After purchasing 2 pairs of Merrell boots (Moabs and Chameleons) I was toing and froing between the two. In the end, I opted for the Merrell Moabs mid boot.
The difference between the two (in my humble opinion) is the Chameleons are very sturdy although they lack comfort. They are a stiff boot. Whereas the Moabs are very comfy more like a sneaker and lightweight. When I'm walking in Moabs it feels like I'm walking on clouds. They provide good ankle support and alot of cushioning. Although the downside to this boot the sole is not as sturdy as the Chameleons.
Reviews from the Camino de Santiago forum indicate people either love Moabs or they don't. The main reason is due to the sole not being sturdy enough and apparently you can feel the pebbles under your feet.
Everytime I've taken these boots out for a walk, they feel great! When I finally reach the time to commence pack walks, my opinion might change.
In the meantime, these boots were made for walking...
:)
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
When it rains, it pours
When you exercise excessively and over a short period of time injuries are bound to happen. Yep, that's what happened to me this week.
With the excitement of booking my flights and finally entering the 'Camino zone' my motivation skyrocketed (a little too much). I was out walking everyday and then suddenly, I was struck down with foot tendinopathy (tendinitous).. Boo hoo. As you can imagine my confidence was shattered.
On top of that, I also have a pre-existing knee injury (pattellofemoral pain syndrome) which flares up every now and again depending on certain (most) activities I participate in. Although, this week the knee is going great guns, thank God!
Thankfully, there's a silverlining and his name is Brad McIntosh, my awesome physiotherapist (Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy). Using his expertise he instructed me to work on my butt muscles, apparently they are very weak..lol. By working on this area it will help realign my knees and feet. He also taped my foot and knee (looking a bit like a mummy these days) and instructed me to wear orthotics. Have you seen how ugly most orthotic shoes are? lol... Alas, with a bit of research I came across a few nice enough pair of orthotic shoes and sandals. (If your interested in orthotic shoes, check out online the 'Orthotic shop' and 'Peter Sheppard'). He also instructed me to continue exercising, but not at full gusto. One day on, one day off. My homework before my next visit is to plan my training program for the next 8 months. Once I have finalised my program I'll upload it.
Since seeing Brad my foot is feeling better. As much as I wanted to head out for a walk today, I reframed from doing so, Brad you would be proud! Looking forward to heading out for a walk tomorrow though.
Lesson learnt: This new injury made me realise how much I want to do this walk and remember: piano, piano, arriviamo...
2012 New Year resolutions: Obtain a rock solid butt and build my inner quad muscles.
Happy New Year everyone!
:)
With the excitement of booking my flights and finally entering the 'Camino zone' my motivation skyrocketed (a little too much). I was out walking everyday and then suddenly, I was struck down with foot tendinopathy (tendinitous).. Boo hoo. As you can imagine my confidence was shattered.
On top of that, I also have a pre-existing knee injury (pattellofemoral pain syndrome) which flares up every now and again depending on certain (most) activities I participate in. Although, this week the knee is going great guns, thank God!
Thankfully, there's a silverlining and his name is Brad McIntosh, my awesome physiotherapist (Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy). Using his expertise he instructed me to work on my butt muscles, apparently they are very weak..lol. By working on this area it will help realign my knees and feet. He also taped my foot and knee (looking a bit like a mummy these days) and instructed me to wear orthotics. Have you seen how ugly most orthotic shoes are? lol... Alas, with a bit of research I came across a few nice enough pair of orthotic shoes and sandals. (If your interested in orthotic shoes, check out online the 'Orthotic shop' and 'Peter Sheppard'). He also instructed me to continue exercising, but not at full gusto. One day on, one day off. My homework before my next visit is to plan my training program for the next 8 months. Once I have finalised my program I'll upload it.
Since seeing Brad my foot is feeling better. As much as I wanted to head out for a walk today, I reframed from doing so, Brad you would be proud! Looking forward to heading out for a walk tomorrow though.
Lesson learnt: This new injury made me realise how much I want to do this walk and remember: piano, piano, arriviamo...
