Two Nice Surprises

Early this spring, when I started my training for the Camino de Santiago, one of the first climbs was beautiful Mount Major in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Although it is not a big mountain, hikers flock to it for its gorgeous views and it's "big" mountain feel. By that I mean it is a short climb, less than 3 hours roundtrip, but it is steep and somewhat challenging for the moderate hiker, both on the way up and the way down.

Here I am with my daughter Heidi and our friend Ellen at the summit. They have walked and hiked with me from the beginning, when the Camino de Santiago trip was only a dream. Their phone calls at the crack of dawn got me up and out the door for our early morning walks. They have added a playfulness and some humor to our walks and have made them fun and interesting, and both have been an inspiration to me.

During that first spring climb, I huffed and puffed on the way up and had to give up my backpack before reaching the top. And on the way down my knees were red and swollen and screaming with pain. I hobbled most of the way down the mountain. My knees are one thing that has had me worried about my journey along the Camino, as I know there are some really steep descents.

The first surprise is that we just climbed Mount Major again on a gloreous crystal clear morning. And what a difference! I climbed to the summit with full backpack with ease, not even slightly winded and the real miracle was the descent. Not even a whimper from my knees. No swelling or redness and no pain at all!!

I guess all my long hours of hiking and walking with full backpack have paid off. I also now use trekking poles, which at first I found very cumbersome; but on the descents they are a blessing.

The second surprise was that Heidi and Ellen have been saying that they would love to join me on the Camino. They each run their own business and have a house full of kids and men to take care of, so being away for more than a month was impossible. So I resigned myself to thinking that it would never be possible. Well, they did it. They just purchased tickets to Spain. They will meet me to walk the last 5 days with me (114kilometers or 68.5 miles).

Here I am with my husband on our second Mt. Major hike. He will walk with me the first 12 days, but then must return home, and since he cannot be with me till the end, I cannot think of two better people to have with me than my 2 faithful and encouraging walking partners. They have been with me from the beginning and I think it is so appropriate for them to be the ones with me when I finally arrive at the tomb of the Apostle Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.

Kissing Frogs

Preparing for a 500 mile trek across Spain along the Camino de Santiago takes much more than just walking and hiking.

Making sure you have proper foot wear is the first and most important consideration; which I addressed here.

Having the right backpack is also of utmost importance. And, considering that I will be walking between 5 to 8 hours each day, keeping that backpack burden down to a reasonable weight is crucial.

I have spent much time looking over packing lists, backpack recommendations, and other issues about what to carry and what to leave behind.

When I was told that "You don't pick the backpack; the backpack picks you." I didn't take it too seriously. I wanted to keep the weight to a minimum, so I went out and bought the lightest weight ultra-light backpack. I found out quickly that it wasn't working, as my shoulders were aching after walking for only a few hours. So I returned the ultra-light and started researching and learning more about backpacks.

They say you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. Yeah, well, I found out it's the same type of deal with backpacks, when looking for a perfect match.

I went to the two biggest outdoor outfitter stores in my area. And they really do take it serious when helping find the right backpack for you. I spent hours with the experts trying on backpacks. They not only fit you for the pack. They load it with weights and have you walk around the store for an hour or 2, to make sure it is "Mr. Right".

When properly fitted, the backpack should rest on the hips and put no strain or pressure on the shoulders at all. The burden is carried on the hips, and it becomes effortless, just like carrying a baby on the hip.

Believe me, it wasn't love at first sight. It took me many visits to both outdoor outfitter stores before I found my prince. And when I did, I knew it the minute I put it on.

Meet Mr. Right. The Gregory Jade 35

So, I happily take my training walks carrying 15 to 20 pounds for 5 or 6 hours very comfortably.
And I learned a valuable lesson...listen to the experts.
Happy Trails
Rita

Pampering Myself

My Training walks for my up coming pilgrimage on The Camino de Santiago are getting longer. I walked two 6 hour back to back walks this week, along with my every day 1 hour walks.

It just happens that it was two of the hottest and muggiest days we have had so far this year. I was left feeling very tired and had aches and kinks everywhere.

No problem!! I knew just the cure for an achy, tired body. And , I didn't hesitate to indulge after each of my 6 hour walks.

I discovered a long time ago, a simple and enjoyable, self indulging "treatment". It is great after I have pushed to hard, whether it be from long hikes, skiing or my regular yoga practice or just about any time I want to pamper myself.

It's a hot salt and soda aromatherapy bath that I found years ago in the book Ultra-Prevention by Mark Liponis, MD and Mark Hyman, MD.
Add one cup of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) and one half cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a hot bath. Add 10 drops of essential oil such as lavender, sandalwood or vanilla.
I added a few bubbles and wallah...a heavenly way to relax for 30 minutes while having the added benefits of relaxing your muscles, reducing tension, detoxing your body and sleeping much better.
Magnesium is often called the relaxation or anti-stress mineral because of it's calming effect. It's soothing properties, along with the alkaline-balancing effects of the baking soda, induce restful sleep.
Magnesium is also known to combat acids, toxins, gases and impurities in the body. The hot water draws the toxins out of the body to the skin's surface and the magnesium sulfate absorbs through the skin and helps draw the toxins from the body.
Aromatherapy can induce relaxation hormones in the brain. The bubbles...well..they just add a little luxury.
Add a glass of heart healthy red wine, a few candles and soft music for ambiance and you've got yourself a mini retreat. (And one that costs only pennies at that!!)
I wish you peace, love and laughter
Rita

Training-River Walk

The last 2 days I upped my Camino de Santiago training walks to two 5 hours back to back walks. And although the walks are getting longer now, they are never the same and never boring.

