Well...haven't done any major walking...been feeling pretty crappy and been pretty busy. I have been taking the stairs up those 9 flights every day. Other than that I took a 1.5 mile walk to meet my man for dinner. My food intake has been pretty awful. Just wanting to eat junk you know. My work schedule has been turned around a little so I'm working tomorrow. I'm going to try my best but I don't know if I'll get my walk in tomorrow. gonna try for 10 miles on Monday.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Training Day 3
Exercise: 4.5 mile walk (small backpack only)
Water: about 3 Litres
Food: 1 bowl of granola with blueberries and almond milk
1 glass of maple syrup lemonade
1 Thai chicken salad
3 French Fries (yes i know...but I only had 3 and I didn't lie about it)
1 black bean burrito (small)
1/2 baby seedles watermelon
Water: about 3 Litres
Food: 1 bowl of granola with blueberries and almond milk
1 glass of maple syrup lemonade
1 Thai chicken salad
3 French Fries (yes i know...but I only had 3 and I didn't lie about it)
1 black bean burrito (small)
1/2 baby seedles watermelon
Monday, July 20, 2009
Second Day Down!
Exercise: 9 mile walk with backpack weighted.
Water: 4 Litres
Food: 1 bowl of cereal with almond milk
1 glass lemonade sweetened with Maple Syrup
5 large strawberries
1 handful of blueberries
1 handful of pretzels
1 indian tofu samosa wrap
1 bowl tomato soup with crackers
Quite sore today, sunburned, tired, a few blisters too. But this is the beginning. It will get easier!
Water: 4 Litres
Food: 1 bowl of cereal with almond milk
1 glass lemonade sweetened with Maple Syrup
5 large strawberries
1 handful of blueberries
1 handful of pretzels
1 indian tofu samosa wrap
1 bowl tomato soup with crackers
Quite sore today, sunburned, tired, a few blisters too. But this is the beginning. It will get easier!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Training Begins! First day down...
Weight: 150lbs
Exercise: Walked 8.5 miles (13.5 km)
Water: around 3 litres
Food: Panekoek breakfast wrap (eggs, spinach, peppers, onions and sheep Feta)
1/2 mango
1 cup or so of Greek Salad
Handful of pretzels
bowl of Stovetop (i know i know...not the greatest...but so yummy!)
Exercise: Walked 8.5 miles (13.5 km)
Water: around 3 litres
Food: Panekoek breakfast wrap (eggs, spinach, peppers, onions and sheep Feta)
1/2 mango
1 cup or so of Greek Salad
Handful of pretzels
bowl of Stovetop (i know i know...not the greatest...but so yummy!)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Training...
And so it begins.
As some of you know, when I attempted this walk some six and a half years ago, I was young, and had no idea what I was getting into. Don't get me wrong...I was passionate and embarking on the journey for all the right reasons, but I did not prepare myself physically at all. Yes, I backpacked for 2 months leading up to the commencement of The Camino, but I had not learned enough about my own body and the toll hiking some 6-8 hours a day every consecutive day for 30 days would have on me. That's another point: I was attempting to finish the walk in 30 days. Now for an experienced hiker, that would be the right amount of time, but for someone like me, it was CRAZY! So, this time around I'm giving myself 40 days, so that I won't have to walk more than 25km per day.
Tomorrow, the training begins. Since I am off work Sundays and Mondays, I am using those days for the bulk of my work. Sundays I will walk with my man for 2-5 hours along the lake. Mondays I will walk the same distance, but carry my backpack and the weight I will be carrying with me on The Camino. During the work week, I will be eating lighter (gotta prepare my stomach too), drinking lots of water, taking the stairs when I am coming UP to my apartment (9floors), and doing some sort of exercise anytime I want to turn the tv on. I will also be brushing up on my Spanish and reading anything and everything I can get my hands on about The Camino.
What to expect in my posts over the next 6 weeks...Every Sunday I will be posting a starting weight for that week. Daily, I will be recording how much water I drink and what I eat, as well as any form of physical activity (besides being on my feet all day at work...lol...). Obviously I hope to be posting more than just the facts...My journey does not begin on September 4th when I begin walking. It begins NOW.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Preparation Begins!
IT'S OFFICIAL: My flight is booked!!!
The proposed Itinerary:
September 1: be at O'Hare Airport by 1:00pm
4:15pm Departure
September 2: arrive in Amsterdam 7:05am
wander for the morning
3:25pm Departure
4:40pm Arrive in Paris
Late Evening catch a train to Bayonne overnight
September 3: Change trains in Bayonne
Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port
Obtain my Pilgrim's Passport and get a bed for the night
SEPTEMBER 4: THE CAMINO BEGINS! on to Roncesvalles, Spain
THE GOAL: 40 days to Santiago!
