I met up with a bloke today who I've seen on and off the last 2 weeks or so. We've said hello each time we've seen each other, but today walking into El Burgos Ranero, we got to talking.
He's 44 years old, he works in the oil industry doing hard physical labour, he's fit and strong. And he's having real difficulties with the Camino. He’s limping heavily.
Two days ago I saw a bloke up ahead going even slower than me. He was a young Frenchman – about 30 years old – a good looking and strapping fellow. He was limping heavily too. Bad knee.
I spoke to a 25 year old lass today from Canada. She'd had to go to hospital a few days ago. Lymphatic issue from walking.
Right at the moment I'm in a bar writing this blog, and there's a pilgrim looks strong as a bull, and his left leg is strapped with bandages.
No-one tells you how hard the Camino is.
There are some people who fly through it. Mostly they're the older folk, who either have more stamina, or more wisdom, than the young 'uns.
But I can't begin to tell you how many people I know already who have dropped out because of injury, or who've had to go to hospital, or are walking each day with painful injuries.
A lady I met in the first week, a 30+ woman from Denmark – fit and strong – had to bail because of pain in her back. I've since heard she's bitterly disappointed.
I'm not trying to scare you, or put you off. But this is no walk in the park.
You have to train, you have to approach it with respect, and you do have to listen to your body.
All that said, a lot of people each year do the Camino and they overcome their blisters and bad knees and other physical issues. And as I said, some sail through without any probs at all.
But, this is 800 kms, (if you start from St.Jean), with a heavy backpack, walking long distances each day, up and down mountains, and it's little wonder that it will take a toll.
But hey, it's worth it.
PGS - The Way 
Im glad things are getting better. You are keeping me inspired for my camino next year!
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Thank you Ariam. Strangely, things ARE on the improve! Bill
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Hi Bill, Yes the Camino is physical and does take it’s toll on your body. I’m praying that my husband, daughter and I will complete our walk. All we can do is prepare with the best equipment and frame of mind. I think your comments hit the nail on the head, take care of your body every day and remember that intuition thing. If we don’t finish this time we will keep trying. Our only failure is if we don’t try. Yikes!
Nancy
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Hey Nancy – it’s interesting. I’ve just been talking to a fellow who started off his camino with a mate who’d done a lot of preparation, worn his boots in, done everything right. Then he developed very bad blisters, and a nurse told him he shouldn’t walk for a week. He took a day off but kept walking. His occupation? He was a podiatrist!
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Wow !!
Very nice blog, and beautiful photos !!!
About your Day 18+ …. pass on some advice from me to those walking wounded :
If the Camino gets too tough, then STOP — BUT do NOT give up.
Stay put, rest, take a day off walking.
One single day of rest does WONDERS.
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Very good advice! I’m planning to take another rest day in Leon. That will be my third so far. Bill
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I’ve only ever had to take three days of rest in about 5000 KM of walking pilgrimage (the two days in Lourdes don’t count ; nor any days spent in Santiago either) — but ALL THREE were ABSOLUTELY necessary.
Well, there was the dodginess of my first Camino in ’93 of course, which ultimately came from NOT taking a day’s rest — but Santiago dragged me back onto the Camino within three days of having abandoned it LOL ; which is what taught me that giving up is just a bad decision.
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Hi Bill – Your daily updates with photos continue to delight and give insight to all those of us who are sharing your journey in spirit with you – thank you.
As a Camino Vet from this time last year, who finished in Santiago with a Grade 4 femoral stress fracture (‘thought it was just a muscular problem!), I can say to all those who are nursing injuries, or who have had to drop out, that, in time, you will find the Camino really gives more to you than it takes from you – in the best possible way.
Plan your next Camino while you are recovering and look at options for a different Camino next time – for example, volunteering at one of the refugios. Returned Aussie hospitaleros I’ve spoken to all say that it’s an amazing experience.
Buen Camino Bill – Cheers – JennyH.
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Just discovered your blog Bill. Have enjoyed it immensely and it brings back memories! We walked the Camino in September/October 2012 – 42 days from Pamplona to Santiago. Your experience reminds me of mine – the first 10-14 days produced tendonitis, then major blisters, then pain somewhere else (forget where!). Saw a doctor at Logrono for the tendonitis, who told me what it was and that it didn’t even meet the criteria for an xray, 600mg ibuprofen twice daily for three days and keep walking. I love the Spanish dosages! I went through the Bentadine routine too, and with bandaging, my blisters dried out, and I had to keep a layer on my outside heels, where they had originally formed. In Spain, there is a wondrful Compeed product that fits around the heel – about 11 euros each, so not cheap. The next pain I got, I just took ibuprofen. After that, things fell into place – more or less – and we got to Santiago. Oh yes, I lightened my pack too. I read somewhere that problems emerge early in the pilgimage. So that is good news for you – the worst is over – I do hope so.
But at the comfort of my computer, I remember my diary entry that it was harder than I expected – it was relentless for us. But so worth while.
We are going again next year, at this time of year, so will continue to follow your blog with interest to compare the scenery and the weather. It looks lovely – it was all brown and yellow for us – and also lovely.
Best whises and buen camino
Kay
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Thanks Kay. He you continue to enjoy the posts. Sometimes they’re a bit left field… And I’m not talking paddocks… Bill
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PS I remember thinking that the Europeans can go home on Ryanair and come back again next year. Australians – and other pilgrims from further afield – have to think carefully before spending their return airfare! Kay
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This is an interesting post for me if you read my first post regarding injury and my health. What you have written here dissuades me a bit. Would I, if I attempted this, rise up and over my health issues, or would they become more pronounced and problematic? It’s hard to say, but this was a post I needed to read.
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