Gear!
Delaying my Camino start until June is really allowing me to a) relax and b) train.
My shinsplints are much better and I'm back to training. I've learned from my wonderful foot doctor about adjusting my stride length and cadence to prevent shinsplints in the future.
Meanwhile, I've become gear focused. Really focused.
The common wisdom is that one should not carry more than 10% of your body weight in your backpack. And while,I'm not carrying it every day,I'll need to schlep it in the airports and trains and so thought it was worthwhile figuring this out.
I decided to spring for a backpack. I did not know until planning for this trip that stores like REI will actually fit you for your backpack. Backpacks come in differing torso lengths and many are adjustable.
REI staff are trained to do this and will happily help you find the best one. They have weights to put into the backpack you are trying on to simulate what you will be carrying and then adjust the torso length and straps to get you the best possible fit.
It really makes a difference. This is my new best friend.