10 week countdown

Yay.... I'm getting closer. ALL is booked . Flights. Trains (to/from Madrid) and bus ( Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port in France where I will start this year ) . This week I'm starting to train with my full pack again . The weather in FL is HOT and humid now so it will be a challenge to do 8 to 15 km practice walks.... But I'm excited !!! 

4 months .... So training has started

Knowing how well last years prep worked , I will be following a similar routine. Till April 1st that means 5 days a week a  5 to 8 km walk and by April 1st I'll start walking with my full backpack again and add a 10/15 km walk once every 2 or 3 weeks. Then 6 weeks before I leave I will add 3 times a week some weight training for my back and legs and shoulders. I've also been wearing my new hiking shoes for a few weeks now and plenty time left to break them in properly. Aside from the physical prep I'm starting to download new music . I love listening to music while hiking. Also started booking some hotels/hostels . Some new ones and some favorites from last year. Then in a few weeks I'll try out my new "selfie stick" ha ha and will set up a YouTube account so I can post videos there instead of on Facebook . Fun fun :)))

Flight is booked !!!

Yeah!!! Excited!  Just booked my flight which makes all real. Now it's a fact and the pre fun can begin. Booking of hotels and planning of training schedule . I went to my podiatrist last week and my feet are in good shape ! Just need to stretch more and the heel pain should fade ! 

The new year 2016

So the Holidays are done and now the real countdown can start again. For Christmas I received lots of Camino stuff. Things that needed replacement  like knee brace , hiking pole tips, day pack, pepper spray ( lol Sophie thought and was right, that it would be a good thing to have if I end up going alone .) and also some new items like a selfie stick and a activity tracker watch. Fun fun. So today I decided to start my pre Camino training. Jan and Feb and March regular 4 mile walks and twice a month a longer one up to 10 miles. Then in April and May I will start walking with my fully loaded pack again. Today I did my first 9 mile walk in a long time. It went great. Last year when I did my first 9 mile walk I was exhausted and it felt like 20 miles.... Today no problem at all so I think my body is still in good walking shape and used to long distances now. The only issue I have is some plantar fasciitis pain on my right foot. I made an appointment to have it checked so fingers crossed . 5 month countdown .....:)))

And here I go again....Camino #2 !

Something happens to many people that walk the Camino. Once back home you just can't shake the feeling that you have to walk again. Several things make you feel that way. First: craving the amazing feeling of "a total break from daily life " that a normal vacation does a bit but the Camino 200%. Second: you train for the Camino and once it's over the reason to train is gone :( Third and a big one : we often talk about things we would love to do in life but you end up just talking about them and not doing them . Well the Camino showed me .... Just do it !!! It's a crazy hobby but turns out to be my hobby and what a great hobby to have !!!  So after thinking about it for weeks I've decided..... I'm just going again ha ha. Not 500 km like last time but probably 'only' 250 km :) . It's a great way to stay in shape througout the year and SO fun to look forward to again. Also..... I have all my gear now so might as well use it :) Today I walked for the first time after I made up my mind that I'm going again and the entire 5 km I had a big smile on my face :) it's my treat/reward to self for training all year !!! I'm very grateful that everybody involved at the Homefront is understanding my need to do this !!! This time I think I will start in France and join a group ( just for safety reasons ) to do the 1 day it takes to cross the Pyrenees. After that I will do my own thing again at my own pace. I'm super excited and will walk in June ! Can't wait to see you again Spain :) 

Last on Myles :)

LISBON airport ! See you Monday :) 

Ok a few more :)

Colares beach

View from our room 

Obidos

Port winery

Port boats on the Douro river in Porto

After the Camino we went to Portugal . 4 days to adjust again to "non walking days " ! We went to Porto and visited the port wineries and we saw lots of portugals famous tiling ! We then went briefly to Obidos . A cute town with a castle and then on to our 2 day beach hotel to actually rest :) tomorrow we will visit Sintra's castles and in the early evening drive to our airport hotel in Lisbon ! I'm ready to come home now :) 

One of MANY tiled buildings in porto