Training for El Camino

[docbb]

I am leaving from SJPP on August 23 and have been souring this board for tips. One thing I have learned is that most of my anxiety and searching is really an attempt to gain some control over what basically demands giving up control. The perfect camino is the one I do or the one you do. Another thing I have learned is that the Camino began when I took my first step in training. Today I walked through 400 miles of training, and my confidence has grown steadily. I have also joined a community I did not know existed. It is made up of the people who stop me as I train, curious about this old man with a big blue back pack and walking sticks visible all over the city. Some are the fellow pilgrims who post here. Others are family and friends who are eager to hear me ramble on about what once seemed an impossible and cuckoo idea. I've sent back six pairs of boots (not a good fit) and have settled on my low tops. I've got my gear and so far have kept the load under 20 pounds. And, I've found other people in my community who are also preparing for this journey. All seems so good now, and I am enthusiastic about what is ahead, both before August 23 and after! Buen Camino!

 

[Randy Hay]

You will thank yourself for the up front training. You will see people who did not plan well. Most mornings on the I and (and almost everyone else) started early - 6 AM or so - no breakfast, coffee or morning shower - just get up and go - save some bread and a piece of fruit from the day before to eat after an hour or so on the camino.
Randy
Also an "old" guy

 

[MateoHarvino]

Training

My best advice: Break in your shoes. No blisters equals a good time.

Aside from that, just go. The infrastructure is so solid all you have to do is walk.

 

[MateoHarvino]

have kept the load under 20 pounds.

15lbs. was my limit; still had more stuff than necessary.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I agree with Mateo.

I never really train until I am here but I make sure my shoes don't have problems.
More people are stopped in their tracks by blisters than by distance issues.

 

[IveMar]

I started El Camino on 3/21 and finished on 4/23,I trained very little before leaving home. My best piece of advise is to do preventives on your muscles. I started taking Celebrex before I left and took one every day during my trip. For the days that I was in a lot of pain I brought some Cataflam. I saw a lot of people who were younger, experienced and in far better shape than I am that had to stop to rest or who had to quit due to tendonitis. I only took one day off in my Camino and it was because I wanted to treat myself to a 2 night stay at El Parador in Leon. Pain, yes I was in pain every day, but after the first week it became and after thought once my muscles were warm again.
Lighten your load, and take very, very good care of your feet.
Buen Camino Peregrino!
Ive

 

[gidivet]

Hi docbb. Did you walk your Camino? I'm interested to know how you got on, particularly with the cpap machine.

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

Hi docbb. Did you walk your Comino? I'm interested to know how you got on, particularly with the cpap machine.

My wife and I met docbb on the trail and again in Santiago, so I know he made it. Not sure how he did with the cpap machine, but we did meet another pilgrim who was using one. He had his luggage transported ahead, so he didn't have to carry his. The second pilgrim I met with the cpap machine actually stayed in our room one night, and his machine did not bother us sleeping that night. It was really quiet.

Jim

 

[gidivet]

Hi Jim, thanks for your update. 84 days to go before my first Camino!

 

[ManyMiles2Go]

I'm jealous Hope to get back again some day!!

 

[gidivet]

Jim, I really hope you will too. ;-)

 

[Geoff Stewart]

I am leaving from SJPP on August 23 and have been souring this board for tips. One thing I have learned is that most of my anxiety and searching is really an attempt to gain some control over what basically demands giving up control. The perfect camino is the one I do or the one you do. Another thing I have learned is that the Camino began when I took my first step in training. Today I walked through 400 miles of training, and my confidence has grown steadily. I have also joined a community I did not know existed. It is made up of the people who stop me as I train, curious about this old man with a big blue back pack and walking sticks visible all over the city. Some are the fellow pilgrims who post here. Others are family and friends who are eager to hear me ramble on about what once seemed an impossible and cuckoo idea. I've sent back six pairs of boots (not a good fit) and have settled on my low tops. I've got my gear and so far have kept the load under 20 pounds. And, I've found other people in my community who are also preparing for this journey. All seems so good now, and I am enthusiastic about what is ahead, both before August 23 and after! Buen Camino!

Hi docbb, see you on the 23 August 2014 in SJPP. I will be with a group of 3 setting out on that day as well.