I don’t think there is a soul in the world that has not been affected by COVID, including myself. I couldn’t get tested due to the fact it was early on and I wasn’t a first responder or public-facing, but I am more than convinced that it was COVID.
I was quite sick for 4 weeks, with so little energy, I couldn’t do much but rest. It took 6 weeks for my muscles to completely feel normal. Being at home all this time didn’t help that food was abundant and close by. In summary, I took one some weight and didn’t exercise.
I felt what was happening, but made the conscious decision to ignore it. In mid July, a team member showed us her medal her and members of her family had earned when they completed a mission. I explained that I was registered for a few “missions” (Grand Canyon,Camino de Santiago) and that it was a fun virtual way to help with exercise.
We now have many in our teams walking, running, jogging, canoeing, kayaking. Our cumulative mileage advances us toward the Cathedral In Santiago de Compostela Spain. Our trek is 780 km.
This was the perfect time to head out and start walking. However, it took some time to get to the physical breakthrough stage. This happened to me on 5 of my Caminos. Despite training for every Camino, it’s never the same as the actual roads.
The first weeks were so tough on my body. Every night, everything hurt: my legs, arms, back, feet, calves, hands and yes, even eyelashes. However, almost overnight, at some point between day 10 and day 14, it happens! The physical breakthrough. Your body now can handle so much more, without resulting in pain and soreness everywhere. The pack is lighter, the feet don’t need as much rubbing, the legs have energy and everything is physically easier.
Yesterday was my physical breakthrough day. I’ve been averaging between 4-5 km 3-4 times per week for the past 3 weeks. A few times I was between 6-8km, but the recovery took a few days.
Yesterday I walked 10km, and only at km 8 I started feeling my back muscles and my knees, however, the walk was wonderful! It was a beautiful evening and I started as the sun was going down. It was cool with a soft wind and a very clear sky.
I felt like my feet had wings! OK I admit I HAD wings on my hiking boots on one of my Caminos. I happily crossed through my physical breakthrough. From now on, it will be tiny gains in speed and distance, but the main benefits will be to my health. I do want to thank my team members for being part of this fun “mission”.
If you see my walking around Barrhaven, white speakers on my ears, black shorts and a decent stride, please wave!!
Leave a Reply