Camino de Santiago training update
I am four weeks into my training for the Camino de Santiago…about 10 more weeks to go…so I thought I’d give you a quick update on how it’s going.
As a reminder, my commitment is to take increasingly longer walks on back-to-back days each week no matter the weather and to include hills and a variety of surfaces. In addition, I am wearing the clothing I plan to wear on the Camino and working into carrying a loaded pack.
So here’s what I’ve done so far.
Week 1
Walk 1: Coral Canyon and Silver Mine Trails
Walk 2: Coral Canyon and Crown King Trails
Week 2
Walk 3: Everest Trail (aka Cardiac Arrest) and more Coral Canyon Trail
Walk 4: Hell Hole Trailhead, Virgin River Trail
Week 3
Walk 5: Hell Hole Trailhead to Cottonwood Wash and Virgin River Trails
Walk 6: Virgin River Trail (southwest end)
Week 4
Walk 7: Grapevine Trail and Dino Cliffs
Walk 8: Highland and School Yard Trails and more Crown King, Coral Canyon, and Silver Mine Trails
Lessons learned
- How to spell and pronounce Injinji…probably should have done that before making a video about them.
- While I don’t love carrying a pack on my back…it hasn’t killed me yet. What doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
- Carry snacks even if the walk is relatively short. You just never know when hunger will strike.
- The very thing that makes my trail runners “breathable” also lets in the fine red sand of Southern Utah. It’s only a problem when walking directly in the sand, so I’m not so worried about them on the Camino, but they made Grapevine Trail interesting.
- Always take your sun hat, even if it’s cloudy and the forecast calls for that to continue all day. Things change.
- I’m happy with my clothing and gear selections so far. I will continue to test and refine.
Your turn
- Do you have any big plans coming up that you are getting ready for?
- What is your favorite outdoor activity, or do you prefer to be indoors?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
Have to say I simply love the names of those trails you’ve been training on. Good luck with the next few weeks too.
They are fun names, Caree, and they are everywhere around here. Thanks for the encouragement!
I don’t care for backpacks either, but I’m sure they are more ergonomic now. I’m just so impressed by your desire and commitment to do this. I have never heard of a woolen bra, but after wearing wool socks to Ireland a couple years ago, I’m not surprised. I would imagine it will wash and wear quite well, too.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I am getting used to the pack the more I carry it, Marsha, but given a choice, I would still go without! Luckily, I have the transport service to carry the bulk of my belongings to each destination. When I think of wool, I think of scratchy sweaters or blankets, but the bra is really quite nice. You live and you learn, huh?
looks like the type of place where if you scream, no one will hear you…yikes! 🕤🚔
It does kind of look that way. I promise there are other people on these trails. I just do my best not to feature them in my videos and photos without their permission. 😊
Hi Christie – you are being so intentional with all of your preparation – and I’m sure it will pay off big time when you do your Camino. Your shoes are a great colour and you look the part (even with that sand sneaking through!) I leave the backpack carrying to my husband and he always ends up with a big wet sweaty patch on his back on hot hikes…. better him than me!
Thanks Leanne. I love those shoes too. And, yes, the pack does leave my back sweaty. I guess it blocks the air that would otherwise circulate and dry the shirt. Unfortunately, on this trip, I’ve got not choice, so carry it I will.
I hate hiking with a pack too but when you must you must. I’m also really bad at hiking with adequate water and snack/ food since I mostly try to avoid hiking with a pack and sometimes I really regret it! you are doing great. keep it up.
I’ve been surprised to hear how many people don’t like the pack carrying. I thought I was just being a “princess.” I figured I didn’t need snacks on a two-hour walk, but sometimes I really do!
You’re doing so well Christie! Keep going.
Thanks for the encouragement, Debbie!