OCTOBER 13: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA! (plus by sweetie's birthday ;))
October 13-15: Visit Santiago...
October 16: Fly Ryanair to Madrid!!!!!
October 16-21: Visit my cousin Curry and see the sights of Madrid!
October 22: Fly Ryanair to Frankfurt, Germany.
October 23: Take the train to Munich and hook up with my good friend Jen!
October 24-29: Chill in Germany with Jen!
October 30: Take the train to PARIS!
October 31-November 3: See beautiful Paris!!!!
November 4: Back to Chicago...
(no dates are solid except my flight in and out of Paris...we'll see what happens!)
Next posts to come...TRAINING FOR THE CAMINO!
The proposed Itinerary:
September 1: be at O'Hare Airport by 1:00pm
4:15pm Departure
September 2: arrive in Amsterdam 7:05am
wander for the morning
3:25pm Departure
4:40pm Arrive in Paris
Late Evening catch a train to Bayonne overnight
September 3: Change trains in Bayonne
Arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port
Obtain my Pilgrim's Passport and get a bed for the night
SEPTEMBER 4: THE CAMINO BEGINS! on to Roncesvalles, Spain
THE GOAL: 40 days to Santiago!
OCTOBER 13: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA! (plus by sweetie's birthday ;))
October 13-15: Visit Santiago...
October 16: Fly Ryanair to Madrid!!!!!
October 16-21: Visit my cousin Curry and see the sights of Madrid!
October 22: Fly Ryanair to Frankfurt, Germany.
October 23: Take the train to Munich and hook up with my good friend Jen!
October 24-29: Chill in Germany with Jen!
October 30: Take the train to PARIS!
October 31-November 3: See beautiful Paris!!!!
November 4: Back to Chicago...
(no dates are solid except my flight in and out of Paris...we'll see what happens!)
Next posts to come...TRAINING FOR THE CAMINO!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Journey Began in the year 2000
This first blog includes journal entries from my first attempt at The Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I had become interested in The Camino when I saw Shirley McLean discussing her book on Oprah in 2000. I couldn't get my mind off of it, and finally in 2003 I was able to set foot on The Camino:
May 5, 2003 (Bordeaux, France)
A little nervous about the Camino, but I know I will be fine.
May 7, 2003 (St. Jean Pied de Port, France)
Well, I got here alive! Pretty easy, since all I had to do was follow the huge group of backpackers! I got checked in (pilgrim's passport), and found a room. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get to Roncesvalles tomorrow :) I'm pretty sure it will be well marked with seashells and yellow arrows. I'm planning to leave bright and early @ 6:30am. That way I should get there around 2:30 or so. I am quite amazed at the number of people that are doing this walk! Feeling a little out of place, because I am so young. It seems like people are fascinated that a girl my age would do this on my own. Actually, I'm wondering the same thing! I have a LONG walk tomorrow...and every day after for the next month! I am going to see if I can get some food or something and take a little walk around town before settling in for the night. Hope everything goes ok tomorrow. This is going to be an AMAZING experience!
May 8,2003 (Roncesvalles, Spain)
Oh My!! Well, I started out this morning @ 7. It was NOT an eight hour walk. It was a 9 1/2 hour HIKE! I DID IT! I know now though that I will not be able to do 35km in one day. Today was 27, and it was really tough! I will start walking every day, but might take the bus or taxi part way. I've been meeting some nice people though. I attended the Pilgrim's Blessing Mass tonight, and ate dinner with some nice women from the States. Looking forward to sleep :)
May 9, 2003 (Zubiri, Spain)
Well, always a new story. I started out walking with Pat, Jay and a girl from Austria. We stopped for breakfast and then continued on our trek. Today was better, hiking wise, but after about 14km my stomach started acting up. Everyone tried to help find someway to get me to Zubiri, as I could not walk with a bad stomach. 2 men eventually helped me hitch a ride, and I was there in 10 minutes! I slept for a couple of hours until people started to arrive. I am very impressed with everyone's kind hearts. I hope I will be able to walk the whole way tomorrow.
May 10, 2003 (Pamplona, Spain)
Well, I started out a little late this morning, as I did not feel very good. I walked 5 or 6km with Daniella from Italy, but she had 2 backpacks, and couldn't go as fast as me, so I said goodbye and went on my way. It was a good walk. I could have made it a lot earlier, but that's life. When I arrived here, the Refugio was full, but this Brazilian guy helped me convince the lady to let me sleep on the floor. I had a cold shower, and ate a little, but will read and rest, then get up super early to walk on to Puente La Reina. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime. I am surprised @ how good I feel, considering the amount I've done.
May 11, 2003 (Puente La Reina, Spain)
Today was my day of rest. Daniella and I met these 2 men yesterday (Jose and Angel), and today they drove us to Puente La Reina. From now on though, I am going to get up early and keep a fast pace. Daniella is too slow.
