Preparing for the pilgrimage to Santiago De Compostela

Jávea Tbear's Alternative Guide.

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Friday, 09 May , 2008

Magpie's Midsummer March

Camino De Santiago - The Legend
The Christian legend of St. James.

Camino De Santiago - The Pilgrimage
From the Middle Ages to today

Camino De Santiago - Magpie's preparation
Blisters and biting dogs, the hidden dangers

Preparations - page 1

Preparations - page 2

Preparations - page 3

Rucksack essentials

Preparing for the pilgrimage to Santiago De Compostela

I started training at an easy level, before Christmas, with the idea of forming a healthy base from which to build and things were going well for some months, until I got a virus and lost 6 weeks training, not being in full health myself, these things seemed to hit me hard.
The next setback was phlebitis, in my arm, which means that I can't carry anything on my back at the moment.
Compounding things I had problems finding the right type of shoes that would be comfortable for my ankle, that was injured in an accident a few years ago, I eventually located some in Madrid. However, the breaking in process has been far from smooth and, after wearing the shoes around the house for several days, I decided to break them in on a walk, but after only 2 or 3 kilometres I had terrible blisters, which I can't seem to get rid of.

I will be going to a podologist next week for advice, whilst currently wearing my old running shoes that are far from suitable for the job ahead. With only 3 weeks to go and the clock ticking far too fast I am hoping for a fast solution. My original goal of 20 kilometres a day is seeming to be a bit optimistic now, as I'm sure the weight of the ruck sack and the heat of June and July will take their toll on my energy levels.
The major problem in training that I hadn't envisaged has been dogs! I have been bitten twice and only this morning a white dog was snapping round my ankles. His German owner who lives in *** *******, in Rimontgo, was walking a total of 5 dogs and was very unhelpful, waving his fist as he came towards me and threatening me when I insisted that he controlled his dog.

On the other side, I would like to thank all the generous people who have stopped in their cars to offer me a lift!

Added notes from Magpie
Went walking today and realised that my almost naming and trying to shame the german guy bit has a serious flaw, he lives in Calle Montemayor.