Thank you! My father and I are walking together. We'll arrive in Paris on March 16, make our way down to SJPP by train at a leisurely pace, and start walking on March 18, weather permitting. We fly from Santiago to Paris on April 27. So that gives us 40 days - a nice round number. I haven't been able to train much, since I've been working crazy hours to try to make up for the two months of pay that I lost. So we'll either take it nice and slow to Santiago, or else stop for a few days somewhere pretty along the way, or else tack on an extra walk to Finisterre or Muxia at the end. We'll take it as it comes! I'm so excited!
FYI, here's my experience in a nutshell:
I took 40 days from SJPdP to Santiago de Campostella (SdC) and I didn't have any time constraints. I did some training but still found the first day across the Pyrenees very difficult. The weather was very bad during that first week, so I know that slowed me down. I hope you have good weather but
do not second guess the locals in SJPdP - whatever advice they give you, take it. You don't want your first days on the Camino to be your last (sadly, that actually happens!!!)
I spent an extra day in three towns. If you run short of time, you might want to just keep going. It depends on what you want to get out of your Camino.
I walked every day but you'll find LOTS of discussion on this forum about whether taking public transportation for part of the Camino is "cheating." It would be for me, but I think the general consensus here is that it's up to you -
it's your Camino !! You're the only one keeping score.
I walked between 18 - 25 kilometers a day, never less than 18, occasionally more than 25.
I did
not participate in "the bed race" (veterans on the forum know what I'm talking about).
I slept late (wow, 0700!) and stayed up late. I didn't mind the snoring (too much) and had no encounters with bed bugs or things being stolen (I was alert). I had beer with lunch and wine with dinner every day and lost 12 pounds.
I met wonderful people who are my friends still and I long to get back on the Camino.
I'm envious of you and your Father.
Buen Camino