Most of us got a taste of the Camino this past weekend. While it was not quite northern Spain and it had all the charm of an old piece of sheet-rock, it did provide us with some real miles that drug on at points in time. From what I hear, parts of the Mesita will be like this.
We discovered miles of road that looked just like the one above and was decorated regularly by road-kill, beer cans and other trash shared by thoughtful drivers. We did discover that Keystone seems to either be the most popular local beer or, the most commonly tossed from Bubba’s pick up, it’s hard to tell.
Saturday, we walked a little over 15 miles with the early part going pretty well but as the day wore on and it started to heat up, it began to take a toll. Hydration is important as is taking in nourishment on a regular interval. I think we all knew this and we all have different tolerances but I’ll definitely tuck that away for Spain.
Blackie’s Bait Shop in Walnut Springs appeared as if it were a vision. In reality, it was shaded, they had cold beer and a place to sit. Nursing a beer is far better than nursing a blister or any other road malady.
Saturday, we walked a little over 15 miles with the early part going pretty well but as the day wore on and it started to heat up, it began to take a toll. Hydration is important as is taking in nourishment on a regular interval. I think we all knew this and we all have different tolerances but I’ll definitely tuck that away for Spain.
The 4 of us completed another 12 miles +/- and we clearly discovered that day 2 was less forgiving. We all suffered a little more, blisters appeared, yesterdays aches came back and 3 of us got a weird rash on one leg each at the top of our socks.
As for me, I slept very well last night and surprisingly woke this morning feeling pretty good. Seems like the recovery time is far less than when we started, that’s a good thing as I hurt for 3 days after our first Cedar Ridge training walk way back in October.
For anyone contemplating doing the Camino, if you’re north of 30, put some time in to get your body and mind in shape. You’re welcome!
About a week out now, I’m going to rest the legs this week and maybe do some light treadmill training. Heard from Mr. G that he and his sister Becky put in 9.5 miles this weekend and they’re feeling it, just like we did months ago.
One last get together on Saturday to make connections with Rick, Paul and Becky who will meet up in Madrid next month and join the rest of the crew. Time to enjoy the company of the Pilgrims and their support team (spouse’s and significant others).