Countdown: 22 Tage vorher

Conclusion of the Skagen trip

Today, I’ve finally returned home from a weekend in Skagen with the girls from the High School in the Caribbean, which we all attended back in the summer of 2016. Kathrine, who is also in the picture, will join me for the first third of the Camino, and we are meeting at our layover in Amsterdam on June 22. Today is June 1, and it has dawned on me that there are only 22 days until I fly off to Biarritz. Therefore, I am now entering the final stretch of my preparations.

Why the Camino?

I have been considering walking the Camino for almost a year now. I had just returned to work from my summer vacation. Suddenly, I saw a video about some people who had walked the Camino, and within the first few minutes, I felt it was somehow meant for me to see that video at this very moment. It could also have been the algorithm's sense that I had just turned 29 in September, and perhaps an identity crisis would soon arise. I decided to take as little vacation as possible throughout the year and bought the tickets in winter. Once that was done, there was no turning back. A couple of weeks before I bought the tickets, I was at a Christmas lunch with some friends, where Kathrine expressed interest. I wasn't sure if she meant it, but when we chatted shortly after, we agreed to go together. I have been trying to gain insight into why I want to walk the Camino and have arrived at the following reasons. Probably, I may become clearer on why while or after I walk.

• Now that I'm about to turn 30, I want the time and opportunity to consider what I truly want in my life. Do I want the traditional life with a villa, a Volvo, and a dog, or do I want something entirely different? I believe very few people take the pause to reconsider if there are other paths to take in life.
• I came across the Japanese term Misogi shortly after I decided to walk the Camino. As I understand it, this term refers to doing things that are uncomfortable, challenging, and tough physically, mentally, and spiritually to create balance in one's ability to handle resistance and better understand oneself. I have been fascinated by this for several years, but this word has conceptualized something I have been pondering at the end of my 20s.
• About 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with sclerosis. I want to prove to myself that I can still achieve what I set my mind to and experience the significant physical adventures I wish to have before it may no longer be possible for me. Therefore, it has to be now.

Physical preparation

It felt as if the Camino provided me with a focus or motivation that I don't remember having before. Suddenly, I could push myself more physically at the gym by thinking that I needed to be the best version of myself to get through the Camino as well as possible. I unexpectedly started running longer distances and reached 5 and then 8 km at times. However, it typically only amounted to once a week since I found it challenging to be motivated to go several times a week after work. When I bought an apartment in a smaller town, it was a good opportunity to explore new everyday routines. In the last couple of months, my training has consisted of:

• Running club 3 times a week with interval training aimed at running 5 km, which we have just achieved.
• Reformer Pilates once a week. I find it to be a great supplement for some extra strength and balance training. And it's just fun.
• I typically walk about 7000 steps daily to and from work. Generally, I like to walk most places I need to go. I've also engaged in some training forms with a backpack. I wish to intensify this now.

Now I have outlined a bit of an introduction. I think the next few posts will include my preparation regarding pre-booking, equipment, and training trips.
I hope you feel inclined to continue reading.
Kind regards, Astrid