2012 New Year resolutions: Obtain a rock solid butt and build my inner quad muscles.
Happy New Year everyone!
:)
Monday, July 18, 2011
My Pledge
I'm pledging to the blog world and to my late father Adriano, I will donate $1 for every kilometre I walk to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. http://www.acrf.com.au/.
This means if I complete the Le Puy Route of 746kms, I will donate $746 to the foundation. Well, lets just round it up to $750 shall we?
I know I'm capable of doing this as I have proven this before by walking the Camino de Santiago in 2008. Although lately, I've been thinking (only an idea at this point) how can I make this walk more challenging for myself? Light bulb moment! Why not walk the entire route?! From Le Puy (France) to Santiago (Spain) which is approximately 1,500kms. Now that would be a great challenge! If my Manager James is reading this, I may need to take more time off...lol
This means if I complete the Le Puy Route of 746kms, I will donate $746 to the foundation. Well, lets just round it up to $750 shall we?
I know I'm capable of doing this as I have proven this before by walking the Camino de Santiago in 2008. Although lately, I've been thinking (only an idea at this point) how can I make this walk more challenging for myself? Light bulb moment! Why not walk the entire route?! From Le Puy (France) to Santiago (Spain) which is approximately 1,500kms. Now that would be a great challenge! If my Manager James is reading this, I may need to take more time off...lol
Friday, July 15, 2011
Camino No 2, Locked In! (September 2012)
Often along the Way, I would hear 'once you have completed your first Camino, you want to go back for more'. And here I am, wanting more...
My motivation to walk the Way for the second time, is for my late father who recently passed away from lung cancer. He was a cheerful man who had such a zest for life. His adventurous spirit enjoyed long walks through nature. To complete a walk like this seems very fitting for such an amazing Dad/Man.
To motivate me even further, I'll be raising funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and hope people will join me and dig deep and hopefully one day soon they will find a cure for this debilitating disease.
My partner in crime on this walk will be my good friend Donna, who comes from New Zealand. This will be her first Camino. You're one brave girl Dons!
We'll be walking the Le Puy Route in September 2012 finishing in Saint Jean Pied de Port. We're allowing 35 days to complete the walk, but I have a sneaking suspicion we'll nail it in fewer days.
They say the Le Puy route is a little shorter (746kms) than the Camino Frances (760kms). But the terrain is alot more challenging, especially the first 2 weeks. But hey, people say the Camino is a metaphor for one's life. Bring on the challenges as they manifest into great experiences making it all worthwhile.
So, here I am! 3 years on from my epic 1st Camino, which to date has been one of the most rewarding and majestic experiences of my life. So who wouldn't want to go back for more!
Thank you Universe. More please!
:)
Buen Camino all.
My motivation to walk the Way for the second time, is for my late father who recently passed away from lung cancer. He was a cheerful man who had such a zest for life. His adventurous spirit enjoyed long walks through nature. To complete a walk like this seems very fitting for such an amazing Dad/Man.
To motivate me even further, I'll be raising funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and hope people will join me and dig deep and hopefully one day soon they will find a cure for this debilitating disease.
My partner in crime on this walk will be my good friend Donna, who comes from New Zealand. This will be her first Camino. You're one brave girl Dons!
We'll be walking the Le Puy Route in September 2012 finishing in Saint Jean Pied de Port. We're allowing 35 days to complete the walk, but I have a sneaking suspicion we'll nail it in fewer days.
They say the Le Puy route is a little shorter (746kms) than the Camino Frances (760kms). But the terrain is alot more challenging, especially the first 2 weeks. But hey, people say the Camino is a metaphor for one's life. Bring on the challenges as they manifest into great experiences making it all worthwhile.
So, here I am! 3 years on from my epic 1st Camino, which to date has been one of the most rewarding and majestic experiences of my life. So who wouldn't want to go back for more!
Thank you Universe. More please!
:)
Buen Camino all.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I made it!
