The Decision

Back in 2014, after our son, Gerrard, told us about walking The Camino to Santiago de Compostela, I knew it was something I had to do.

But before I started, I wanted to learn Spanish and – equally important – I needed to strengthen my legs. I had torn my meniscus in both knees and so needed some serious strengthening exercises.

After MANY, MANY hours practicing I now know enough Spanish to get by. Yeah! This year I discovered a language school called ‘The Spanish Experience’ in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The teachers there are the best and it kept me going when I had reached my limit with online courses!

As for the leg strengthening – I discovered a physical therapist at the Stanford clinic in Portola Valley who is amazing. I have been doing his alignment and strengthening exercises every single day because I knew it was my only hope of being able to finish the Camino. Three months ago I also started walking – I was stuck at five miles for several weeks – but one day I broke through to ten miles – and then to fifteen (though I was pretty exhausted afterwards).

And now all of a sudden, with only a few days to go I feel a twinge of nervousness. Not for the walking – but more because the Camino can be a journey of the soul. I had a flash that part of my journey is about getting rid of fear – so this is not just a casual stroll through the countryside!