Preparations

Diet AND Exercise! YIKES!

My preparations began in May 2014 with another diet; gradually, and with great effort, losing 60+ pounds. I now am a little lighter than I was at the end of the Camino in 2011 and am definitely in better condition than when I started the Camino. Young people can simply schedule a trip and walk the Camino; us old 'geezers' have to condition our bodies for walking 4 - 6 hours a day, over hills and mountains for seemingly endless days. The exercise regimen  began in earnest in August by  walking 6 miles three times a week. The distance has gradually increased to the current 9-11 miles, but still only three days a week.  To improve my overall strength and conditioning, in January I added a rowing machine for 45 minutes three days a week. Sunday is still a day of rest .... Yippee. The loaded pack (13 pounds) AND boots were added in February. It still surprises me how wearing boots will slow down the pace, and adding a weighted pack makes the walk more of an effort.

January 2015: 10 mile practice walk with a friend to the Marin Headlands, just north of San Francisco. Except for the ocean, the trail was much like what you experience on parts of the Camino.

My smaller size required new clothes .... another Yippee. However, shopping for super lightweight hiking shirts, pants, jackets and other gear is a bit of a chore. And the boots ..... always a challenge. The previous ones were totally worn out by the end of the walk, so never left Spain. Fortunately REI, North Face, and Sierra Trading Post have again come to the rescue and I appear to be fully outfitted with the requisite new items. Since I am expecting cold and probable bouts of heavy rain, I am taking layers of warm clothing, jacket, vest, gloves, rain jacket and poncho.

My Pilgrim Credencial (the official pilgrim "passport," necessary for staying in albergues and used to record stamps for proof of walking in order to receive the Compostela in Santiago) has been ordered and airline reservations made. I have hotel reservations for my 1st night in Madrid and the next in Roncesvalles. Listening to Spanish language tapes on my iPod as I walk in the mornings has been tuning my ear for an immersion into an area that doesn't speak much English. I will bring a small Spanish dictionary, so, as before, should be able to muddle along with my very limited language skills.  In just two short weeks my adventure will begin again!

1st Credencial, showing start date of August 18, 2011

Official Compostela dated October 2, 2011 with two full Credencials

She is doing what? Again?

Successful Completion! October 5, 2011

A 500 mile walk, especially solo, is a huge physical and mental challenge. Although I said I would never repeat my 2011 walk on the Camino de Santiago, my approaching 70th birthday changed my mind ... entering a new decade demands a significant celebration.  Last spring I made the decision to challenge myself on this walk again, but this time make some significant changes in the timing of the walk, my physical conditioning, and creature comforts.










To help keep me moving, I am again requesting pledges to support women in higher education. A pledge of a penny a mile is only $5, a dime a mile is $50, and $1 a mile is $500.  Since my profession of dentistry has prepared me to have a successful career and be of service to others, my passion is helping make all levels of higher education available to deserving women. Donations in any amount can be made to Soroptimist International of Vacaville; 100% of the dollars raised support scholarships. More information about this very worthy project will be posted separately.

Mansilla de las Mulas, September 11, 2011

My journey will begin in March, thus avoiding the horrific 105+ degree heat that occurred for 2/3 of my previous walk. I don't tolerate the heat well, and it was very difficult to remain hydrated, so at times I was uncomfortably close to a heat stroke. This time, the weather will be cool, it may be cold, may snow, and will probably rain buckets at times. The cold/wet should be easier for me to tolerate than the heat. Over the 500 miles, I averaged about 12 miles a day, with my longest day at 19 miles. We'll see what this year brings.

Loaded Backpack with Trekking Poles

Arriving in Madrid, my first stop will be a local hotel, not a train ride and taxi to my starting point as in 2011. The next day will be a bus departing from the airport to Pamplona, then another bus or taxi to Roncesvalles. This avoids 2 transfers on the Metro to the train station and provides a good rest before the walk begins.

Since I have paid my dues as a Pilgrim on the first journey, this time I am resolved to stay at some historic inns along the way; having a private room and bath is a wonderful thing. I will still be staying in some pilgrim albergues (special dormitory type accommodations available only to pilgrims) with communal sleeping arrangements, unisex bathrooms down the hall, and snoring or noisy pilgrims using the bathroom and rising at 4 am.

I have been exercising and dieting for almost a year, and am proud to report I weigh a little less than I did at the finish of the walk in 2011. Previously I lost 25 pounds before the walk, and 25 pounds during the walk. Walking 500 miles and eating very little in order to lose weight is no longer a factor; having real food in normal quantities should go a long way to making the entire journey more comfortable.

I have new boots, and new, much smaller clothes. The pack will again be a maximum of 13 pounds with the fanny pack / water / guide book carried in the front to help balance the weight.

I am relying on my family and friends to encourage me as I mosey along. As I again make this journey alone, your words are vitally important; as a sympathetic shoulder, an "Atta Girl" and proof that I am truly not alone. I welcome all your comments. Please share the link to this blog with anyone who might be interested in my cause and my journey.