I would love to hear more details. Thanks.

 

[GITA7759]

I just checked Wikipedia and it shows that Paulo had written a few lesser know books before his pilgrimage, but it was on El Camino in 1986 that he had his spiritual epiphany, saw his true path and walked away from El Camino to return home and actively pursue his writing career. He then wrote, The Pilgrimage (autobiographical) and shortly thereafter, The Alchemist (probably his most famous work). Some have criticized him for running off before actually completing El Camino, but every true pilgrim knows that once the pilgrimage is begun it is impossible to ever depart the true path...no matter where it leads you...

Excerpt from Paulo's Wiki page: In 1986, Coelho walked the 500-plus mile Road of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, a turning point in his life.[6][9] On the path, Coelho had a spiritual awakening, which he described autobiographically in The Pilgrimage.[10] In an interview, Coelho stated "[In 1986], I was very happy in the things I was doing. I was doing something that gave me food and water – to use the metaphor in "The Alchemist", I was working, I had a person whom I loved, I had money, but I was not fulfilling my dream. My dream was, and still is, to be a writer."[11] Coelho would leave his lucrative career as a songwriter and pursue writing full-time.

There is a documentary DVD that takes Paulo back to Northern Spain and he discusses some of this controversy. The DVD is titled, "El Camino a Santiago."

 

[s. brown]

I just checked Wikipedia and it shows that Paulo had written a few lesser know books before his pilgrimage, but it was on El Camino in 1986 that he had his spiritual epiphany, saw his true path and walked away from El Camino to return home and actively pursue his writing career. He then wrote, The Pilgrimage (autobiographical) and shortly thereafter, The Alchemist (probably his most famous work). Some have criticized him for running off before actually completing El Camino, but every true pilgrim knows that once the pilgrimage is begun it is impossible to ever depart the true path...no matter where it leads you...

Excerpt from Paulo's Wiki page: In 1986, Coelho walked the 500-plus mile Road of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, a turning point in his life.[6][9] On the path, Coelho had a spiritual awakening, which he described autobiographically in The Pilgrimage.[10] In an interview, Coelho stated "[In 1986], I was very happy in the things I was doing. I was doing something that gave me food and water – to use the metaphor in "The Alchemist", I was working, I had a person whom I loved, I had money, but I was not fulfilling my dream. My dream was, and still is, to be a writer."[11] Coelho would leave his lucrative career as a songwriter and pursue writing full-time.

There is a documentary DVD that takes Paulo back to Northern Spain and he discusses some of this controversy. The DVD is titled, "El Camino a Santiago."

Thanks, Gita7759. This is very informative and I am eager to look into The Pilgrimage and the DVD.

 

[rayvarey]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

Forget about reasons for stopping, more important are the reasons for going.......Stop, reading and dreaming and planning and procrastinating...just get off your duff and do it. Once you're engaged and on the trail you'll kick yourself for not having started months, nea, years ago. Anyone can walk the Camino...one step at a time.

At 70 years of age I did the 350 kms from Le Puy to Cahors in May this year. A great adventure. Pack you stuff and get crackin'!

If you want to be guaranteed international company do the Camino Frances or any part thereof. We started in Leon Spain and did 300 km to Santiago. Lots of accommodation and friendly folks from all over the world. From Le Puy it was mostly French folks with a smattering of others...many of whom had done the SJPP to Santiago trip first and were looking for new horizons.

Buen Camino! Bonne route! Gut weg!

Ray

 

[froghollowgal]

This is my first post. I have been reading this forum and intensely researching the Camino de Santiago for a few years now. I am very interested in walking the camino for about three weeks starting in Le Puy in June 2015. I am wondering what are the reasons some people end their walks prematurely? I would appreciate specific examples if you yourself stopped your walk or if you know of others who stopped.

I am a sort of "parlor" person or an "indoors girl" (acutally I'm a single woman in my 60's). I have never backpacked or hiked in my life, but I am keenly interested in doing this. I have this mental picture of myself standing in front of a Le Puy hotel one morning in June with my backpack on, pacer poles in hand, vaselined feet with inner liners and merino socks in my well-fitting, broken in, lightweight hiking shoes wondering what in the hell am I doing. Thank you.

