Journey

 As I prepare for my Camino, the most obvious thing is the physical preparation. I will be walking about 9-12 miles a day… give or take a few miles. I have gone through periods of running these distances, but walking is using different muscles and motion so it really doesn’t count. 

I have been walking a mile or two regularly for a couple of years since my dog needed to lose weight. But, there is a big difference between a mile and 10 miles. So, my goal focused personality put a training plan together. In May, my goal is 5 miles a few days a week, more days a week later in the month. June, 6 miles, July, 7 miles, etc. 

Finding the time in my busy schedule isn’t always easy. But, I’m realizing it’s not just about walking 5 miles… or any distance. It’s a different mindset. It’s not about getting the goal achieved. It’s about the journey. Today, I enjoyed a hike with a friend through a beautiful park. Then I got home and decided to go to the store. While walking, another friend texted that she was up for a walk. So I skipped the store and headed to her house. We ended up going for ice cream and meeting a few friends there. I met a friend’s baby for the first time since they happened to be there. And we all visited for awhile before walking my friend back home and then heading home myself. I met someone walking his dog and we chatted. I told him that I’m preparing for my walk and he shared that he had done some half marathons years ago. 

What an awesome day! 6.5 miles, yes. But, what’s more important is the time spent with friends, enjoying ice cream, listening to my audiobook, and thinking about my adventure ahead. I need to remember as I prepare, to enjoy the journey of preparation. Savor this time and learn from it, as well as the Camino this fall. I think having a mindset of walking around town when I can, enjoying the journey, and not just focusing on the miles will help me get ready but will also help me transition back to life when I come home. There is no doubt that the walk will be a special time. But, I want to be able to come back and adjust to life after the Camino. 

I can’t talk about preparing physically without talking about the ways I have felt blessed in the last few months. At the end of February, I fractured my back. I was scared. Not only was I scared about missing out on my chance to walk the Camino, but I was scared I would be affected in a lot more ways. I am grateful that my pain has been minimal and, although I may need to wear a brace at times, I am able to do most things normally. What a relief and a blessing! So, as I think about the physical aspects of the Camino, I am grateful. I think the injury has heightened my sense of awareness for what my body needs, how I need to do things, and what is important to me. It definitely has helped remind me to be patient and to trust that if I do things the right way, my body will be able in time. 

So, preparing myself physically is teaching me to enjoy the journey, something that isn’t always easy for me, be grateful for what I’m able to do, and be patient with myself. 

So, where is God today? He is guiding me through this process, reminding me, too, to enjoy my journey with Him, to learn from Him, and to be grateful.

Blessings,

Jennifer