My Updates
Why Am I Challenging the Camino Frances?
Tuesday 19th Nov
I was having that exact discussion with a long time friend who said he also had wanted 'to do' the Camino for a long time and the next thing you know, we are committed!
But why now? Well, I am approaching my 70th birthday and I wanted to do something special to mark that occasion - something physically challenging, something way out of my normal comfort zone to prove to myself (and maybe some others) that 70 is just another number and it shouldn't stop us undertaking significant challenges. I also wanted it to be memorable - and I believe its going to be all of those things.
This is a 6 week walk averaging 20-25kms per day with a few rest days scattered through the program. Its likely to require 1.2 million steps and perhaps more when side trips and sightseeing are added. I have a good training program that so far I am sticking to and the body is holding up at this point.
So why turn it into a fundraiser for the RCD Foundation? It just seemed a natural thing to do. My friends and direct network know I am passionate about raising funds for research into the prevention, treatment and cure of paediatric brain cancer. I normally raise funds by participating in a fun run/walk called Connors Run. So, I am simply bringing that forward in the year and I am hoping that not only will past supporters be a little more generous given the length of the walk but I am also hoping to appeal to another audience.
We are so close to making significant breakthroughs in the treatment and prevention of paediatric brain cancer. And I am not personally a pious individual I hope that perhaps there comes a little divine intervention as a result of following in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims over the centuries. As someone closing in on the final stanza of a life well lived I can't think of anything more important than giving those just starting out the best possible chance of a similar life.
Camino Training - 4 months Out
Monday 18th Nov
Whilst I walk pretty much every day, for about 6 weeks now I have walked two longer / more difficult days every week and I have done those days consecutively. Normally that means a 20-25km walk on Mondays and a 10-12km walk on Tuesdays but the second one is pretty much nothing but steep up and down.
Come December, I will up that to 3 long walks a week and with my regular daily walk means I will be getting up to 70 to 75km per week. Its all about time on your feet. With summer now around the corner that also means getting up well before the sun rises - around 4 to 4.30am and heading out to complete the walks before the heat of the day. I certainly do not enjoy this.
The other big thing to make sure off is that your feet stay in great shape. Developing blisters on the Camino can end it quickly so I have learnt a lot about foot care with long distance walking. Obviously you want your footwear well worn in - I have 3 pairs of trail runners, all worn in but one pair I am using for most training walks - they will be worn out before I leave for France so I just take the other two pair. All the trainers are a half to one size larger than my normal shoes - you want room in the toe box
Secondly, I have become a fan of Injinji toed socks and liners - with each toe individually encased there is no chance of blisters between the toes. Using wool liners to wick away moisture not only provides cushioning but wet feet are more blister prone. And finally, I put petroleum jelly all over my feet to keep them soft and supple - further reducing the opportunity for blisters to form.
I am lucky to live in a rural area which means plenty of dirt roads for walking tracks and because its in a valley there is ample opportunity to find hills for training.
So far, the training is going to plan
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