I would love to do (part of) the Camino this year, probably starting in Porto. Question I need to ask... do you have to be extremely fit to attempt it? I'm 60 & normally walk for about an hour every day.. which is not really anywhere close to the distances I'll need to cover on the Camino, but maybe I'll get fitter as I walk? Or is it best to do serious training before even attempting to do the Camino?
I can't speak from experience, but I can speak from my research: If you are walking any route. the first couple of days are rough for everyone, no matter their level of fitness, naturally, the more fit you are, the better off you will be. As you continue, your level of fitness will increase, and the better off you will be and by the end of the first two weeks, you will be fine, but you have to manage those first two weeks. From what I've read and heard of the route starting in Oporto, you should be fine.
I will be starting from SJPDP, and I will be honest, the idea of those first two days scares the crap out of me. Nevertheless, I will persist. I train regularly: by myself and I get people to sponsor me for charity walks (kill two birds with one stone). The hardest one, though not the longest, was a 13 km walk across the Confederation Bridge over the Northumberland Strait from Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick and that was due to the surface (asphalt over concrete is a killer, even with good boots and trekking poles). I want to get used to the concept of 20 km per day but that's me and YMMV.
good shoes/boots/trail sandals whatever your chosen footwear happens to be is essential. Start looking now, find what suits you best and make sure they are well broken in. improper foot wear I'm sure has done in more pilgrims than the strain of the trail. Be good to your feet and your feet will be good to you.
Happy Trails!