I walked the Camino from Leon to Santiago (and then by bus to Finnesterre) with my daughter last year when I was 63, (I am slightly overweight and in not top form) and I just wanted to give you a little encouragement from a sister 60+ year old. What a delightful, spiritual, life changing trip, I saw things I had never seen and probably will never see again, and we met people from all over the world. It was very demanding physically, especially with my 20+ pound backpack, but each day you see such wondrous things, and you sit at sidewalk cafe's that are amazing, and the day's walk doesn't seem so long. My super in-shape 30-year-old daughter had no problems, but toward the end, she fell down some marble stairs in the dark (thinking she was at the bottom when she wasn't) carrying both our backpacks and severely injured her ankle. We carried on and made it to Santiago, with a stop at a clinic, (and a look at all my blisters also while we were there) and didn't have to abandon the walk, thank goodness, so some injuries aren't trip ending, just inconvenient, so be careful, as many have pointed out. I agree that you don't have to go a long amount of miles each day, and don't feel you shouldn't take rest days. Our unplanned rest day in Ponferrada, where we toured and stayed in the shadow of the Templar Castle was one of my most memorable days. Don't be afraid of the albergues, they really give you a feel for the trip, and be sure to take the time to see the towns and scenery as you go along rather than hurrying to get to a certain spot. Leave enough time to take it easy when you need to, and you will enjoy the trip much more.

 

[Susan hopes]

I just returned home after ending my Camino early; for me it was a series of things that caused me to come home and vow to be better prepared next time (and yes, I swear to all the gods and goddesses there will be a next time!):

1. illness (I could not eat or sleep)
2. stress (Getting to SJPDP was nightmarish)
3. wrong backpack and too much to carry
4. homesickness (I missed my husband so very much)
5. The uphill climb from SJPDP (Nothing could have prepared this flatlander for that uphill climb)

Things I did right:

1. Carried just the right amount of clothes
2. My boots and inserts combined with socks were PERFECT. My feet were not even sore, much less blistered.
3. I loved every moment of the short time I walked the Camino.

I think if I had to do it over, I would have gone straight by taxi to Roncesvalles (I loved the Cafe Sabina), and I would have stuck it out one more day or two and see if I could ever get into the Camino rhythm.

And yes, my husband has promised to accompany me next time.

 

[robertt]

I never bothered with much training and never bothered where I stopped, whether for the day or the whole Camino. No blisters or fatigue because I didn't push myself. There is a limit to how fast you can go and how far, but no limit to how slow and how short.

No need to tell me this approach does not suit all: I have been overtaken by thousands of pilgrims who obviously felt differently. (One injured Korean lady tried to get me to overtake her on the way in to Carrion, but I was awake to her.)

Sometimes I've done big stages, but rarely. They cut into eating and sleeping time. Really, I don't know why Saint James allows my type on his track...but it seems he will take anybody. Maybe our job is to toddle along and he looks after the purpose of it all.

 

[Kitsambler]

I want to be as prepared as I can.

I think it is important to make the distinction between adequate preparation and controlling the unknown. Walking the Camino is all about the unknown -- if it were all known, what would be the point of the journey? It is only through the unknown, the not-being-in-control, the not-knowing, that our defenses crumble and the Spirit can gain entry.

So ... scratching your head and wondering what in tarnation you have done? Yes!!! Taking along a travel companion whose needs and pace and stage in life's journey are different from your own, just because you don't think you feel secure without him? Not so much.

Three weeks on the Le Puy route as a first walk works very well, by the way -- that's how I spent my first Camino.

 

[s. brown]

I think it is important to make the distinction between adequate preparation and controlling the unknown. Walking the Camino is all about the unknown -- if it were all known, what would be the point of the journey? It is only through the unknown, the not-being-in-control, the not-knowing, that our defenses crumble and the Spirit can gain entry.

