In Search of Santiago

1st of May – It Rained all Day

The walk from Viscarret to Zubiri was really very pleasant even though it rained all day. The final stage, I tried an alternate route, walking down the side of the highway which had been recommended as not being so steep and therefore would be easier on my heels.

Tips on Tendonitis

Camino Tips – Dealing with Tendonitis     Here are some further tips I just shared with someone on the Camino Forum who was struggling with Achilles pain. This is based on making it all the way to Santiago…..and the things I learnt along the way about self treatment. Of course, please do seek professional medical advice!   Reduce the weight you are carrying. Carry the bare essentials and send your pack forward for a few days. (maybe for the rest of your Camino) You need to reduce weight on those tendons. Buy some heel wedges. (Pharmacy) Small foam wedges that you stick under your shoe inserts. 4 or 6 mm. Going up steep hills, add an extra one. Going up from St Jean I had three in one side = 12 mm. It reduces the stretching of the tendon. Just leave one in on the flat. Take any extras out once you are up the hill. Use Ice frequently. Every couple of hours. Take shoes and socks off and get some ice in a small zip lock bag. 4 or 5 cubes is enough. With a bit of water. Rest your heels on the ice bag for 15 mins up on a chair at the breaks. And again at night. Stretch. Carefully. In the mornings, at the breaks and at night. Feet flat on the ground, step forward with the other foot, and gradually lower and bend the knee on the rear foot, stretching the Achilles tendon. Then swap. This will often give instant relief. Medication. Take Ibuprofin (as long as you do not have stomach problems). Get advice from a pharmacist. I was taking 400 mg every 4 hours, twice a day whilst walking and again at night. You can take paracetamol on top of them for pain. At night you can try Inbuprofen cream instead of tablets. (not both) Raise your feet at night. Put a rolled up blanket, towel, pillow under the foot of the bed. Raise your feet at breaks. A few times when it got very painful, I just lay on the ground with my feet up on my pack for half an hour. Physio. I went any chance I could get. It’s very...

Day 4 – Reflections

I’m in my Casa Rural this evening, stretched out on the lounge, with my feet up on some pillows, giving my feet a rest. I think I might go out for dinner in about an hour, and then have an early night.
If I wake up early tomorrow as usual, I might actually try an early start.

2nd of May – First Full Day

This was my first full day of walking. 22 kilometers from Zubiri to Pamplona. I made it. The feet held up OK. So I’ll try to maintain longer distances from now on. Maybe in a couple of days I can carry all my gear too, instead of sending half forward each day by car. But I’ll take it step by step.

2nd of May – Midday

Been going since 7 this morning, it’s now 20 past 12. Been taking it easy, been through some interesting villages. The way takes you along next to the Rio Ara, stopped for a late breakfast and then arrived in Zabaldika.

2nd of May – Zubiri to Pamplona

Zubiri to Pamplona My First ‘Full Distance’ Walking Day   Up to this point I was walking short days so as to preserve my injured heels and ease into the Camino gradually.  I think it takes a few days to get into the Rhythm.  This was about a 22 km day. Early Start   Renovating the Abbey   Accidents Happen   Team Oz   Zabaldika Church   Ring the Bell   Pamplona Outskirts   Pamplona: Last 2 kilometers   Dinner in...