I had a very nice day. I arrived in Santillana and I had only experienced mild discomfort for the day. The hike was a mix of scenic and not so scenic, but my body felt good.
I do think I might have figured out one of the main sources of pain. As I have always been told, I tightened my hip belt snugly and adjusted my pack to carry most of the weight on my hips. This is supposed to be the right way, mostly because it saves your upper back and shoulders.
Um, this is not the right way for me! I realized today (after spending yesterday evening talking to a German physical therapist) that the searing, burning pain I feel every day in my legs is not from walking. It is sciatic nerve pain caused by the pressure of my pack on my low back. Each day I was cinching up my waist belt and putting my hips in a vice. After an hour or so of walking, the pain each day was intense and unrelenting.
Today, it dawned on me about an hour in. The pain fired up in my back and I paid close attention this time very early to the kind of pain. It was not muscle pain at all! It was definitely nerve pain. So, before it had a chance to get any worse I completely unhooked the belt on my pack.
I spent the hike trying to hold and carry the pack in a way that totally took it off my low back. Whenever I let the pack rest….the pain was almost instant. I found the reason for the incredible pain I’ve been experiencing, and so the solution as well!
I arrived to Santillana relatively early, checked into the convent, had a quick shower and change of clothes, and then headed out to have lunch and explore the town. It was wonderful to have energy and to be free of lingering pain in the afternoon.
I gotta say, it was a damn good day.
I have spent the past hour hanging out with other pilgrims, having a good local beer, and sharing stories. Now, I am heading to a special pilgrim blessing given by the nuns before having a communal dinner with the other pilgrims.
Happy.