So ... scratching your head and wondering what in tarnation you have done? Yes!!! Taking along a travel companion whose needs and pace and stage in life's journey are different from your own, just because you don't think you feel secure without him? Not so much.

Three weeks on the Le Puy route as a first walk works very well, by the way -- that's how I spent my first Camino.

Thanks, Kitsambler. I would prefer to go alone. The preparation I'm thinking about is my fitness level. I have bad feet, tight muscles, a variety ailments where physical therapy was prescribed. So, I feel it is important for me to prepare my body. I have already started stretching and exercising. I would hate to have my camino halted because of these issues. I do believe what you have written about the unknown and "Spirit gaining entry." It's good to have the reminder.

 

[s. brown]

I never bothered with much training and never bothered where I stopped, whether for the day or the whole Camino. No blisters or fatigue because I didn't push myself. There is a limit to how fast you can go and how far, but no limit to how slow and how short.

No need to tell me this approach does not suit all: I have been overtaken by thousands of pilgrims who obviously felt differently. (One injured Korean lady tried to get me to overtake her on the way in to Carrion, but I was awake to her.)

Sometimes I've done big stages, but rarely. They cut into eating and sleeping time. Really, I don't know why Saint James allows my type on his track...but it seems he will take anybody. Maybe our job is to toddle along and he looks after the purpose of it all.

Thanks for this. I like your approach and I suspect I will be toddling along as well.

 

[s. brown]

I just returned home after ending my Camino early; for me it was a series of things that caused me to come home and vow to be better prepared next time (and yes, I swear to all the gods and goddesses there will be a next time!):

1. illness (I could not eat or sleep)
2. stress (Getting to SJPDP was nightmarish)
3. wrong backpack and too much to carry
4. homesickness (I missed my husband so very much)
5. The uphill climb from SJPDP (Nothing could have prepared this flatlander for that uphill climb)

Things I did right:

1. Carried just the right amount of clothes
2. My boots and inserts combined with socks were PERFECT. My feet were not even sore, much less blistered.
3. I loved every moment of the short time I walked the Camino.

I think if I had to do it over, I would have gone straight by taxi to Roncesvalles (I loved the Cafe Sabina), and I would have stuck it out one more day or two and see if I could ever get into the Camino rhythm.

And yes, my husband has promised to accompany me next time.

Wow, sorry to read of your experience. How long were you on the camino? I 'd also like to know why you couldn't eat or sleep. Please read #36. It might be helpful to you. This lady stopped 22 times the first day! I can relate to that!

 

[jumpingin2014]

This is good post! I would say blisters or tendinitis - take your pick! From what I saw on the CF in 2013. There were surprisingly a fair number of people who were upset there was so many people but I didn't see them quit. I saw one fella leaving who had broke his leg - by his own admission from his own carelessness. Quitters are not going to say a lot though - I think they just disappear one day so this is no more than idle speculation.

 

[roberto.ea]

A spanish pilgrim who walked with me on the Camino Ingles had to quit because her toenail was about to fall off.

The following day after she quit, after the notoriously demanding Betanzos-Bruma etapa, I noticed that my toenails were not looking particularly good as well -- they looked like hers but with less prominent inflammation.

Not wanting to quit, I decided to simply put some bandages to ensure that they will stay where they are and walk extremely slowly for the rest of the camino (think 1-2km/h), hoping that the trauma was not too severe and it will heal naturally without "toenail shedding".

I managed to finish the camino, but the fate of my toenails remain to be seen.

Lesson learned: take it easy when walking downhill.

 

[Kanga]

A spanish pilgrim who walked with me on the Camino Ingles had to quit because her toenail was about to fall off.

Good heavens, loosing a toenail is not an injury! Mine fall off all the time. A new one just grows underneath. It's getting a blister under a toenail that is painful. But they heal. Lesson - stop and give your feet an airing every two hours.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola S.Brown - so now you know how many pilgrims have fought the Camino and won/lost.
For me there are two aspects - physical fitness and preparation and Mental fitness and preparation. The first - if you are going in 2015 you have the time to get the body into some sort of reasonable shape. The second - only you can know when this has been achieved. Like the post that spoke about childbirth, the Camino is a "one day at a time; one step in front of the other" experience. Arrive at St Jean free from jet lag and the worries of home; leave St Jean early the following day - start with 10km per day and as your body (and mind) grow into the Camino you will find your legs.
Buen Camino

 

[eli2BK]

What kind of injury?

