Today we completed a 21-kilometer gradual incline halfway up Mount Irago. The surrounding snow-capped mountains kept getting closer as the sun broke through mid-day. Tomorrow we will reach the highest point of The Way at 1550 meters (5100 feet or nearly a mile high)…followed by a relatively steep descent in the afternoon.
Walking long distances on all of these changing elevations and surfaces (inclines, declines, asphalt, loose gravel, rocky Roman roads, mud, tree roots) conspire to create some aches and pains. Most pilgrims at this point of the Way have some kind of foot or leg issue (or as NHL teams say vaguely… “a lower extremity injury” to hide the specific status of star players). I am comfortable sharing the details of my condition. I have had recurring shin splints on my left leg and some plantar fascitis manifesting itself as heel pain on my right foot, as well as soreness in my hip flexors after 30+ kilometer days. Too much information? Sounding like your cranky old uncle at the family reunion? Well…I am just getting started…
Sarah on the other hand is “doing just fine”.
Coincidentally, pharmacists in northern Spain are experiencing a “once in a hundred years” sales spike in Compeed products and 600 mg ibuprofen tablets. (Yes, you can get ibuprofen in 600 milligram tablets here. And yes, it requires a half-gallon of liquid to wash them down.)
Brief side note: The innkeepers for the Camino’s older establishments have come up with an ingenious way to ensure that room keys are not mistakenly taken away by pilgrims. MASSIVE, HEAVY, UNCOMFORTABLE and RETURNABLE key rings. Take a look at the one from this evening. It’s almost the size of my 1992 dash-mounted car phone. Sitting down quickly with this in your back pocket could result in months of chiropractic care. I will definitely be leaving this at the front desk.
Dave, you forgot to list out ‘wart finger’ as a one of your conditions!
Jim, you know that was treated a long time ago…and early Happy Birthday!
Should we schedule you an all over massage when you get home? !!
Get some rest so you can walk again tomorrow!
Thinking about you two. Enjoy the sights.
Sounds like you should get that ibuprofen sale, Dave! I would definitely keep the room key, though! Looks like it is hand carved and the person who did it has a great talent! Hope your feet get some rest soon! Thinking about you both
Thanks, Marina. Maybe they sell replicas in the gift shop!
We only get a notion how challenging this trip must be by reading your lines… We want to let you know that we are very impressed and genuinely proud of you! You rock! 💪🏽
Thanks, Katja/Maiko! Of course, I exaggerate a bit. You guys could do this. You got this.
😀
Hello, pilgrims.
The truth is that it impresses when we see on the map what the route goes through, it is a great distance to go to a place, we do not miss the part that describes, Dave,
It gives us great joy that the part of Sarah Sea Zero, the question arises, could you have influenced the fact that you started the road doing a marathon? Now, do you want to finish the road, or what is, what a shame, to come to an end?
Good road today.
Thanks, Yayo. Sarah complains much less than me :). She does experience a little soreness in her left knee on the descents. Otherwise, she is doing great…and we will succeed!
You both are amazing!! Pictures and post are great!
I know a great PT – LOL! Be safe .
Tell Perry to get ready for a real whining patient…then I will come by to follow his direction fully. 🙂
All this … and you still plan to run a marathon…. interesting training!