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Camino de Santiago Virtual Challenge – Over Halfway There

September 28, 2020 By nextphaseinfitness 16 Comments

 

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.

Fachada de la Catedral de Burgos.jpg

Image: Wikipedia

This post is linked to Denyse’s Life This Week

 

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Filed Under: Challenge Tagged With: Camino de Santiago, challenge, Fitness, Health, Virtual Challenge

Comments

  1. Sue from Women Living Well After 50 says

    September 28, 2020 at 9:09 am

    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

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 28, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      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

      Reply
  2. Joanne Tracey says

    September 28, 2020 at 10:12 am

    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…

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 28, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      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

      Reply
  3. Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au says

    September 28, 2020 at 10:43 am

    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.

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 28, 2020 at 9:04 pm

      Thanks Leanne. I’m having fun with it

      Reply
  4. Natalie says

    September 29, 2020 at 2:16 am

    Jennifer, This virtual camino looks like a fun challenge and I love the postcards. Keep up your good work and have fun! #lifethisweek

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 29, 2020 at 9:25 pm

      Thanks Natalie. Hope you’re having a great week

      Reply
  5. Debbie Harris says

    September 29, 2020 at 7:33 am

    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

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 29, 2020 at 9:25 pm

      I agree Deb. The postcards are really great. Loving this virtual challenge

      Reply
  6. Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says

    September 30, 2020 at 9:40 am

    What a fun challenge and I love the postcards! How wonderful that you can relive the experience – so many happy memories!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 30, 2020 at 9:30 pm

      Lots of great memories Sammie. Thanks for popping in

      Reply
  7. Denyse Whelan says

    September 30, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    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

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      September 30, 2020 at 9:29 pm

      All is ok now Denyse, since I had the surgery. Thanks for popping in

      Reply
  8. Christie Hawkes says

    October 2, 2020 at 10:33 am

    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!

    Reply
    • nextphaseinfitness says

      October 3, 2020 at 10:32 am

      Thanks Christie. Thanks also for popping in again

      Reply

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