To bring or not to bring...

Thinking about it this far ahead, I am concerned about having to carry everything I need/want for the duration of the walk. Hence, I plan to pack very, very lightly and to make do with wearing the same clothes every day, have a toothbrush and a water bottle. Hard candy too.  No phone, I am not going to bring my phone! Will rely on others for photos.

Ok, I will bring a pen or maybe two, some paper and pencil for keeping a written account of the trek.  I am hoping there will be free maps available along the way, if not, I will need a map too :)

CanLit Born to Walk by Dan Rubenstein

Check out this link http://www.cbc.ca/books/mobile/touch/2015/04/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-walking-from-born-to-walk-by-dan-rubenstein.html

100k into Spring Challenge

At the beginning of April, I signed up on Facebook to join a random group of people from all over the world who had committed to running, walking, cycling , hopping, or swimming a distance of 100k by the beginning of May. It has been a good motivator for me. It has forced me to walk further than I normally do at any one time. The group members regularly post how far they have gone. It feels really good to see the acclimated kms. I am up to 78k. I am trying to be totally honest as the only person I would be cheating is myself. It is tempting to want to round up the numbers or to not walk quite so far, especially on a dreary day.. I am heading out soon to go around the bay and back. It's a grey day and we had snow last night, I much prefer walking in the sunshine. I keep reminding myself how good I will feel when I get back and can honestly say - I did it! Here goes....:)

Yup, it's really snowing!

And it is still coming down!

In happier news, the yoga class last night was great! Always looking for the rainbow. 

Wish I was in Romford

Someone seems to have forgotten to tell dear Mother Nature that we are actually in Spring! 

You may not be able to tell in this photo, but it is actually snowing in Barrie this afternoon. 

Despite the weather, I am inspired by Catherine's first steps to get active anyway! 

Living in Canada, finding ways to stay active year round can sometimes pose a problem. Especially if you really don't enjoy getting cold. An activity that I love and that helps with my physical and mental health is yoga! The bonus with yoga is that it can be done in a very climate controlled environment. Turn up the heat for a hot class, or take it outside when the weather cooperates! I am lucky to practice at a beautiful studio on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay @AnnGreenYoga

So, although we may have a few more weeks of variable weather, I will get out and be active with my yoga practice as much as possible!

Or maybe I'll head to sunny Romford for a visit😜

-Louise 

Training Underway in Romford!

Today I started my journey to the Camino. I put my runners on, and spurred on by a very supportive flat mate started training. By training I just mean going for a walk, but I had to start somewhere! I am going to try and do one short walk (an hour) and one longer walk (2+ hour) a week and build up my distance and speed. I'm going to explore a few local rural trails so I've got a bit of all terrain training but today I just started locally.

 I am taking advantage of the beautiful British Spring weather (Because it's like gold dust) to explore one of my favourite places, my home, Romford! Romford is the largest town in Havering, Greater London's largest borough located East of London. It is not always known for being picturesque it was on particularly good form tonight and looking excellent in the late afternoon sunshine. Take a look at some shots of my lovely home town from my first training walk!

 Incidentally, I did 4km in an hour, so not a bad pace! 

- Catherine   

Our Camino. My Journey

Several important and inspiring people in my life have walked the Camino. I have long harboured a secret desire to do so. I always said I wanted too, but when it came down to it I never set about doing it.

I am scared. I am not as fit as I should be, or as fit as my two walking companions. I will have to put in many hours and a lot of work to get myself ready to even attempt the walk. This commitment is scary enough in and of itself. I am scared too, about the walk itself. Will I be able to endure it? Will I be out of breath when Mum and Weez are still able to go further? Will I blister sooner and harder and will I slow us down?

I know these fears will be in my noisy head throughout my prep and will certainly be hitching a ride when I come to do the walk. The impetus however to carry on with Walking the Way is a much larger fear - The fear of not doing it. The fear of missing out on a trip of a lifetime, of strengthening relationships with my mum and sister, developing my spiritual and mental health and the overwhelming health fear of not getting control of my fitness and well being.

Knowing I'd be walking on a piece of history, religious and otherwise, is also and encourager. Itching to be back in Europe and wanting to step outside my vacation comfort zone, another. Knowing I will share such a journey with two of the most special people in my life is another massive motivator. But, knowing in celebration of my 30th year that I would be taking control of my life - mind, body & spirit, will be the main inspiration I carry with me this year.

Follow Catherine's board Walk Across the Pond on Pinterest.

Walk on...

For me, walking the Camino presents a challenge and a goal. It is something I have wanted to do ever since watching the film "The Way". I love to walk and there are many paths to take all around the world. This one appeals to me because of the location - I love Spain  and also, I am inspired by the historical nature of the trek.
I believe that life is all about experiences, creating them, living fully in every moment. It is purposeful.
This is an introduction an overview of my thoughts at this point.
During the course of the the next year, I am sure I will have more to say.

Starting my journey

I am lucky to have these 2 wonderful women as role models in my life. My mother Rosamund Owen just turned a radiant 60 years young! Her passion for learning, exploring and living life to the fullest pushes me to strive for greatness. My sister Catherine Owen is a truly extraordinary, creative and caring individual. She is brave and takes risks and inspires me every day!

A few weeks ago Catherine asked me if I wanted to do a pilgrimage with her and our mother. My initial response was "Not a chance! 100 miles, are you crazy?" But, after careful reflection I think this might be an amazing idea! We are thinking of walking the last 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago in celebration of Catherine's 30th birthday next summer.

Stay tuned as we document our mental, physical and spiritual preparations.