Only did the first 300km in 12 days with my wifeHow long did it take you last time?
It's just how I tick......I hope to do the Camino many more times in my life; but whilst I'm relatively young, I'd like to do it as quick as my body will allow. It also helps because I have a job!Where's my pencil...850k / 17 days = 50k a day. Not such a good speed for a bicycle or a motorbike, rather demanding perhaps overwhelming en pied, "Different Strokes for Different Folks" but I feel moved to ask "Why"?
I don't think the second half is any faster or slower than the first, so I imagine it's 'just' a case of doing twice as much for twice as long really. Choose the right time of year for daylight, and beds for late arrivals. Good luck!Only did the first 300km in 12 days with my wife
Haha...5km per hour on averageCarrying a horn with you to warn slower pilgrims and the occasional cyclist that you will be blasting by them
I am sure the dust storm you will leave behind will be seen for miles and miles
I think living in Spain helps me catch up with what I'll miss.I'm not sure why you want to do this because as you already indicated you will miss a lot. However at that rate of walking except for the walking you will pretty much miss everything else
I think pushing the physical helps enhancing the emotional and spiritual journeysIf that is the way you want YOUR Camino then go for it. I bet it is doable if just for the satisfaction (is that the right word?) of having it done.
Buen Camino!
I'm hoping it will test my soulThose would be some long days. Leave in the dark, arrive in the dark. Kinda like when I used to work 12+ hour long days doing shift work. Sucked the soul outta my body.
I suppose doable if you don't mind giving up relaxing stops at cafes, etc.
Thank you for sharing and I fully understand your sentiment behind it. I feel I should add more to my thread....I'm nearly halfway completing the Camino the normal way with my wife; we have enjoyed every town/village along the way too.The Dr is IN:
Many years ago, I was reassigned from California (on the West Coast) to Virginia (on the East Coast). This was the first opportunity my wife and young son had to travel across this grand land and see the sights. The first day, we started out in San Clemente,CA at 0330. It was dark and it would get darker. That day, we traveled almost 800 miles in 17 hours. Fast food and short rest stops included. All told it took us only three days to speed across coast to coast. I can remember each night thanking my wife and son for hanging in there. I apologized for the many historical and interesting sights we missed. And, I thought, since they didn't complain, they were having a good time.
Fifteen years later, the family was sitting in front of the TV watching a documentary on Interstate Highway 40, the third longest highway in the USA. I prefaced the documentary reminding the family we drove along that same route years ago. There were historic towns, Civil War battlefields, natural marvels and, much, much more.
We now had a daughter and she was fascinated enough to ask at which of these great sites did we stop.
Without missing a beat, both my wife and son announced, loudly: "None!"
My wife went on to say that it was the most awful trip of her life and, didn't say anything because she knew how important getting to my new assignment was to me.
The moral of the story: Sometimes we can assume that no comment is acquiescence.
Disclaimer: This of course is my story and in no way reflects the moods, actions, in actions, proclivities, obsessions, drive, or lack thereof of any other human, animal, super hero or pilgrim either real or imagined.
But I love to walk (and sleep). I have also enjoyed the Camino at a normal paceWhy will you walk almost 900 km. in 17 day's , The only you do is walk , eat and sleep.
As you walk like this you don't enjoy the Camino. This is how i feel.
No doubt it will do that.I'm hoping it will test my soul
Haha...5km per hour on average
What does it say in the movie? " The true pilgrim's poor, and must suffer."I think pushing the physical helps enhancing the emotional and spiritual journeys
There sure were some smelly arse peregrinos on the Camino that could have done with a physical cleansing every day. Definitely pushed my olfactory limits....ha haGrant
I took 24 days last year from St. Jean to Finisterre last year, longest day 48 kms, shortest day 19 kms. Assuming very good physical preparation and avoidance of mishaps then I believe for me 22 days would be doable and that's a cigar smoking, diabetic talking. I know there is a widespread belief among many of the very experienced forum members that such an approach to the camino is counter productive but if you think along the lines that an important part of the camino experience is re-setting your internal psyche then by pushing your limits repeatedly day after day you can remove the mental buttresses that modern society has helped put in place to encourage buy in to the belief that all progress is, in and of itself, worthy and worthwhile.
