Update on Prepping for the Via Podiensis

Early this morning, I had my follow-up visit with the podiatrist. He was extremely pleased and somewhat amazed with my rapid progress. We discussed a Cortizone shot, but given the level of improvement, he wasn’t too enthusiastic about it. So that’s off the table.

Most importantly, he cleared me for my Camino.

I am convinced that my rapid recovery is due to my physical therapist and the intercession of the saints. I am (constantly) reminded of Saint Augustine’s advice: “pray as though everything depended on God, and work as though everything depended on you.”

When I was first injured, I prayed for the intercession of saints of the Camino, which in this case included Saint Michael, Sainte-Foy, Our Lady of Rocamadour, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, San Juan de Ortega, and of course Santiago himself. And of course, there were also plenty of exercises and stretches given to me by my physical therapist.

When I saw the great folks at Olympic Sports & Spine last week, my physical therapist said there had been massive improvement in my condition. She’s going to keep my chart open for a month and then formally discharge me. Anytime during the month, if I feel I need to make an appointment I can. She also gave me three additional exercises, two of which involve a giant rubber band.

She recommended that we keep the lengths of our training walks about the same, and just add another chunk of weight every week or so. The doctor concurred, suggesting incrementing the weight about five pounds every week until I’m at my full pack weight. I began walking again with my (half-filled) Camino pack this week.

So: more prayer, more work.

Other preparations continue.

My new Camino medal arrived from HammerRoad. I had been looking for something new to wear on my upcoming long Camino, and this was just perfect. I really appreciate the thought that went into the packaging, and I was surprised to see a reminder of Saint Patrick’s intervention on last year’s walk.

The last little bits of new equipment are coming in. I’ve got a new battery (recommended by Callie) and a new flashlight (recommended by my friend Adam).

Also, given the need to carry food on several no- or low-service days, particularly in France, I’ve elected to get a Dyneema food bag. These are usually used in through-hikes to keep out critters, but for me it’s mostly just so I don’t get baguette crumbs all over the inside of my pack!

Meanwhile, I’m refining some of my other gear. In particular, I’ve carried a different toiletry bag on each Camino so far, not really having been pleased with any of them. This Camino is no different, as I’ve purchased a new one from Osprey, the makers of my favourite Camino backpacks. This is identical to the one Callie used on our Camino Primitivo last year. I tested it out a bit this past weekend, and I already like it better than any of the others.

Less than forty days to go!

This post originally appeared on our Camino blog, Pilgrims on the Way.