Camino Training

I picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Hi Karen.” It was Nancy, one of my husband’s six sisters. Our families have known each other since childhood and as adults especially enjoy our relationship. Nancy and I chat once in a while, usually about something specific: i.e. can I get your yogurt recipe? or making plans for an occasional family get together.

This call was also specific.

“Three of us sisters are hiking the Portuguese Coastal Camino in October – we have room for a fourth.  We would like to have you join us if you are interested.”

Without hesitation I responded:  “Oh yes I am interested and I would love to join you!”

I didn’t ask about the specific dates – sometime in October was enough info for that. And I didn’t ask about the cost. My husband and I usually chat before we commit to these kind of expenditures but I just knew he’d agree this plan was a great fit – both for my passion and that sharing it with these three walking partners would be a compatible fit.

Twenty years ago, together with my husband Derryl, our love and ability for running and racing provided travel opportunities in Canada, the United States, the U.K – even South Africa! It was a wonderful season of training and intensity with a close-knit running community: but like many of our vintage the running passion was eventually substituted with hiking, cycling, paddling. (And for my husband – motor-biking!).This transition coincided with our daughter, son-in-law and three children who set the challenge and example for long distance hiking by conquering the Appalachian Trail in 2014. Joining them for sections of their epic hike fanned my flame for hiking and especially going long. Thanks kids!

Over the span of hiking years I’ve had so many wonderful hikes I’ve wished to do – and did – i.e. Mt. Katahdin, ME; Pollett’s Cove, Nova Scotia; Fundy Footpath, New Brunswick; Gaff Point, only 20 minutes from home….

The Camino never made it to my list. It didn’t have to be – a spontaneous YES was triggered by my sense of adventure and opportunity for a hiking challenge, to walk on a country and continent I’ve not yet seen.

Years ago I did read an interesting, quite fascinating, book  I’ll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends, and One Wheelchair (written by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck, published in 2017) which I had found intriguing. Books, articles, media interviews and movies have portrayed how Camino pilgrims often have a physical and spiritual experience – perhaps especially so on the routes with historical religious sites. I am certain my physical experience will reveal challenges and rewards: and will be observant of spiritual and emotional effects. So from now until the end of September I’m just “gettin ‘er done” – just plain discipline and motivation will. Some days this week in Nova Scotia have been so hot (33 degrees Celsius in the shade) – I go to a nearby lake, put on my flotation belt and “run” in the water… two days ago my son joined me for a beach walk ….another day I paddled with friends for about three hours. Great cardio and upper body workout. It’s staying in the game!

So now it’s following through on the physical and mental training that comes with embracing any new challenge. I am excited about it. I’d like to share the journey with you.

Thank you for reading – if something is calling you to jump on board, Go for it !!

Love and God Bless,

Karen