Pondering Pre Camino

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Karen Toews

What I know for sure.

I’m linking up with three fine women: sister-in-laws, friends since childhood. Hiking and fitness have been part of all our lifestyles long before the Camino plan.

I am blessed with good health and fitness; and thankful for my family background of physical activity, mental and emotional endurance – bestowed with only a small inheritance of arthritis! Physical therapy is helping a crabby knee from my former passion for long-distance running – and I am paying attention to pick up my feet. Not shuffling along. A recent massage reminded me to pay more attention to tight hip flexors and abductors. And now that cooler days are here I’ll be more inclined to ‘sweat it out’ in the sauna.

Considerate and seasoned Camino friends have recommended guidebooks and are sharing personal tips. I have a schedule of our route and the distance for each day’s walk from one lodging to the next (double digit distances for 9 days.) Gratefully, our overnight bags are shuttled from one auberge to the next.

But until I land in Castelo Portugal and get my feet on the ground, the reality of the Camino trail is unknown. Weather, culture, terrain, the food, my endurance, etc. are the reality markers for hiking the 196Km distance.

This multiple day hike is through beautiful and challenging terrain. My husband, bless him, is gung ho in encouraging and supporting me. He won’t physically be along the route – as in our marathon days – but he’s been cheering me on and will to the finish line. Thanks, Derryl.

In committing to previous challenging and unknown tests I’ve come to expect the thrum of the soul and mind that jostles back and forth between – you’ve got this girl and what do you think you’re trying to do ?!

It’s the tipping edge between choosing always cosy and comfortable , and nudging towards adventure.

I’m grateful to these three good souls for inviting me to share this Camino adventure with them.