Haven't been on the site for a bit - knee gave out - likely a strained tendon . . . due to a chronic ankle problem - which gave me no issues at all while walking!! I was so prepared for the ankle to be an issue, but one day the inside of my knee went! A couple of weeks of hopping about on crutches using ibuprofen gel, a presciption for voltaren (I think it was) and lots of wine and sitting - cleared up enough to try again.

 

[s. brown]

Hola S.Brown - so now you know how many pilgrims have fought the Camino and won/lost.
For me there are two aspects - physical fitness and preparation and Mental fitness and preparation. The first - if you are going in 2015 you have the time to get the body into some sort of reasonable shape. The second - only you can know when this has been achieved. Like the post that spoke about childbirth, the Camino is a "one day at a time; one step in front of the other" experience. Arrive at St Jean free from jet lag and the worries of home; leave St Jean early the following day - start with 10km per day and as your body (and mind) grow into the Camino you will find your legs.
Buen Camino

Good advice! Thanks.

 

[roberto.ea]

Good heavens, loosing a toenail is not an injury! Mine fall off all the time. A new one just grows underneath. It's getting a blister under a toenail that is painful. But they heal. Lesson - stop and give your feet an airing every two hours.

It isn't, but it often is a result of a traumatic injury. The doctor informed me that in serious cases, which typically include pain, swelling and bleeding, proper care has to be taken in order to prevent permanent damage to the nail root. (If that happens, unfortunately, I was told that the nail might not regrow.)

My camino friend was apparently in so much pain (she is a sporty tough kind of girl and has completed 3 caminos before so I know it must be pretty serious!) and I could see her nailbed swelling and changing color, medical advice had to be sought, resulting in the decision that she had to stop.

Mine, on the other hand, while started to swell a bit, didn't involve any pain nor internal bleeding, so I decided it was safe to continue, with extra care.

 

[wayfarer]

For me it was chest pains just below Orrison, a trip to hospital, and a stint fitted, thank God all is now well and I am back training for the next one.

 

[Kanga]

I certainly don't advocate ignoring pain (just wrote on this in another thread) - it's the body's defence mechanism. If you have pain it needs to be alleviated.

My toenails seem to fall off quite regularly and don't cause me a problem, unless they get too long. I've probably already done the damage - almost all my nails grow a double nail .....

 

[s. brown]

For me it was chest pains just below Orrison, a trip to hospital, and a stint fitted, thank God all is now well and I am back training for the next one.

Wow, that sounds quite serious. Glad you're on the mend and back training.

 

[Susan hopes]

Wow, sorry to read of your experience. How long were you on the camino? I 'd also like to know why you couldn't eat or sleep. Please read #36. It might be helpful to you. This lady stopped 22 times the first day! I can relate to that!

I'm embarrassed to say I was on the Camino for a week. I wish I knew why I could not eat or drink anything. I think it was a combination of stress, dehydration, and exhaustion. I woke up in the morning with the shakes and could not even choke down coffee and a muffin. I'm a diabetic, so this made things even worse.

Other things I learned: My sleeping bag was too heavy and I only used it once. I probably should have left it home and just stuck with the liner and a light towel or blanket. The rain jacket was invaluable, both as a light windbreaker and rain jacket.

Since I've left, I've dreamed of myself walking the Camino every night. I plan on going back next year - having learned from my mistakes.

 

[jumpingin2014]

[QUOTE="Since I've left, I've dreamed of myself walking the Camino every night. I plan on going back next year - having learned from my mistakes.[/QUOTE]

Susan congrats on what you did of the Camino and next year enjoy! Do yourself a favour and have your bag transported if you can. God Bless and take care