In many so called less developed cultures there is an initiation rite of passage to manhood where one leaves the support network of the tribe/ village/ culture and go into the wilderness for a period of time, indeed one could read into the bible story of Jesus's 40 day sojourn in the desert an echo of such rites. One is more likely to approach such a state of spiritual cleansing/ opening by pushing one's limits than by walking 4 hours a day and stopping every hour for a pleasant cafe con leche and chat with fellow peregrinos.
I in no way am impugning other people's approach to the camino as it is such an individual experience for everyone and indeed my own approach, intentions and experiences on my own caminos have been noticeably different on each occasion.
In my own slightly rambling and not very elegantly phrased way I am saying it's your camino and experience and travel it in the way you wish, good luck and please update the forum in the future as to how you progressed.
Seamus
Since you did the first half this year, why not pick up where you left off?Hello all, after my very first experience on El Camino in 2014, I'm wondering if it's realistic to do it in 17 days. I appreciate that much will be missed en route, but the challenge seems worth the price.
You've hit the nail on the head; I'm training really hard....run every day etc. I've had plenty of experience with managing injuries. Thanks for comment...very usefulNo doubt it will do that.
I suppose if one were to do it, one would have to travel uber-ultra-light to avoid injuries, strains, sprains, etc.
50K a day would be very hard on the body with a heavy pack.
Many thanks.....very useful. My priorities are body preparation, then equipment (weight based) and then mental prep. I know that the Camino will uplift me. I will miss not being in sync with other peregrinos.....but I get to enjoy that another time. I already train super hard...very lean with a good endurance base. Protecting my joints and tendons will be key.I know there are many well prepared ultra-marathoners who could do this, so its really not about whether it is possible, or why you would do it, but what preparation and support you might need to make it possible. I have been part of a support team for a long multi-day walk (1000 km in 25 days) and the logistics of this requires some thought. I don't think it is as simple as just doing the long days - that leaves very little time to do all the other tasks that need doing. What thought have you given to how you will prepare for this, and what support arrangements you might put in place?
Great idea. ThanksI would recommend the Nijmegen march as a preparation.
Many thanks for an amazing reply. Congratulations on doing it in 22 days. Incredible. You also captured the rawness of why I want to do this......I feel more inspired now. I enjoyed my past camino, but it didn't challenge me physically and I feel I missed out emotionally and spiritually. I will definately hold a few days contingency for strains etc maybe 20 days more realistic!Grant
I took 24 days last year from St. Jean to Finisterre last year, longest day 48 kms, shortest day 19 kms. Assuming very good physical preparation and avoidance of mishaps then I believe for me 22 days would be doable and that's a cigar smoking, diabetic talking. I know there is a widespread belief among many of the very experienced forum members that such an approach to the camino is counter productive but if you think along the lines that an important part of the camino experience is re-setting your internal psyche then by pushing your limits repeatedly day after day you can remove the mental buttresses that modern society has helped put in place to encourage buy in to the belief that all progress is, in and of itself, worthy and worthwhile.
In many so called less developed cultures there is an initiation rite of passage to manhood where one leaves the support network of the tribe/ village/ culture and go into the wilderness for a period of time, indeed one could read into the bible story of Jesus's 40 day sojourn in the desert an echo of such rites. One is more likely to approach such a state of spiritual cleansing/ opening by pushing one's limits than by walking 4 hours a day and stopping every hour for a pleasant cafe con leche and chat with fellow peregrinos.
I in no way am impugning other people's approach to the camino as it is such an individual experience for everyone and indeed my own approach, intentions and experiences on my own caminos have been noticeably different on each occasion.
In my own slightly rambling and not very elegantly phrased way I am saying it's your camino and experience and travel it in the way you wish, good luck and please update the forum in the future as to how you progressed.
Seamus
Yes is also the plan.....I will complete it first (with my wife) before I embark on my 17 day version.Since you did the first half this year, why not pick up where you left off?
Hello all, after my very first experience on El Camino in 2014, I'm wondering if it's realistic to do it in 17 days. I appreciate that much will be missed en route, but the challenge seems worth the price.
