Walking the Camino – Di Burton’s Personal Journey

For Di Burton, Administration Assistant in the Health & Physical Education Team, the Camino de Santiago had always been a dream, a journey she knew she wanted to take one day. Inspired by a friend who had completed the pilgrimage a few years earlier, Di felt drawn to the experience. So, when another friend asked if she would be interested in walking the Camino together, Di didn’t hesitate to say yes. What began as a casual conversation soon turned into a group adventure, with four more friends joining them on this life-changing journey.

Preparing for the Camino

As an avid walker, Di was no stranger to long walks – she regularly walked 7-10 km a day. In preparation, knowing the Camino would be more demanding, she increased her training to include two 18 km walks per week. However, in hindsight, Di realised that bush hikes would have been a better choice to prepare for the rugged terrain she would face. Even though her group took the coastal route, much of the Camino led inland, where the paths were more challenging than anticipated.

Overcoming Challenges: Finding Strength in Community

The Camino tested Di’s physical and mental endurance, with Day 3 and Day 9 standing out as the most difficult. These days featured steep climbs and what felt like endless hills, pushing her to her limits. But the strength of the Camino community made a huge difference. With her friends and fellow pilgrims by her side, Di found the encouragement she needed to keep going. Conquering those tough days gave her the confidence to know that she could handle anything the journey threw at her.

Everyday Surprises: Embracing the Journey

The Camino wasn’t just about walking from one town to the next for Di – it was about embracing the journey itself. Each day brought something new, whether it was breathtaking scenery or the kindness of strangers. Di and her friends started each morning with smiles on their faces and espressos in hand, excited for what the day would bring. Their positivity and support for one another helped make even the hardest moments enjoyable.

End-of-Day Rituals: Recovering and Recharging

After a long day of walking, Di and her friends had a recovery routine they followed religiously. They would head back to their rooms, sip on hydrolyte, and rest their legs by putting their feet up on the wall for 30 minutes. If they were lucky enough to have access to a pool, a cold swim became part of their recovery. Once they had recovered, they’d head out to explore the town and enjoy dinner together, celebrating their achievements from the day.

The Challenges: Blisters and Foot Care

One of the most surprising challenges Di faced on the Camino was managing blisters. Despite walking in her shoes regularly and wearing toe socks, the constant walking took its toll on her feet. She quickly realised that blister care was a vital part of the journey, and every morning, she and her friends would spend 30 minutes taping up their feet before heading out for the day. Though it was time-consuming, it was necessary to keep moving forward. “I didn’t take enough blister packs or tape with me, so I am sure I now have shares in Compeed (blister plasters).”

The Emotional Finale: Arriving in Santiago de Compostela

For Di, the most memorable moment of the entire Camino was arriving in Santiago de Compostela. The emotions she felt upon reaching the end of such a long and challenging journey were overwhelming. “Arriving in Santiago de Compostela was a very emotional moment and one I think I will remember it for a very long time.  It is a place that you can just take in all your achievement and enjoy it with your friends or other pilgrims you have met along your journey. It is a very surreal moment for everyone.” She said.

A Changed Perspective: Confidence and Belief

Completing the Camino de Santiago had a profound impact on Di’s outlook on life. The experience gave her a renewed sense of confidence and belief in herself. Throughout the journey, she learned that she could achieve anything she set her mind to – no obstacle was too great. The mantra she carried with her along the Camino – “Never give up, you are enough, and believe in yourself” – stayed with her, shaping her perspective on both life and work.

Advice for Future Pilgrims: Just Do It

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering the Camino, Di’s response is simple: “Just do it.” She knows that everyone’s Camino will be different, and that is what makes the experience so special. Whether it is the people you meet, the places you see, or the moments of personal growth along the way, the Camino offers something life-changing for everyone who walks it.

Di’s Camino journey started in Matosinhos, Portugal, just outside of Porto, and ended in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Though the official distance was 280 km, with a few detours and the extra walking to their accommodations, the total distance they covered was over 300 km. The entire journey took 14 days, including one “rest day” in Baiona, Spain, where they still ended up walking 15 km exploring the town – proof that rest days on the Camino aren’t always restful!

Congratulations on your amazing achievement Di.

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