Preparation and training

i My experience from my cancer journey has shown me the importance in planning and preparing for what lies ahead physically, emotionally and spiritually.

When preparing for a Pilgrimage first and foremost, research so you have a full understanding of all the options. Find out what is required

I researched and read as much as I could about the Camino Way and Santiago de Compostella. I attended a workshop run by the CAE and facilitated by a woman who had completed the Pilgrimage twice. I met with her and I researched and read as much as I could about the Camino Way and Santiago de Compostella. I attended a workshop run by the CAE and facilitated by a woman who had completed the Pilgrimage twice. I met with her and many others to try and find out as much as I could through their first hand experiences. I was advised by all that the Camino was a unique and personal journey and affected the ‘whole’, the mind, body and spirit, just as a cancer journey does. To help me achieve my end goal I drew on all their experiences when developing my preparation and training strategies. I also put contingencies in place as my cancer experience has shown me that life changes at any given time.

Not only did I research the Camino but I read and learnt as much a I could about Spain – its history, architecture, religion, people and culture. I went to Spanish classes. It was important to me to be able to communicate with the locals. I spoke with people involved in bushwalking, walking groups and equipment suppliers to find out what type of gear and equipment I might need as well as how to maintain and pack it.

I trialled boots, socks and walking gear until I found those which suited me best. Fortunately for me I discovered x bionic, I have found the undergear and socks to be wonderful. Since my transplant I have had to continually deal with fatigue and temperature control. This clothing has helped me with both, massaging and supporting muscles and wicking away perspiration and moisture and keeping my temperature to around 37 degrees.

I also discovered a store specialising in super light clothing and equipment, which is very important because you need your pack, its contents and your outer gear to be as light as possible. I purposely settled for a small 45 kilo pack, so that I would not be tempted to take more than I could carry. It is recommended that you shouldn’t carry any more than 10% of your body weight. The ideal weight is around eight kilo. This doesn’t sound much but I can assure you that after carrying a fully laden pack for several days it feels like more. I have walked with my pack on and used walking poles for the past six months. My poles have been one of the best investments I have made. They have helped me through many sticky and difficult situations. On advice from my medical professionals I decided not to get a water bladder but to get wide neck bottles which I could clean out easily and regularly as I need to be particularly careful of anything that might harbour bacteria.

Even though my backpack is waterproof I put my clothes in a plastic bag to keep them dry in case of rain. Same with my sleeping bag, pillow and sheet.

I had a complete medical to just make sure there were not any hidden problems which might arise whilst in a foreign country and yes there were some minor ones but because I had taken this precaution early enough I have been able to either overcome them or put strategies in place to deal with them if they create a problem whilst walking. I have prepared a personal medical record which I have had translated into Spanish. I also have contact numbers in Spain and in Australia in case of a medical emergency.

My walking companions and I arranged with our local ambulance officer to complete a first aid course. This course was also designed to cover ‘identifying symptoms and what to do’ in case of a medical emergency for pre existing conditions, ie high blood pressure, diabetes etc. It also covered how to identify and deal with heat exhaustion and dehydration

I also had my feet checked out by a podiatrist and learnt that I had a problem with my feet which I was quite oblivious to. This problem would probably have caused me to withdraw from the walk shortly after starting. However, now with the support of orthotics this is now under control. I have also learnt how to care for and look after my feet (these precious things which will carry me for so many kilometres). I wash them each evening in 70% alcohol and then rub them with a good moisturiser; to date with all the walking I have done as part of my training regime I have not experienced a blister.

As a result of my transplant (stem cell) and chemotherapy treatment my body and brain still suffer from fatigue, so I started doing strength bearing exercises and yoga. I have learnt so much about my body by doing these and have now become very attuned to its needs and wants. The strength bearing exercises I have been doing under the direction of my fitness instructor has not only helped build up my strength but is also invaluable in helping combat depression. Yoga has helped me to become more flexible. The breathing I have learnt has helped me when climbing steep ascents as well as meditating whilst walking and relaxing at the end of a hard day.

Walking is a symbol of my recovery and survival.

After my transplant I could barely walk 20 metres to the letterbox now three years later I can and have walked up to forty kilometres in a day.

When I first started walking I had terrible problems with shin splints. My fitness instructor told me that I was overstepping my gait to keep up with my walking partner. He advised me to walk at my own pace and to develop my rhythm. I also experienced a lot of pain on the side of my knee when walking down steep inclines, this is because I have short legs and when stepping down I over extend. I have now learnt how to apply pressure to the appropriate points to loosen the muscles.

When I walk I have frequent rest stops a ten minute break at least every hour. I nibble little and often. I make sure I drink sufficient so that I don’t become dehydrated. It is important to drink before you feel thirsty this helps prevent you from becoming dehydrated. I also carry a small bottle with electrolytes as I tend to perspire a lot when doing physically activity. My diet whilst walking is balanced and includes plenty of carbohydrates, protein and bananas for potassium. My herbalist has also suggested that I eat a boiled egg, have some celery and try and have plenty of vegetable soup to get my daily supply of minerals and vitamins. I also carry jelly beans and dark chocolate for energy. I rest at lunch time and if possible take off my boots, socks and backpack and if at all possible lie down.

When I started walking with my friend Mavis nearly twelve months ago I was averaging about five kilometres per day and most times finding this a bit of a struggle. Gradually over time with consistent walking, yoga and strength bearing exercise we became stronger and were able to increase our kilometres. Our research had shown that when we were walking the Camino we would need to be able average about twenty five kilometres per day.

When starting your training regime make sure you take it slow and steady and slowly build up. If you can, get yourself a training coordinator, someone who is experienced in walking – we did, her knowledge and skills have been invaluable. next>>