With respect Kevin, I also plan to finish the Camino with my wife to do just that. I also live in rural Spain so I already get the culture and the history.Grant, with all possible respect, this is not an athletics competition. Of course you can "do it" in 17 days but you will have no time to reflect, or learn or think. You will be forced to concentrate on the problems caused by too much walking over too many days. You will also have no time to stop and absorb and learn from the culture and history and, not the least the people, around you. If these things are not important to you, I suggest you find another "challenge".
If this were to be my only Camino adventure then it would be done at much slower pace. Competitiveness? No.....a personal challenge in an environment that already has my heart.....then yes. EditI am not commenting on whether it is possible or no, advisable or not, or even doable by you. My Camino is my Camino and yours is yours. But I would ask you to ask yourself what is the reason you are setting yourself this challenge. Not wishing to be rude, but is it competitiveness? Many find on their Caminos that that is just what they come to terms with so if that is the case here I wish you every success.
PS I would note that people have been quite kind in their replies so far (knowing Jirit has a light hearted sense of humour) and I hope any others follow their example.
Charming....plenty of time to eat and wash thanks.@Grant Page walking that many hours a day you will be flat out finding time to eat. I can't see any clothes washing being done. Will that be a problem for others? Or will you be "Gone With the Wind"? In which case the correct response might be "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn..."
Thanks for your kind words.....I see your point. I hope that I get to experience the Camino in many different ways....I've yet to decide whether or not I will take this on.....I have enjoyed reading the many comments on my thread though. Buen CaminoI was not asking you to explain yourself Grant, your reasons are yours and I hope I did not cause any offence. When I said competitiveness I could easily have said personal challenge (and nearly did) as I like many others have felt the same in our own ways. I wish you well in your endeavour. My comment about being kind? I am sorry to say that we have had some quite contentious comments on threads in the past from those who think their way is the only way. May you and your wife enjoy good weather for the rest of this Camino and reach SDC injury free. Buen Camino
I
I sense sarcasm
I sat down with specific pace in mind over the various terrain types and it worked out at 17 days; I also used a few logistical assumptions.It can and has been done. The distance limitation often seems to be mainly a mental problem. I met a Canadian ex-military man in May of this year. He walked 40-60 km days without much problems. I think you have to walk in a period with less heat though... Not in the summer season.
Also in medieval times when people had to walk to travel. People in general would walk around 50-80 km a day when travelling. E.g. Amery Picaud only has 13 stages in the codex calixtinus from Saint jean to Santiago.
I'm curious why 17 days and not the classical 13 days? or some other number?
No plan survives first contact with the enemy. .....I've learnt that the hard way.No just a warning that "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray"...
Hence if you understand this then you will understand the camino
You might be surprised to discover that the "enemy" could be yourselfNo plan survives first contact with the enemy. .....I've learnt that the hard way.
Just curious, but since you already worked this out, why are you asking on the Forum if it's realistic?I sat down with specific pace in mind over the various terrain types and it worked out at 17 days; I also used a few logistical assumptions.
I know very stupid of meJust curious, but since you already worked this out, why are you asking on the Forum if it's realistic?
Buen Camino.
Maybe.....thanks for your contribution.You might be surprised to discover that the "enemy" could be yourself
... that is the other lesson of the camino...
I will say that from my experiences this summer on the Camino, pilgrims were getting up before 5am, many hours before sunrise, just to ensure a bed at the next location. I didn't see that as enjoyment.Scott: No offense intended.
Grant, there is a good point to what Scott says: You will have long days, and it might be a very good idea to plan your days and book ahead, so that you don't have to worry about a bed at the end of the days. That way, you can afford to take good reststops without being part of the bedrace.
Just my 0.02$...
These are fair comments and I for one, apologize to Grant for ribbing him about his plans.I thought this thread started out with the overwhelming response being to encourage Grant, to suggest questions he may not have thought about, but generally to do what we on the forum usually do -- support pilgrims as they try to figure out their caminos. But wow, why all the snarkiness now? We get questions repeatedly about "What if I decide to have someone carry my pack?" "Should I skip the meseta?" "Am I cheating if I take a bus?" etc etc. Aside from the occasional outlier, the responses are supportive, encouraging pilgrims that "it's your camino." This is just another one of those questions, posted by someone who is considering something that falls outside the mainstream. I find it kind of surprising that people who would never cast judgment on someone who chooses to take a bus think it's ok to be judgmental about Grant's proposal.
