Today I hiked a little over 15 miles with 1200ft of ascent. It was a beautiful hike from a more populous area called Ponferrada through vineyards and olive oil groves. I am getting closer to a mountain range that is the highest in the Camino.
I also got to hike with somebody for the majority of the day. Barbara is studying business physiology in Germany so I envision her to be a Wendy Rhoades in her professional life. If you don’t get the reference don’t worry- Barbara didn’t either.
Early on in the hike I did notice a pain in my left shin. Obviously, this caused me great concern as shin splints was the reason that ended my Camino last year. I stopped several times and stretched and my pace has been the same for the entire trip…glacial. When I got to the hotel I immediately started to ice, elevate, stretch and relax. I honestly think I am allergic to uneven underfoot conditions which is what I hiked the majority of yesterday.
Tomorrow is a shorter hike…. 12 miles and I will evaluate if there is something of greater concern to adjust my travels if necessary. If I think about where I was last year I was dead set on taking my body through the gauntlet and I only stopped when it failed. This came at extreme sadness and feeling of failure for me. This time I am really at peace with whatever outcome presents itself. Maybe that is growth. Maybe that is maturity in understanding there are so many things in the world that you can’t control. Maybe that is the combination of local cheeses and El Caracter de un Vinedo wine that I am drinking right now…. But I like to think that everything has a place, a time, and a purpose.
“For I know the Plan I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”- Jeremiah 29:11
Love Ryan
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