<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>Hi Heather. I just returned from the Camino a few days ago and would love to
<BR>share my experience with you! In terms of training, I did NOTHING! And I
<BR>will tell you this, I do not recommend it!!!! That first week was a killer
<BR>for me. I began in St. Jean and that walk to Roncesvalles was very sobering
<BR>indeed. A few teas fell that day.
<BR>
<BR>I will say that I had at least broken in my boots, but I was a little
<BR>overweight, hadn't done any real strenuous physical activity in quite some
<BR>time and I paid dearly for it. Now I lost 30 lbs. while onthe Camino and
<BR>really toned up, but that isn't the point.
<BR>
<BR>However, there were certain times when my perception changed and I simply
<BR>walked through whatever was killing me at the time. That amazed me! I also
<BR>remember waking up in Roncesvalles thinking there was no way I could walk
<BR>that day. But three angelic Swiss got me up and moving. Your muscles go
<BR>through stages however. After the initial morning's pain and stiffness, I
<BR>soon loosend up and was able to keep a nice steady pace. After four hours
<BR>though I felt like I was dying all over again. We had stopped at a cafe for
<BR>a cafe and tostada and I wanted to cry all over again. I remember people
<BR>passing me and their expressions were definitely saying "she is never going
<BR>to make it!" But there came a point when I had to admit that things either
<BR>had to change or I may as well end it there. I straightened my back and
<BR>shoulders, took nice, long strides and it wasn't fifteen minutes later and
<BR>the pain was gone and I felt energized. That lastest the rest of the way to
<BR>Zubiri.
<BR>
<BR>Therefore, my advice would be, please do some training with the pack, your
<BR>boots, hills, if they're available and just basic endurance type work-outs.
<BR>Also, while you're walking, stay relaxed with an easy gait, and with your
<BR>back and head held high. While I was walking I tried to remember my ballet
<BR>days and kept a very long and tall line. Do make sure your pack fits well
<BR>and is correct for this type of trip. I saw many people who carried these
<BR>humongous packs with very little inside, and they were having some back
<BR>problems.
<BR>
<BR>My other piece of advice, go to your doctor before you leave and have him or
<BR>her look over your feet and knees. My one and only major problem was that I
<BR>have planters fasheitis (sp?). I could have had orthotics made and eased
<BR>much of the pain in my left heel.
<BR>
<BR>When all is said and done, it is true that after a week your muscles, lungs,
<BR>and heart will have gotten used to the dailey rituals and you will have
<BR>forgotten most of the pain your experienced in the first days.
<BR>
<BR>And if I can say one last thing, I met several people who were doing very
<BR>long days (42 -48 kms). My question tothat was "why." They missed many side
<BR>excursions as well as a few refugios. Keep a pace that's good for you and
<BR>enjoy your time there and everything you and everyone you meet. It goes much
<BR>too quickly and before you know it, you're back at home longing for the
<BR>Camino. Relish every moment.
<BR>
<BR>Best of luck and Buen camino!
<BR>Gabrielle</FONT></HTML>