The message I got from his posts was that here was someone who found that the camino on the 25 km a day plan was seeming like a walk in the park, a holiday, not an opportunity for introspection and spiritual challenge. And so he was contemplating ramping it up to see if testing his physical limits would somehow open up the emotional and spiritual side of things. I just don't get why that idea triggered all sorts of criticisms, to the point that he was sorry for ever posting it. That's a shame.
Grant isn't proposing to walk backwards, to do his camino on a pogo stick, or a skateboard or roller skates, or any other attention-grabbing stunt. Nor is he saying that this is all about the physical prowess. He asked what I thought was an innocent question about an unusual idea. I think he deserved better.
Your words humbled me; God bless you.I thought this thread started out with the overwhelming response being to encourage Grant, to suggest questions he may not have thought about, but generally to do what we on the forum usually do -- support pilgrims as they try to figure out their caminos. But wow, why all the snarkiness now? We get questions repeatedly about "What if I decide to have someone carry my pack?" "Should I skip the meseta?" "Am I cheating if I take a bus?" etc etc. Aside from the occasional outlier, the responses are supportive, encouraging pilgrims that "it's your camino." This is just another one of those questions, posted by someone who is considering something that falls outside the mainstream. I find it kind of surprising that people who would never cast judgment on someone who chooses to take a bus think it's ok to be judgmental about Grant's proposal.
The message I got from his posts was that here was someone who found that the camino on the 25 km a day plan was seeming like a walk in the park, a holiday, not an opportunity for introspection and spiritual challenge. And so he was contemplating ramping it up to see if testing his physical limits would somehow open up the emotional and spiritual side of things. I just don't get why that idea triggered all sorts of criticisms, to the point that he was sorry for ever posting it. That's a shame.
Grant isn't proposing to walk backwards, to do his camino on a pogo stick, or a skateboard or roller skates, or any other attention-grabbing stunt. Nor is he saying that this is all about the physical prowess. He asked what I thought was an innocent question about an unusual idea. I think he deserved better.
That sounds amazing and I'm sure she has had a life event that is forever special.Grant:
Not sure if anyone mentioned this but a young woman ran the Camino a couple of years back in 9 days and six hours. So, to answer your question, it is doable in 17 days.
Ultreya,
Joe
Many thanks for the post; very enjoyable. I would put myself in the very fit category, but age will soon affect that. I'm very used to endurance based activity and have had over 25 years service in the Military. I know it will be all on my side.I can vividly envision Grant strolling along after passing the day's 46 km. mark, singing a song and enjoying life, while this 60+ grandfather will be happy to have found a bed after 22 kms. (my avg. day)
If one is fit for it, why not do it? Nothing wrong with that. As long as one listens to one's body (feet!); Ultreya! Each must do his/her own Camino. And as I understand it, Grant has also done "ordinary" Camino(s). So nothing wrong in testing one's capabilities. As long as it goes well. I have to share a story:
In Castrojeritz this April, the hospitalero told me about a young woman who came in 2 days earlier than me, having done 40 kms that day, and her feet were a complete disaster area, so much that they immediately proposed to drive her to Burgos hospital. But no, she only wanted a bed for the night, because she had planned for a 45 km. leg the next day... And on she went: I do not know if she got to Santiago.
I am sure that Grant has estimated his physical abilities and is confident he can do it. The rest of us do what we can/want.
Buen Camino, Grant!
Have no doubt that my boots will stay at home.......Salomon GTX trail shoes for me!For all my Caminos (4 times) I have used my Norw. army boots, anklee high, 40 years old. People have laughed at my boots, especially when seeing me on the doorsteps of albergues, polishing them in the afternoon, but I always made it. Some of those laughing I never saw in Santiago...
Have no doubt that my boots will stay at home.......Salomon GTX trail shoes for me!
I didn't think my first thread on this forum would generate any interest. I will think twice about posting again. Thanks for your comments.....I always like to prove the doubters wrong!The planning for my future camino has been for me to do it in a leisurely, sybaritic and hedonistic style.