(20.5.08) After walking 800kms across Spain in 31 days, we finally arrived into Santiago for the midday pilgrim mass which was held in the beautiful Santiago cathedral.
What a journey!
This is without a doubt the most incredible experience I´ve had to date. When I spotted Santiago city/Cathedral, tears of joy, gratitude, happiness, accomplishment overwhelmed me... I couldn´t believe I´d finally made it! Seriously, words cannot explain how I felt at that moment. Thank god, I made it!
Monique you were right, I don´t think I´ve lost any weight whatsoever! I´ve been eating it up BIG time, and enjoying ever mouth full...lol...Atleast this is the fittest I've ever been. My biggest walking day was 47kms (the 2nd last day) to arrive into the village and be told the hotel was full...what the? lol Luckily the Universe was on our side and a room at a Casa Rural was available....
We have been living it up for the past couple of nights staying in hotels and eating great food which makes a drastic change from the refugios/municipals we´ve been staying in for most of the Camino. Although to experience the essence of the Camino it lies largely in these places (refugios/albergues). Plus staying in these basic lodging accommodation makes you appreciate the comforts we have in our own lives.
Last night, David and I hit the town! We ate Tapas and drank our way around Santiago, to end up sitting in front of Santiago cathedral chatting about our Camino experiences and then dance with the locals to beautiful Spanish music. This day will go down as one of the best days I´ve had on my Camino.
Today (Wednesday) I went to the midday pilgrim mass again to greet the other pilgrims I met along the road. It was sooo nice to see them walking towards the church. We embraced and congratulated eachother for the massive accomplishment we had all been through. It´s definitely a unique experience... I think it´ll hit me when I get back to Oz just how much land we covered...Crazy stuff hey?
Rod just to let you know, I laid your scallop shell to rest in Santiago. I sent out a wish that one day soon, you will complete your Camino and experience these magical feelings. It brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Thank you my friend for your support and belief in me and my Camino.
With this, I´ve decided to walk to Finnisterre (as 800kms isn´t enough...lol) which should take no more than 3 to 4 days max.. It´s roughly 89kms. Back in the day, they called Finnisterre the end of the world. Only a small percentage of pilgrims walk to Finnisterre, it´s more common to jump on a bus from Santiago to Finisterre.
It´s symbolic to continue onto Finnisterre as pilgrims burn an item which rids themselves of the old/past and makes way for the new. We met this crazy Brazilian guy who walked a bit of the way with David and I the other day, he gave me a great idea.... Make a list of all the negativity, doubts, fears etc etc and burn it.... So that´s what I´m going to do!. Thanks Eddie! Eddie relayed what Spaniards believe the Camino de Santiago is, a mental institution for Spain....LOL.. Ohh, I can see why? I believe you gotta be half nuts to wanna walk under 900kms...lol
Wow, I can finally tick off another lifelong experience from my bucket list. I'd be happy to walk this route again...
What a journey!
This is without a doubt the most incredible experience I´ve had to date. When I spotted Santiago city/Cathedral, tears of joy, gratitude, happiness, accomplishment overwhelmed me... I couldn´t believe I´d finally made it! Seriously, words cannot explain how I felt at that moment. Thank god, I made it!
Monique you were right, I don´t think I´ve lost any weight whatsoever! I´ve been eating it up BIG time, and enjoying ever mouth full...lol...Atleast this is the fittest I've ever been. My biggest walking day was 47kms (the 2nd last day) to arrive into the village and be told the hotel was full...what the? lol Luckily the Universe was on our side and a room at a Casa Rural was available....
We have been living it up for the past couple of nights staying in hotels and eating great food which makes a drastic change from the refugios/municipals we´ve been staying in for most of the Camino. Although to experience the essence of the Camino it lies largely in these places (refugios/albergues). Plus staying in these basic lodging accommodation makes you appreciate the comforts we have in our own lives.
Last night, David and I hit the town! We ate Tapas and drank our way around Santiago, to end up sitting in front of Santiago cathedral chatting about our Camino experiences and then dance with the locals to beautiful Spanish music. This day will go down as one of the best days I´ve had on my Camino.