May 12, 2003 (Estella, Spain)
Today was good, but I went too fast. My left ankle is really swollen, and I can feel my right acting up as well. I now have 5 blisters that are being treated with this stuff that's BRIGHT red. I hope they won't get infected. I am fed up with Daniella, but met a nice girl Julie, so that's nice. I am going to walk on my own from now on!!!
May 13, 2003 (Los Arcos, Spain)
What shit! I have tendinitis in my Achilles heel. I couldn't walk today. I walked for a 1/2 an hour, but was in tears from the pain, so I turned back and got a ride here. I saw the doctor, and he told me I should only walk when I have to. I have to massage with this cream, take pills 3 times a day and drink 2 or more litres of water a day. So, we will see how it goes. I have realized the purpose of this trek for myself though. You do what you need to do, as it is your own journey, and don't let anyone strain you to do something you don't feel is right. Everyone has their own Camino, and maybe this is part of mine. I've realized I don't need to feel guilty about not walking when I know walking would hurt me more.
May 5, 2003 (Bordeaux, France)
A little nervous about the Camino, but I know I will be fine.
May 7, 2003 (St. Jean Pied de Port, France)
Well, I got here alive! Pretty easy, since all I had to do was follow the huge group of backpackers! I got checked in (pilgrim's passport), and found a room. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get to Roncesvalles tomorrow :) I'm pretty sure it will be well marked with seashells and yellow arrows. I'm planning to leave bright and early @ 6:30am. That way I should get there around 2:30 or so. I am quite amazed at the number of people that are doing this walk! Feeling a little out of place, because I am so young. It seems like people are fascinated that a girl my age would do this on my own. Actually, I'm wondering the same thing! I have a LONG walk tomorrow...and every day after for the next month! I am going to see if I can get some food or something and take a little walk around town before settling in for the night. Hope everything goes ok tomorrow. This is going to be an AMAZING experience!
May 8,2003 (Roncesvalles, Spain)
Oh My!! Well, I started out this morning @ 7. It was NOT an eight hour walk. It was a 9 1/2 hour HIKE! I DID IT! I know now though that I will not be able to do 35km in one day. Today was 27, and it was really tough! I will start walking every day, but might take the bus or taxi part way. I've been meeting some nice people though. I attended the Pilgrim's Blessing Mass tonight, and ate dinner with some nice women from the States. Looking forward to sleep :)
May 9, 2003 (Zubiri, Spain)
Well, always a new story. I started out walking with Pat, Jay and a girl from Austria. We stopped for breakfast and then continued on our trek. Today was better, hiking wise, but after about 14km my stomach started acting up. Everyone tried to help find someway to get me to Zubiri, as I could not walk with a bad stomach. 2 men eventually helped me hitch a ride, and I was there in 10 minutes! I slept for a couple of hours until people started to arrive. I am very impressed with everyone's kind hearts. I hope I will be able to walk the whole way tomorrow.
May 10, 2003 (Pamplona, Spain)
Well, I started out a little late this morning, as I did not feel very good. I walked 5 or 6km with Daniella from Italy, but she had 2 backpacks, and couldn't go as fast as me, so I said goodbye and went on my way. It was a good walk. I could have made it a lot earlier, but that's life. When I arrived here, the Refugio was full, but this Brazilian guy helped me convince the lady to let me sleep on the floor. I had a cold shower, and ate a little, but will read and rest, then get up super early to walk on to Puente La Reina. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime. I am surprised @ how good I feel, considering the amount I've done.
May 11, 2003 (Puente La Reina, Spain)
Today was my day of rest. Daniella and I met these 2 men yesterday (Jose and Angel), and today they drove us to Puente La Reina. From now on though, I am going to get up early and keep a fast pace. Daniella is too slow.
May 12, 2003 (Estella, Spain)
Today was good, but I went too fast. My left ankle is really swollen, and I can feel my right acting up as well. I now have 5 blisters that are being treated with this stuff that's BRIGHT red. I hope they won't get infected. I am fed up with Daniella, but met a nice girl Julie, so that's nice. I am going to walk on my own from now on!!!
May 13, 2003 (Los Arcos, Spain)
What shit! I have tendinitis in my Achilles heel. I couldn't walk today. I walked for a 1/2 an hour, but was in tears from the pain, so I turned back and got a ride here. I saw the doctor, and he told me I should only walk when I have to. I have to massage with this cream, take pills 3 times a day and drink 2 or more litres of water a day. So, we will see how it goes. I have realized the purpose of this trek for myself though. You do what you need to do, as it is your own journey, and don't let anyone strain you to do something you don't feel is right. Everyone has their own Camino, and maybe this is part of mine. I've realized I don't need to feel guilty about not walking when I know walking would hurt me more.
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