THE WAY

This year I am planning on embarking on a “bucket list” item I have been intending to do for a number of years – the Camino De Santiago.  I briefly read about it many years before I saw the film, The Way with Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen.  After that, I knew I had to do it. And it will be this year.  

The Camino De Santiago is known in English as The Way of St. James among other names.  It is a network of walking trails/roads serving pilgrimage to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the saint are buried (see map).  Today, many people follow these routes as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth.  It is also popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized groups.  

The Way, or the route to Santiago De Compostela, was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1987.  It was also named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.  Since the 1980’s the route has attracted a growing number of modern-day international pilgrims. 

The French Way (Camino Frances) is the most popular of the routes.  It runs from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles on the Spanish side before making its way through to Santiago de Compostela through the major cities of Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos and Leon. This route takes approximately 4 weeks to walk and is approximately 750 km. Since I am not yet able to take 4 weeks off work, I will be walking the last 100+ Km starting in Sarria- it is the point where one quarter of all pilgrims start and a route that combines different paths that will allow me to get to see the great variety of possibilities that the Camino de Santiago has to offer.  

Needless to say, ever since my decision to walk the Camino this year, I’ve had a plethora of learning experiences preparing for it.  They tell me that MY Camino starts on the day I start preparing for it. I hope to share those with all of you as I go.

WHY WALKING??

Shortly after my 50^th birthday, I noticed my body was “ballooning out” at a very rapid rate.  I knew that I had reached the age where my body had changed and no longer responded to “diets” (low carb, low calorie, etc) that I resorted to in my young(er) years.  It became clear that I needed to make a significant change that was healthy and brought long lasting results.  It was around that time that I met a 65 year old couple that had registered and was training to run a half marathon or 13.1 mile race- (yes 65).  

Having briefly seen glimpses in the news of the New York and Boston marathons throughout the years. My impression of a marathon runner was of an ultra fit YOUNG person who clearly had been running since age 4 without stopping.  Certainly, my 65 year old friends did not fit this description.  As a matter of fact, this would be their first half marathon!  I was intrigued and captivated by these news and immediately decided that this was exactly the type of challenge that I needed to get me in shape and do something I would be proud of.   

And so my running days started.  It’s important to understand that I was never an “athletic” person .  In fact, I couldn’t stand sweating.  I trained for the next 5 months by walking then running then walking again when I would run out of breath.  Each time I was able to increase the distance and the amount of time running.  I shed about 35 pounds, my skin never looked so good, my clothes never fit better and I never felt better in my entire life.  I ran my first half marathon in 3.5 hours – actually with a combination of running and walking but my time qualified me for a medal.  That was worth all the sweat (literally). I went on to run 2 more in the following years for a total of 3 half marathons (2011,2012 & 2013).  In the years that followed I got completely absorbed in my husband’s battle with cancer and could no longer find the energy or time to follow a marathon training schedule and started just walking long distances just to clear my mind.  And I’ve continued to do so after he passed away in 2015.  

Not long ago I started reading about how walking can provide many of the same health benefits associated with running. According to many studies, regardless of whether they were walking or running, individuals saw a reduced risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and improved better cardiovascular health.  There are also less risks than running.

Running  puts more stress on the body and increases the risk for injuries like runner's knee, hamstring strains, and shin splits (which plague even the most consistent runners). 

These days, I walk a total of 15 miles per week. I do it on different days at different times as my schedule allows but I make sure I total 15 miles. My average speed is 17 minutes per mile so I don’t walk slow and I burn some calories while enjoying time outdoors.  I also listen to audiobooks and music while I walk which I thoroughly enjoy.  

My favorite thing is I can eat without worrying about my weight getting out of control – and that’s a big benefit for me.  Of course, I still love those challenges and I’m planning on doing one in about 4 months. Stay tuned!

WHAT IS A "WIDOW'S WALK"?

Definition of Widow's Walk by Merriam-Webster; A platform or walk atop a roof, as on certain coastal New England houses of the 18th and early 19th centuries: often used as a lookout for incoming ships...

I am using the term "Widow'sWalk" loosely to illustrate what this blog is about.  I am a 57 year old widow with an active lifestyle.  Aside from a 10 year career in the Real Estate business in Miami, Florida; I love travelling and long distance walking for fitness, fun, meditation and photography at interesting places.

Its difficult to ignore the health benefits of walking so I hope to share information about this as well.
And, let's face it, we all need a dose of self-help - so I'll be sharing my favorite self-help books, audiobooks and events with you! Won't you walk with me?