I had an illuminating morning. After months of hemming and hawing, I think I've decided to pay to have my backpack transported from albergue to albergue instead of carrying it myself.
I went out for a 3.5 mile walk around my neighborhood this morning carrying an 11 pound pack, which is about half the weight of the pack I would be carrying. It was fine, really. I had no trouble with the weight. It was a little bit of a struggle to get the straps just right, but that sorted itself out soon enough. My biggest "gear" problem was that my leggings were falling down, and I had to hike them up every five minutes. That's a good lesson to me to wear the pants that I am planning to wear on the Camino as I train. I also have been testing a new pair of shoes, and I rejected those this morning, too. They are too flimsy for my heavy frame. I need something more supportive. I am getting closer to figuring out which socks I want to wear. I think the toe sock Injinji liners with the Darn Tough hiking socks over them are the solution. Much of this morning was a good lesson to practice doing everything just the way I plan to when I am in Spain.
I found myself reflecting on what I want from my days on the Camino. The answer is that I want to go for a lot of beautiful walks. I want that feeling of bliss and freedom that comes with moving my body through the countryside and towns all day. Is it really important to me to carry my own belongings? No. It doesn't particularly matter to me. I think the cost is pretty minimal (maybe 6 Euro per day--have to check) to have someone drive my bag to the next spot where I will lay my head. It means I am locked into reserving and going to the designated place each day, but that's really okay. When I was walking before, we called people who had their luggage transported "plastic pilgrims." I'm happy to embrace that term if it means I get to keep walking.
Part of the project of getting ready for the Camino was to take better care of my body. And I have been. I haven't lost as much weight as I would like, but I am much fitter and stronger than I was a year ago. I'm proud of myself! I now feel as though it is a doable challenge to walk 10 miles per day for over a month. That's an amazing thing to be able to say. It will be hard, but I think I can do it.
Even though I have made progress, I am still quite overweight. Walking every day with excess poundage on my back will put additional stress on my already overburdened knees and feet. It will probably result in blisters. It will definitely result in soreness. And most importantly, it will likely impede my primary goal of enjoying the walking. Why in the world would I carry my pack if it means I am going to risk injury that will destroy my trip entirely?
Pilgrims are always talking about the lessons they learn on the Camino. I guess my lesson here is that taking care of my body requires balance. Sometimes taking care of myself means pushing it harder; sometimes it means being gentle.
I'll still pack light and maybe partway through the Camino, when I have gotten stronger, I will feel like carrying my own backpack. Or maybe not!