Today (Wednesday) I went to the midday pilgrim mass again to greet the other pilgrims I met along the road. It was sooo nice to see them walking towards the church. We embraced and congratulated eachother for the massive accomplishment we had all been through. It´s definitely a unique experience... I think it´ll hit me when I get back to Oz just how much land we covered...Crazy stuff hey?
Rod just to let you know, I laid your scallop shell to rest in Santiago. I sent out a wish that one day soon, you will complete your Camino and experience these magical feelings. It brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Thank you my friend for your support and belief in me and my Camino.
With this, I´ve decided to walk to Finnisterre (as 800kms isn´t enough...lol) which should take no more than 3 to 4 days max.. It´s roughly 89kms. Back in the day, they called Finnisterre the end of the world. Only a small percentage of pilgrims walk to Finnisterre, it´s more common to jump on a bus from Santiago to Finisterre.
It´s symbolic to continue onto Finnisterre as pilgrims burn an item which rids themselves of the old/past and makes way for the new. We met this crazy Brazilian guy who walked a bit of the way with David and I the other day, he gave me a great idea.... Make a list of all the negativity, doubts, fears etc etc and burn it.... So that´s what I´m going to do!. Thanks Eddie! Eddie relayed what Spaniards believe the Camino de Santiago is, a mental institution for Spain....LOL.. Ohh, I can see why? I believe you gotta be half nuts to wanna walk under 900kms...lol
Wow, I can finally tick off another lifelong experience from my bucket list. I'd be happy to walk this route again...
Friday, May 9, 2008
Albergues (hostels)
Since Eduardo left the family, we´ve stayed in some amazing albergues (both on detour routes)
On Monday night (5th May), we stayed in the peregrinos albergue located in Besciano del Real Camino.That night, I experienced the essence of what I believe the Camino life is all about.
The albergue runs off donations and the warm greeting was next to none. One of the hospitalerios (volunteer workers) was named none other than, Jesus! Can you believe it? He definitely had a twinkle in his eyes, that´s for sure.
On that night, I even dreamt he was God and the look he gave me in my dream was of love, support, faith and re-assurance. It was a very strange dream but man did it feel real. I seem to be dreaming alot on the road (but then again that's nothing new). One night I dreamt a man and lady were doing Reiki on me and I could actually feel it in my dream. As some of you know, all this hippy dippy stuff isn´t at all weird for me...lol
Anyways back to the albergue, it slept roughly 40 people, all the pilgrims helped with the dinner preparations and washing up. We then sang songs in our native languages, we watched the sunset, followed by a candlelit meditation expressing the reason why each one of us are walking this road...It was an amazing evening with so many amazing people (approx 25 of us). This is what I feel the Camino life is all about, the spirit of sharing, friendship, reflection, giving thanks for the many many luxuries we have in our own lives...The Camino life is a very simple one, it shows you you don´t need much to be happy. My Camino family have shown me this time and time again and for that I´m truly grateful. All you need is love! :)
Last night we stayed in Leon (Santa Maria convent) this is the 2nd time we´ve stayed in a convent (Eric wasn´t allowed to move his bed close to Gitta´s...lol...Inside joke). We went to the 6pm Mass at Leon´s Cathedral which was lovely, although Burgos Cathedral is sooo much nicer and alot more detailed than Leon. Truth be told I was very disappointed with Leon's cathedal there wasn´t any substance to it. All in all, atleast the outside of the Cathedral was lovely. At the convent the nuns held a 9:30pm pilgrim Mass in their church which was very nice.
Tonight we´re staying in another awesome albergue (alternate route) called Jesus albergue (Jesus is everywhere...lol) and it´s donation based as well. You can write on the walls like naughty school kids...lol..The albergue has a backyard and hammock (what luxury) you should have seen our faces when we scoped out the joint, we thought we were in heaven...lol
Tomorrow we´re off to Astorga which is a 30km clicker...Wish us luck, cause we´re sooo going to need it...lol
Love, light and smiles to you all
On Monday night (5th May), we stayed in the peregrinos albergue located in Besciano del Real Camino.That night, I experienced the essence of what I believe the Camino life is all about.
