The weather was kind, as was the path, but today I had the first signs that The Camino is taking its toll. I guess that's not bad given it's Day 27. My diagnosis is that I have tendonitis on the front part of my left leg, just above the ankle. It made for a relatively slow pace this afternoon but I decided to push on to Melide as I had intended as it was the first town big enough to have a Farmacia.
So, I now have Voltarin cream to add to my Voltarin tablets and a bandage which I'm hoping will provide some support as well. As usual though, I feel a whole lot better after a shower - and opted for a lovely room in a pensione which is sure to aid a speedy recovery or at the very least provide a good night's sleep. Of course I'm keen to continue as usual tomorrow - but will reassess in the morning. Now is not the time to be foolhardy!
I walked with Nina for the first few hours until Palas de Rei, where I left her. We had our coldest morning yet - you can see the frost on the ground in the photos. Again contrary to expectations, we didn't notice an influx of pilgrims this morning and this afternoon I walked on my own for hours without seeing anyone at all. So I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm hoping that my other vague fear that Santiago de Compostela will be like a pilgrims' Las Vegas will also prove to be unfounded!
It's now a few hours later and I've just returned from dinner with Erica and Jonathan, the Canadian couple I keep running into - that's the way of The Camino. It's turned into a late night for me (almost 10.30) so I'm going to cut short this update and get some rest.
In the meantime, big thank you to Cathy and Gemma respectively for arranging my massage in London (at Zen Health - es perfect) and acupuncture appointment with the wonderful Teresa when I get home. Other than the ankle thing, I'm feeling perfectly fine but nothing wrong with a little TLC. I'm sure both these treatments will work wonders. I have a feeling that once I stop these daily 'strolls' that's when I'll start to really feel it! Thanks gals.
And thanks also for emails, comments and texts to Sue, Judy, Allan - and Cathy for encouraging one step, one step message this afternoon when the final 3 kilometres seemed as though it would never end.
Thanks Pat for taking M and Z to groomer. The less than impressed reaction you described in your email is just the same treatment I get when I drop them off - hope you are all friends again now. They are very forgiving.
Hopefully I'll be fine to keep going in the morning. I imagine I will be and can make it a short day if things turn ugly. Stay tuned. J x
3 comments:
Jen - the shin splints - best recovery exercise for them is - while sitting tap your foot up and down to the ground. keep your heel down just lift the toes and instep to tap. You wont be able to do too many as it tires the foot, but it strengthens the muscle/tendon. Any also gently and lovingly massage the muscle with soft kind hands. Listen to it and respect it. Much love sue
Hi Jenny,
I'm feeling both sad and excited for you - I can't believe your nearly there!
Slowly, slowly now so you can enjoy the last few days. You might have to keep the drugs up for a while as well.
Gemma XX
Hi J
I hope you're feeling much better after a good night's rest. I'm sure you'll make the right decision about the walk (or rest) today.
Amazing! You've been walking for 4 weeks without a break! And only 55km left to Santiago de Compostela!
Wishing you well for those last 55k.
love
Julie
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