Walking Across Italy

Today, we hiked from Poggio San Lorenzo to the city of Rieti. This was another 20 km hike, made more difficult by the rain that greeted us as we embarked. But this did not dampen or spirits ( or our resolve). Although it did make the first 4 km very hot, because the rain gear does not breathe.

I had several epiphanies on the road today. First, as we entered Day 4 of our 12-day hike, I finally admitted to myself that this is a lot harder than I originally imagined. I thought we’d be casually strolling through the italian countryside, but it turns out that we are really hiking. Like everyday has been a substantial physical challenge. I trained for this, but not for the endurance that it requires.

The second epiphany came to me towards the end of our daily trek. I started to get light-headed because I didn’t have enough energy. This leg of the camino had no place to stop for lunch. And while I tried to eat a healthy breakfast, and a fig bar at lunch, my body was running out of calories to burn. Luckily we were on the outskirts of Rieti, so there was a gas station with some drinks. I downed a Peach Iced Tea and Powerade, which quickly got me back in the game. But tonight I bought some candy, so if it happens again, I will be prepared. By the way, my traveling companions have been very patient with me. They stop to rest whenever I ask. Grazie, Stephen and Juan Pablo.

The last thing I learned today is that Rieti is the geographical center of Italy. It is the Lebanon, Kansas of Italy.