The albergue runs off donations and the warm greeting was next to none. One of the hospitalerios (volunteer workers) was named none other than, Jesus! Can you believe it? He definitely had a twinkle in his eyes, that´s for sure.
On that night, I even dreamt he was God and the look he gave me in my dream was of love, support, faith and re-assurance. It was a very strange dream but man did it feel real. I seem to be dreaming alot on the road (but then again that's nothing new). One night I dreamt a man and lady were doing Reiki on me and I could actually feel it in my dream. As some of you know, all this hippy dippy stuff isn´t at all weird for me...lol
Anyways back to the albergue, it slept roughly 40 people, all the pilgrims helped with the dinner preparations and washing up. We then sang songs in our native languages, we watched the sunset, followed by a candlelit meditation expressing the reason why each one of us are walking this road...It was an amazing evening with so many amazing people (approx 25 of us). This is what I feel the Camino life is all about, the spirit of sharing, friendship, reflection, giving thanks for the many many luxuries we have in our own lives...The Camino life is a very simple one, it shows you you don´t need much to be happy. My Camino family have shown me this time and time again and for that I´m truly grateful. All you need is love! :)
Last night we stayed in Leon (Santa Maria convent) this is the 2nd time we´ve stayed in a convent (Eric wasn´t allowed to move his bed close to Gitta´s...lol...Inside joke). We went to the 6pm Mass at Leon´s Cathedral which was lovely, although Burgos Cathedral is sooo much nicer and alot more detailed than Leon. Truth be told I was very disappointed with Leon's cathedal there wasn´t any substance to it. All in all, atleast the outside of the Cathedral was lovely. At the convent the nuns held a 9:30pm pilgrim Mass in their church which was very nice.
Tonight we´re staying in another awesome albergue (alternate route) called Jesus albergue (Jesus is everywhere...lol) and it´s donation based as well. You can write on the walls like naughty school kids...lol..The albergue has a backyard and hammock (what luxury) you should have seen our faces when we scoped out the joint, we thought we were in heaven...lol
Tomorrow we´re off to Astorga which is a 30km clicker...Wish us luck, cause we´re sooo going to need it...lol
Love, light and smiles to you all
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Thank you for your support
Thought I´d write up a quick entry as I´m overwhelmed with so many upflifting, loving and encouraging comments and emails. I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to you all!
Monique and Nancy, you ladies would understand what it feels like to recieve encouragement especially on those hard days. I had another hard day yesterday and today. The 3 of us (Gitta, Eric and I) have come down with a cold and walking isn´t making it any easier. I´ve also obtained 2 new blisters (total of 5) and very slight pain in my heel. God, I hope it´s not tendinitous.
They are predicting rain, thunderstorms, lighting and hail tonight (3rd time it´s rained on the Camino) and for the next few days, with a maximum temperature of 9 degrees. Talk about the Universe throwing curve balls. Let the game begin! lol
So the moral of this entry is, thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and love. You have no idea how much they have helped me along the road. Thinking of you all and once again, I'm placing little stones along the way filled with good wishes for you all.
xxx
Monique and Nancy, you ladies would understand what it feels like to recieve encouragement especially on those hard days. I had another hard day yesterday and today. The 3 of us (Gitta, Eric and I) have come down with a cold and walking isn´t making it any easier. I´ve also obtained 2 new blisters (total of 5) and very slight pain in my heel. God, I hope it´s not tendinitous.
They are predicting rain, thunderstorms, lighting and hail tonight (3rd time it´s rained on the Camino) and for the next few days, with a maximum temperature of 9 degrees. Talk about the Universe throwing curve balls. Let the game begin! lol
So the moral of this entry is, thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and love. You have no idea how much they have helped me along the road. Thinking of you all and once again, I'm placing little stones along the way filled with good wishes for you all.
xxx
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