HOWEVER
I much admire Grant's approach for
1) His daring
2)The extent to which he has been a gadfly - almost an iconoclast - in provoking so many responses of such variety from so many people on this site; it has been vastly amusing!
BUT
3) If he crashes and burns then no doubt.........the naysayers comments will flow
4) But if he succeeds and has enjoyed the experience, then, I personally will salute him.
Buen camino, Grant, and go for it!
Yeah, now that's a cool approach to the Camino.The planning for my future camino has been for me to do it in a leisurely, sybaritic and hedonistic style.
HOWEVER
I much admire Grant's approach for
1) His daring
2)The extent to which he has been a gadfly - almost an iconoclast - in provoking so many responses of such variety from so many people on this site; it has been vastly amusing!
BUT
3) If he crashes and burns then no doubt.........the naysayers comments will flow
4) But if he succeeds and has enjoyed the experience, then, I personally will salute him.
Buen camino, Grant, and go for it!
I thought this thread started out with the overwhelming response being to encourage Grant, to suggest questions he may not have thought about, but generally to do what we on the forum usually do -- support pilgrims as they try to figure out their caminos. But wow, why all the snarkiness now? ..... He asked what I thought was an innocent question about an unusual idea. I think he deserved better.
Looks like a certain lady from Illinois succeeded where I failed. Well done girl!I am not commenting on whether it is possible or no, advisable or not, or even doable by you. My Camino is my Camino and yours is yours. But I would ask you to ask yourself what is the reason you are setting yourself this challenge. Not wishing to be rude, but is it competitiveness? Many find on their Caminos that that is just what they come to terms with so if that is the case here I wish you every success.
PS I would note that people have been quite kind in their replies so far (knowing Jirit has a light hearted sense of humour) and I hope any others follow their example.
Grant, on a side note. I'd be very interested to hear about preparations, gear, planning/schedule, execution and results/experiences. Please keep us posted, whether here or on another platform.[/Q
I've yet to set a date as I intend to finish the way with my wife first.....so in some way that will be preparation too. I've always been fit and used to walking/running and carrying stuff over long distances after 25years serving my country. I run about 100km a week and swim about 10km. I also like to do circuit training to keep the joints strong. As for kit....I use the Osprey Talon 44 backpack with drinks bladder. I plan to use trail shoes...lightweight but plenty of support. Roll mat & bivy bag will be part of my sleeping solution. I don't want to be tied to albergues. Clothing and slerping bag will depend on when do it but May is looking best. Weight will be very important as will walking poles. They keep me quick without undue strain on the legs. I hope this helps.....! As for toiletries and suncream etc.....all en route.
Hello all, after my very first experience on El Camino in 2014, I'm wondering if it's realistic to do it in 17 days. I appreciate that much will be missed en route, but the challenge seems worth the price.
I'm doing it as per the book first...albeit in stages due to work commitments.WOW!!!!!! Superman. Wish I had legs that good to do it in half the time.
Why don't you just take your time and 'smell the roses' as they say. There is a lot to of people to meet, a lot to see and experience along the way, what's the rush.
You will need approximately 33 days + 3 days for Santiago to Finesterre.
If I see a flash go by I know it will be you.
Good luck
ossiemate
I'm doing it as per the book first...albeit in stages due to work commitments.
Not stupid at all, Grant. You musn't think this. I certainly hope I didn't contribute to this feeling. I only suggested continuing from where you left off as that gives you a total of 29 days - with time in Santiago and maybe to the sea if it is your desire. Not pushing that idea, merely a suggestion. It is your camino and I wish you and your wife pleasant journeys and many blessings. Buen Camino!I know very stupid of me
I'm doing it as per the book first...albeit in stages due to work commitments.
I nominate this for post of the year!Carrying a horn with you to warn slower pilgrims and the occasional cyclist that you will be blasting by them
I am sure the dust storm you will leave behind will be seen for miles and miles
Hello all, after my very first experience on El Camino in 2014, I'm wondering if it's realistic to do it in 17 days. I appreciate that much will be missed en route, but the challenge seems worth the price.
Irony?waste my time getting annoyed at self righteous remarks in this thread