Miles walked today: 3.2
Total training miles to date: 23.1
Days left til I leave: 60
Because of their policy, tomorrow’s the last day I can return the new backpack for cash if it doesn’t work. So, I spent today actually packing. Everything. Medicines, toothbrush, shampoo and all clothing just to see what it would feel like and determine whether it would all fit.
Here’s the entire packing list, spread out on the bed in small piles.
Miles walked today: 2.85
Total training miles to date: 19.9
Days left til I leave: 62
After getting my ashen smudge today for Ash Wednesday, John stopped me outside of church and asked me enthusiastically, “Did you get a workout in today?!” I felt so jazzed saying YES! I feel so grateful to the many people who know how big a thing this is for me and are so encouraging. If you’ve done this lately (or just listened to me talk about how excited/nervous I am), thank you. It means a lot to me… and I will take this gift with me on my trip.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’ve tried not to “need” people most of my life. I’ve often felt guilty for taking up air time. Or taking up space or things that could be someone else’s. I try to stay small and be the first to provide to others — yet when someone tries to give the same kindness back, I feel uncomfortable. As Inspired Spouse and I say, “it doesn’t go in.” I don’t trust it and a kind gesture just bounces off me without nourishing the part of me that wants connection.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this.
Miles walked today: 2.75
Total training miles to date: 17.05
Days left til I leave: 64
I’ve been making some great strides!
Miles walked today: 0
Total training miles to date: 11.9
Days left til I leave: 68
I don’t know where I first heard this phrase, but it has been repeating over and over in my head the last few days: Take nothing for the journey.
It comes from the Gospels: “[Jesus] said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” (Luke 9:1-3 NAB) He says this as he is commissioning the twelve disciples to spread the good news and heal the sick.
Even as I type this, it sounds utterly ridiculous. Bring nothing? Seriously, Jesus?
Miles walked today: 2.4
Total training miles to date: 11.9
Days left til I leave: 69
I walked 2.4 miles today! My longest distance yet — and with each workout session, I’m walking just a leeetle bit further!
YES!!!
And, while I walked, I read this:
“[After the Camino,] France and Spain will never again be far away because they are inside of me. Not something in my hands – but something inside my hands, inside of me, that was not there before. It was a hard, hard trip and an unforgettable time. It was the best trip of my life; a golden memory that I will keep in the top drawer always, ready to pull out and remember.
Miles walked today: 2.2
Total training miles to date: 9.5
Days left til I leave: 71
Here’s me with 20# of birdseed on my back. Sooo comfy!
Miles walked today: 3.75
Total training miles to date: 7.3
Days left til I leave: 73
It was a banner day today!
For one: I got my shoes!
Miles walked today: 1.75
Total training miles to date: 3.55
Days left til I leave: 74
For the first time in my life, I’m going to the gym without intending to lose weight. Could I afford to lose it? Yes. I’m 34% fat, according to the tests from Monday’s training session. I could afford to lose about 40 pounds, really.
But I don’t give a whit.
When the trainer asked me what my goals were, I told her I want to have endurance and balance and feel confident walking long distances. I want to be able to hoist on my pack easily. Most of all, I told her that I wanted to feel strong. Just saying that brings tears to my eyes.
Miles walked today: 1.4
Total training miles to date: 1.8
After the not-awful training session at the gym two days ago, I hopped in the car and drove 7 miles to the gym to walk this morning. I smirked when it occurred to me that the round-trip drive might be an average day’s walk when I’m on the Camino. Only instead of fossil fuels, I’ll be burning off my meal. Anyway, I’m looking forward to getting up to more than a mile and a half to justify the drive to the gym. In the long run, I hope to be walking outdoors more.
A friend lent me a book called Finding the Camino which is a story of a mom and daughter from Newberg, Oregon who biked the route starting from Paris. Jeanne Williamson and her daughter, Lorraine, landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport, assembled their bikes, and started rolling.
I believe in meaningful coincidences. Happy accidents. I believe that sometimes, in moments of doubt, the Divine acts through the people around you to let you know you’re okay where you are and that it’s safe to move ahead.
I told you about the hilarious Camino conversation with my dad.
Jen's Journey - Camino de Santiago 2013, 2016, & 2019 