Camino Day 9: Choosing my own pace
Updates from walking the Camino de Santiago
“You’re from Massachusetts?! Do you know the Massachusetts song?” a man asked as I was walking into the next town. He handed me his business card, urging me to visit his shop. I didn’t think much of it at the time.
Later, at the store the albergue volunteer recommended, there he was behind the counter. He recognized me right away, unplugged his phone from the speaker, and pulled up YouTube to play a music video called Massachusetts by Ylvis. I’d never heard of it before. Honestly, I’m not sure how he had. I expected Sweet Caroline, but instead it was this very detailed song about the state, with several eyebrow-raising moments by the end.
He ran the whole place himself: a grocery, convenience store, and small restaurant in one. He even offered to make me a salad (which I was so grateful for since I really love salad). It was the sort of kindness that turns a stop along the Camino into something memorable. A moment full of unexpected connection and warmth.
In case you missed it: I’ll be sharing updates from the Camino de Santiago, covering everything from the joyful to the painful, the random to the meaningful. As someone who cares deeply about holistic health, loves being outside, and can overthink a pair of socks, I’ll be paying close attention to the food, the physical challenge, and the inner shifts that come with walking across a country.
Day 7-9
Kilometers Walked
Day 7: 22.5 km, from Navarrete to Azofra
Day 8: 0 km, rest day in Azofra
Day 9: 22 km, from Azofra to Grañón
Total so far: 218.4 km (135.7 miles), from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Grañón
Favorite Fuel
I’ve been really enjoying dark chocolate. It’s been easy to find at various tiendas along the way. I like snacking on it throughout the afternoon and finishing the rest with breakfast before heading out.
State of My Pack
Still trimming my load. I swapped the light-up charger for a plain 2-meter one, which is so much better for those faraway albergue outlets. Traded my flip flops for Tevas I found in Logroño. Heavier, but way more comfortable.
I also cut more clothes: no more pajama pants or extra hiking shirt. Now I’m down to one hiking outfit and one lounging outfit, so I have to shower and wash everything right after walking to make sure it’s dry for the next day. The lounging outfit is really just pajamas, but it can double as an emergency hiking outfit.
Pain in My Butt
My calves have been so tight lately. I’ve been rolling them out constantly and putting on tiger balm and arnica. A couple of days ago my left ankle decided it had had enough, especially on the uphills. I cut the day short, grabbed an ace bandage, Voltadol gel, and Ibuprofen, and treated myself to two nights in a hotel. Took a rest day and promised myself I’d chill on the miles for a bit.
I don’t love taking NSAIDs (haven’t needed them in almost three years), but it felt like the best call for now.
Thoughts
Taking that rest day was harder than I expected. I’m proud I did it. I listened to my body. But that’s not something I do easily. I like feeling strong, capable, the kind of person who pushes through. There’s a private satisfaction in meeting big miles.
Part of me wanted to keep up with the friends I’d been meeting up with all week. We’d built this loose, unspoken routine: crossing paths in albergues, sharing dinners cobbled together from tiny grocery shops, recognizing each other in piazzas and cafés. Stepping out of that rhythm meant accepting I might not see them again. I’d lose the small comfort of having my pace affirmed by someone else’s. I’d lose the bigger comfort of familiar faces on the trail and risk feeling lonelier without them.
But they say you have to make the Camino your own. It sounds so simple, almost cliché. But for me it means noticing where the need to keep up becomes its own burden. It means asking: Why is it so hard to go slower, even when it’s what I need?
I know I had the time. I was ahead of schedule, no real reason to rush. But the hardest thing for me is choosing to stop, even when part of me wants to keep going. Remembering there isn’t really a “behind” on my own path. Trusting things are unfolding for me, even if it’s not the pace I thought I wanted.
Wisdom Along The Way
Every gram counts. Only pack what you truly need. — a guidebook
Keep chargers handy. Anytime you stop at a café, find an outlet and top up your phone. — a guidebook)
Consider staying in the town before or after the popular stages to avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path. — several pilgrims, and me!
Listen to your body!
Photos!
Until next time,
Rebecca Grace
Thank you for sharing your journey! You are right about listening to your body. Where you are is where you are supposed to be. That’s definitely how the Camino magic works. I am looking forward to your next post!
This is really inspiring! Thanks for sharing.