Recently I posted about the Camino de Santiago Virtual Challenge 2020 that I had begun. I love a fitness challenge and this one called very loudly to me, as I was imagining that I would have the opportunity to re-live my real life pilgrimage walk of the Camino de Santiago. So far the virtual challenge has been exactly as I imagined it. Each night, as I log in my steps, my mind automatically goes back to Spain in 2014, and the wonderful experiences that I had while walking alone, day after day for almost six weeks.
The fun part of this virtual challenge has been checking where I am each day on the map, and finding photos I took at the same stage. In the covid times we are living, I find that it’s the small things that bring me big pleasure, and it’s great to relive a such a wonderful overseas and fitness experience, in these times, when we are not able to travel.
But it’s not just about fun and re-living memories. This challenge has helped to keep me on track. There is no way I would miss a day of walking, knowing that I need to record my steps at the end of the day. My fitness plans have been back on track, since taking a long look at myself at the beginning of August, so I’m feeling much healthier and fitter than I felt eight weeks ago. I haven’t yet shifted any of the covid kilos but that’s the next plan to work on.
As of last night, I have completed 42 days and 453.1 kilometers. Sitting at the half way point, I have 42 days left to complete the the challenge. I’m currently 66k ahead of the pacer.
A couple of days ago, I virtually passed through Burgos, which is a city that I loved when I was there, so looking at photos and reliving memories has been great. Looking back at the blog post that I wrote from Burgos, two things really jumped out at me, that I’d never previously noticed. There were no words written, on this post and I had posted six photos. Six photos of food!
I hadn’t realised, until now, how important food was to me while walking the Camino. At the time, I had a serious stomach problem that required surgery which I wasn’t able to have before leaving. For the entire time I was in Spain, walking for hours every day, I could eat very little. My stomach couldn’t take it and I was constantly hungry.
I had thought this post from back then would have photos of the incredible cathedral at Burgos. But no, all that was there was food! Not food that I ate, but food I was seeing around the city.
I’ve taken the photo below of the cathedral from Wikipedia, as it shows it’s beauty much better than any of mine. As I said, I was too busy taking photos of food.
The postcards below have been sent to me, as I virtually pass through certain cities. They come with a description of the city and the surrounding area, including a little about the history. I look forward to receiving them as they bring back so many memories. Also, I think they are very cute.
Image: Wikipedia
This post is linked to Denyse’s Life This Week
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I love these virtual walking challenges, Jen although I haven’t tried one myself. I would love to do the Camino but not sure my husband is that keen. I can do it virtually though as you have shown me. Have a great week and keep up the good work. #lifethisweek
It’s a bit of fun Sue. Anything that makes us smile during these times gets a tick from me. Have a good week x
You’re owning this challenge! My steps have fallen off a cliff over the last 2 weeks and I can feel my fitness disappearing by the day. Interesting re the comments about photos of food when you weren’t able to eat much…
I know from experience it doesn’t take long for fitness levels to drop off. But you need to take care of your injury. You’ll catch it up again
Hi Jen – I love that it’s bringing back all those memories and that you get to relive such a special time (without the hunger pangs!) Loved all the little postcards too and that you’re doing so well at keeping up the virtual pace.
Thanks Leanne. I’m having fun with it
Jennifer, This virtual camino looks like a fun challenge and I love the postcards. Keep up your good work and have fun! #lifethisweek
Thanks Natalie. Hope you’re having a great week
OH Jen, I love these postcards, they are fabulous!! You are doing really well and I can imagine the joy you are getting by re-walking it, even if it’s virtually. I can’t imagine doing it with stomach issues and not being able to eat, that must have been awful for you. #lifethisweek
I agree Deb. The postcards are really great. Loving this virtual challenge
What a fun challenge and I love the postcards! How wonderful that you can relive the experience – so many happy memories!
Lots of great memories Sammie. Thanks for popping in
So pleased you could challenge yourself in this way and you are enjoying it too.
Gosh, I do not know how you did all you did without being able to eat much. I hope all is well now.
I sure do get ‘I can’t eat this or that’ anymore but that is to do with what my mouth can process more than my gut. I still need to be aware of IBS but going better these days.
Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week the optional prompt is 40/51 Share Your Snaps #8 5.10.2020 Hope to see you there too. Denyse
All is ok now Denyse, since I had the surgery. Thanks for popping in
This is great Jen! Congratulations on your progress. It’s so wonderful that you are able to relive happy memories and encourage your current fitness. I love the postcards. Keep on walking!
Thanks Christie. Thanks also for popping in again