This week the tides were low during my early morning walks; so I got to slog along the river bank for a good part of the morning.

The river always makes for an interesting walk, and a little time for playfulness, too. In my opinion adults don't make enough time in their lives for playfulness and that is why some age so fast.

The salty smell of the river, the sloshing in the muck, wet up to my thighs from reeds and sea grass, all make for a delightful morning. I couldn't take the smile off my face.

I thought I was a kid again; stocking a Great Blue Heron. Chasing him along through the tall grasses, trying to get a photo. But alas, he was to quick for this old gal. As soon as I got close enough and got my camera ready he was off and hiding in the next clump of growth. You can barely see him in the photo. I finally gave up and found other things to occupy my senses.

Another thing I love about my river walks is that the landscape is so different and interesting that the hours see to fly by.

It fascinates me how the trees grow; their roots living half their time submerged under river water and then being completely exposed to the air and light for the other half.

I don't know what these lovely bushes are, but they give off a beautiful sweet fragrance and are a joy to look at.


So, with all this fun going on, 5 hours went by in a flash. Tough life I have these days while training for my 500 mile trek across Spain, don't you think??

Training-Staying Hydrated

I like reading blogs. Some have beautiful pictures and interesting stories and you become privy to things about people you don't even know and will most likely never know. And sometimes you can learn things, too.


While training for my trek across Spain along the Camino de Santiago, I have been doing lots of walking and hiking. I know how important it is to keep my electrolytes balanced. Plain water, as good as it is for us, doesn't adequately rehydrate the body. So, I have been spending lots of money on electrolyte products, mostly the ones that come in individual packets that are easy to carry in my pack and add to my water bottle. Most taste horrid, but I know I need them, so I drink them.



Well, one of the bloggers that I read posted this. It not only reminds us how dangerous and deadly it can be if we don't take rehydration seriously. It gives some helpful tips on how to prevent problems. Visit Timecheck's blog and read this informative post.


After reading it, I googled "homemade electrolyte drink" and found thousands of links to recipes.

So, I went out and got all the ingredients and mixed up a batch. Surprisingly it tastes so much better than the electrolyte packets I have been buying. And, it's much cheaper.


Here's the recipe:

1 quart water
Tang, use measurement on container for 1 quart
1/2 tsp sea salt (sea salt has minerals not found in table salt)
1/4 tsp. Litesalt (which is potassium based)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
*optional juice of 1 lemon, for flavor(lemon has natural electrolytes)

Mix all ingredients well and put in your sports bottle. Drink throughout your hike or workout.
DO NOT give this drink to children under 12 yrs old. But, if you google "homemade Pedialyte drink", you will find a very similar rehydrating drink for children.
And those on any type of medication should consult their doctor before trying this drink.

Most of the recipes I found on the net called for 4 tablespoons of sugar(in the above recipe), but Timecheck had told me he used Tang in place of the sugar. Tang adds a nice orange flavor and from what I understand it is the only drink the astronauts use on their space trips. So, I guess if it is good enough for the astronauts, it's good enough for me.


Happy Trails
Rita

Feet First

"More backpacking trips are ruined by sore feet than by all other causes combined. Pounded by the ground below and the weight of you and your pack above, your feet receive harsher treatment than any other part of the body."

-Chris Townsend, The Backpacker's Handbook

My sister-in-law says I have "good feet". She admires that I can wear any type of footwear from flip flops to boots to spiked heels with no problems.

Generally, most of us take our feet for granted, without realizing how much we really expect of them. And those that have "good feet" might not stop and consider all the things that can go wrong.

When training for a long distance trek one finds out fast how important our feet are. They are the "workhorse" of the whole trip. So proper foot care is the most important and first thing to consider.

There are so many things to think about: Boots? Walking or trekking shoes? Sandals? Which socks are best: Synthetic? Wool? Cotton? With or with out sock liners?

And, I am finding out that no matter which hiker you talk to or read, they each have their own opinions about how to care for feet, and how to prepare those feet for a long distance trek. I've heard recommendations from duck-taping my feet to soaking them in tea to toughen them up.

There are 2 things they all agree on:

1. Blisters are the bane of hikers and blister prevention should be foremost in our mind.

2. Making sure you have properly fitting footwear, whether it's boots or trekking shoes, and proper socks, sock/liner combination, whatever the material, will greatly reduce or even emlininate the possibility of blisters or other foot problems.

Everyone has different body types and different feet and foot issues, so I guess the only way to figure it out is to keep trying until you find out what works best. And, that is exactly what I have been doing. I now have quite a collection of hiking socks made from different materials and lots of liners too.

