Finalizing My Travel Plans and Starting Training Hikes

Travel Schedule

9/24/16 Leave Rochester 1:30 pm -> 3:00 p.m. Philadelphia 7 p.m. -> Madrid 8:30 a.m. + 1
9/25 Madrid (see Picasso's 'Guernica')
9/26 Bus (Cevesa Inc) to Bejar (leave 8:30 a.m. -- arrive 11:30 a.m.); hike to Calzada de Bejar.
9/27 Resume Camino
10/16 Last day of Camino (for a total of 20 days hiking)
10/17 Return to Madrid
10/18/16 Leave Madrid 12:45 p.m. -> 3:30 p.m. Philadelphia 7 p.m. -> Rochester 8:00 p.m.

First Serious Training Hikes

Did two training hikes this Labor Day weekend. Here are some lessons learned.

• Pittsford to Mendon Ponds Park

Along the road for about 8 miles. The exposure to a lot of sun pulled down my energy level. The pavement and side-of-the-road slope also played hell with my feet. By mile 7 the plantar (left foot) and hamstring (right leg) were really acting up. By the second half of the hike thru Mendon Ponds Park, I was really sore and hurting.

• Seneca Park to Charlotte hike

10 miles along a varied and much more forest type of trail. I had very minor foot issues, compared to yesterday. On both days tho' due to the heat, some humidity and sun, hydration was critical. I used my camel-back extensively, plus carried an extra bottle of orange juice.

Anthony, Nancy and I. Stopped in for a visit as their home was along the way to Mendon Ponds Park.
Putting the gear on.
And the obligatory action shot, waving goodbye.
12.75 miles in 5 hours Labor Day weekend (Sunday)
10 miles in 4.5 hours Labor Day Weekend (Monday)