At this stage, for pilgrims who have been walking for days (not the ones who started in Galicia) have what I call, “the pilgrim shuffle.” When you get to the albergue for the evening, pilgrims can be seen taking off their shoes and hobbling around in flip flops or some other easy-to-wear shoe. They often hobble or shuffle around the albergue and town. This often due to foot pain (me) or blisters or a combination of both. Some of us have knee or muscle pain that makes the shuffling look even funnier.
I’m sure I look like an old woman walking around the albergue. Each day I try to rest as much as possible during the afternoon, especially after I’ve eaten a lovely meal. This gives my feet and legs a nice rest. But when you let your feet rest for a short amount of time, walking on them can be painful. It’s really annoying, actually. I end up doing the shuffle to the bathroom or to the laundry room. It’s kind of like my feet are telling me they're done for the day. No more walking, please. I’ve seen people with injuries at this late stage who are hobbling to the finish line (Santiago). People with ankle or knee injuries are relying on their trekking poles to get them to Santiago. They move slow on the trail but still keep going. What makes us do this? Most people would cry “uncle” and say they’ve had enough. But these pilgrims are weathering pain and discomfort in order to make it a few more kilometers to their goal of Santiago. Heck, I’m in pain most of the time I’m walking. I broke my right foot back in college and it never really healed. So, it reminds me each day that it hurts. And my right knee, which had some pain before Spain, is now hurting with each step. But… Even though I have pain, I can work through it. Joe has constant pain each day and I think of him with each step I take. This is how he must feel each day. But he gets up every day. He moves around. He does stuff around the house. He takes care of the kids. So, I get up each day and walk the 20-25 km to my next destination. This is for Joe. Buen Camino!
3 Comments
Phil Hefner
9/22/2016 11:24:20 am
Hi, Marcy--I only discovered your blog installments. I'm glad you're writing them. I try to enter into your experience, while I myself can walk only about 500 steps a day, with my special walker. Your experience and quest are inspirational. Phil
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Joe Gaston
9/24/2016 08:59:47 am
Phil, keep taking your 500 steps a day. I'm down to about 2 city blocks, maybe twice a day, but navigating the house is still manageable. For keeping pace with the family, I'm thankful I have he scooter. Next year, we'll be making a trip to Chicago. Marcy and I would love to visit you. Maintain your mobility!
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Joe
9/24/2016 08:54:31 am
Marcy, you're blog entries are fun. I love your descriptions of the pilgrim shuffle and Camino families, very touching. Buen Camino!
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About Marcy I wear many hats. First, I'm a wife to an amazing husband, Joe. Second, I'm a mom to 2 incredible kids, Caitlynn and Miles. Professionally speaking, I am a chef, dietitian, and writer working as an instructor in Hospitality Management at Montana State University in Bozeman. Photos: See InstagramMarcy's other Site |