Suppose that you can safely move from one sedentary lifestyle to walking more than four hours for many days in a row borders on arrogance. The previous months you should walk long walks with the same boots and backpack that you later wear. they will use during the Camino.
Abandonments. Not everyone makes it to Santiago. The most common causes of abandonment are blisters, painful swellings that appear in the feet. Other reasons are tendonitis, muscle strains, sprains and various accidents. Don't worry if you don't can continue, it is common and better leave it for another time and enjoy what we have done, rather than forcing ourselves too much endurance.
THE Scallop
- The scallop is the most characteristic element of the pilgrim. In ancient times it was obtained once arriving in Santiago, and was the symbol of the promise of the Camino fulfilled.
PREPARATION AND CARE
PREPARATION
- The ritual of putting on shoes. Every morning, before leaving, it is essential to put on your socks and boots properly.
- Check your feet, smooth any plasters if there are any, trim your nails, put on your socks without wrinkles forming and tie your boots, neither too tightly nor too loosely. At the end of the day, check your feet, heal wounds and blisters, and let your feet "breathe" with comfortable shoes.
- The road, both due to the distances and the various routes, is hard; so we need to prepare physically at least three months in advance. Age and personal physical conditions will infl uence preparation.
- The success of good physical preparation lies in covering longer distances each day until we are able, without great fatigue, to cover the daily average kilometers that we have set for ourselves on the pilgrimage. Start with short and not very ambitious distances.
- The scallop is the most characteristic element of the pilgrim. In ancient times it was obtained once arriving in Santiago, and was the symbol of the promise of the Camino fulfilled.
- The frequency of training outings will be conditioned by your occupations. In principle, a weekly trip is enough, but you should gradually increase it until it ends up being a daily trip (in this case, the number of kilometers does not matter).
- During the last month it is advisable to go out to train carrying the backpack with its expected weight. The muscles of the knees and ankles will be strengthened and will not give us unwanted discomfort when we are on a pilgrimage. The normal average that pilgrims usually cover in stages is 20-25km.
Bikes
- Before starting the Camino it is necessary to learn how to make the small repairs that we may need along the Camino, patch a flat tire, adjust brakes and gears, etc.
- The normal average that pilgrims usually cover per
stage is about 50-75 km per day depending on the area
that is traveled (plain or mountain).
CARE
- Muscle soreness and contractures: Give the affected area rest and replace fluids. If the pain is very intense, take paracetamol. To avoid them, warm up before starting to walk and follow your own pace, without forcing yourself.
- Blisters and chafing: They can be avoided by wearing comfortable, breathable shoes that are not new. You should wash them with clean cold water, and if they are large, thread them through and let them drain, never removing the skin.
- Dehydration: If you feel more tired than normal, with discomfort, dryness... be careful, since if it is associated with fever and diarrhea it can be serious. Avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day and drink plenty of water. Immediate rest is recommended, and in case of loss of consciousness or mental confusion, go immediately to the nearest health center.
- Sprains, tendonitis: Rest is essential and applying local cold will help reduce swelling. An anti-inflammatory analgesic is recommended to relieve pain. See a doctor if it does not improve with rest.
- Sunburn: To avoid them, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with factor 20 or higher, but if it has occurred it is important to wash the area with cold water, but without rubbing, and apply plenty of moisturizing cream. Take a pain reliever in case of severe pain. Seek medical assistance if there are large blisters or the affected area is large.
- Insect bites: Wash the area without rubbing and apply antipruritic cream. It is important to always carry insect repellent and avoid perfumes that attract insects.
- Gastroenteritis: Its symptoms are usually nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Sometimes fever and general malaise. It could be prevented by drinking drinking or bottled water, washing fruits and vegetables well, as well as your hands before eating, and being careful not to eat foods that degrade at room temperature. General rest will be necessary, as well as digestive rest (not eating anything for 24-30 hours). Gradually reintroduce solids (avoiding dairy products until cured) and rehydration is also important (commercial solution 2-3 liters every 24 hours).
- You should go to the health center in case of uncontrollable vomiting or if there is no improvement.
- Fungus: To avoid them, it is important to always wear rubber sandals in the shower and dry your feet well. In case of
contagion, extreme personal hygiene.
Best