I would rather find out now, before I take on 5 to 8 hours a day of walking for more than a month's time, whether or not I will have foot problems.

So far this is what has worked for me: I prefer and feel more comfortable wearing hiking boots. Even though they are heavier and hotter for walking, it gives me a little extra ankle support and they are waterproof.

HiTec Sierra are the boots that work best for my feet.

I wear medium weight Smartwool socks with synthetic sock liners.

I find that rubbing my feet with a light coat of Vaseline before walking helps keep my feet soft and dry.
A great website, where I have found invaluable information about feet and foot care for the athlete is Fixing Your Feet.
Happy Trails
Rita

Training-Playing With Trees

Some days friends or family accompany me on my training walks. This day, I decided to "introduce" my walking partners to an amazing and magnificent, sprawling tree that I had met in the forest.

The delightful spirit in the tree bewitched us and brought out a playful nature to our early morning walk. Which lead to several questions for pondering, that I believe to be true.

Do trees possess intelligence and wisdom?
Do they crave and enjoy love and attention the way we humans do?

Are there spirits dwelling in trees that communicate with humans?
Is playfulness a "language" that is understood between trees and humans?

When we walk in a forest and feel calm and relaxed, is that feeling evoked because the trees are eminating vibrations of peace and serenity?

Training-Enchanted Forest

"In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks" John Muir

We had a downpour in the wee hours . I was tempted to pull the covers over my head and sleep in, but I made the wise decision to get up for my usual early morning walk.

And what an amazing morning it was. Walking through the mist, the air cool and wet, made me feel like I was walking through an enchanted forest. Trails I should know by heart seemed strange and other worldly; inviting and enticing me to explore deeper into this dreamy landscape.
What a delightful way to start the day.

Training - A Walk In The Park

"There is an intense but simple thrill in setting off in the morning on a mountain trail, knowing that everything you need is on your back. It is a confidence in having left the inessentials behind and of entering a world of natural beauty that has not been violated, where money has no value, and possessions are dead weight....." Paul Theroux

Training for the Camino de Santiago means long days of walking. So, I consider myself a lucky girl. Not only am I a lover of a good walk; I happen to live less than 10 miles from one of the most beautiful parks in the area.
Maudslay State Park is situated on the banks of the Merrimack River Formerly the estate of the Moseley family, one of the richest families in new England.

The park covers 480 acres and has miles of trails running through natural woodlands, rolling meadows, towering pine forests, as well as 19th century gardens and plantings.
One of the many treasures in the park is one of the largest naturally occurring stands of mountain laurel in New England. Frederick Moseley was a lover of nature and seeking to protect this beautiful place, in the mid 1800's he began to acquire portions of the laurel grounds and continued to purchase surrounding lands. By 1900 he had a substantial estate where he and his daughter built magnificent residences. Although no mansions remain, the grounds retain much of the beauty that graced the estate in Moseley's day.

Someone commented to me, while walking with me in this glorious sanctuary, that it was a shame I would be wasting my whole summer training and walking in this park. The statement so overwhelmed me, that I didn't know how to respond.

But, I guess, there is no response to one who misses the joy in the delightful melody of birdsong, the serenity of watching deer grazing in the meadow, the balm of the gentle breeze against your skin, or the sensuality of the earthy smell of the forest floor beneath your feet.

I feel a peacefulness in my heart when I start the day with a walk in a place where I am able to enjoy the glorious gifts that nature has to offer.

Rita

Training-"Keep Walking Ambrose"

"Climb the mountains and get their tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir


Even though we walk every day, it would be foolish to attempt a long distance trek without some kind of training program.

Whether it be running, swimming, biking, walking, or any sport for that matter, the best training for it is to do the specific thing you are training for. If your event is running, train by running, if it is swimming, train by swimming, etc.

My pilgrimage through Spain will be about 500 miles through 3 mountain chains with several peaks of nearly 5,000 feet. Most of the walking is off road, sometimes through rocks, shale, gravel and uneven terrain. I will be walking for more than 30 days on average of 5 to 8 hours each day.

So, I have been training by walking and hiking. Fortunately for me, I love to walk and live in a beautiful area for walking. I generally walk for an hour or more each day just for the love of a good walk. But now that I have been training for my long distance trek, I have found that it is a must to walk for longer periods.

I will be carrying a backpack every day, so I have been walking with a fully loaded backpack during my training walks. Trust me, it is a lot harder to walk carrying 15 pounds on your back than just taking an evening stroll.

There are several good trek training programs available. At Do It For Charity.com there is a 16 week trek training program and it is what I have been using as the basis for my training, with some modifications that work best for me.

Basically, I walk from 1 to 2 hours daily, sometimes I skip a day. Each week I increase one or two walks by 1 hour. My long walk is now up to 5 hours.

Walking has so many healthy benefits. it strengthens muscles, bones and joints. It can reduce the risk of many diseases from heart attack, stroke, hip fracture, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. It helps with weight loss, boosts good cholesterol, and prevents depression.

The list goes on and on. If you want to read more about the benefits of walking read this good article at AARP.com

Less than 2 months before I start my pilgrimage. I can't wait!!

Rita