training

[mauveglass]

I know there are many posts about this...can't find anything that I need! I'm looking for a detailed daily training schedule others have used for the Camino. This is the second time I've walked but have fewer months to train. thanks!

 

[smj6]

@mauveglass, under the Camino Resources Section there is a posting on training which might help. Although since your profile indicates a departure in May/ June, maybe not enough time?
Suzanne

 

[Anniesantiago]

Honestly, many people just "train" while on the Camino, starting slow and gradually increasing pace and distance.

 

[scruffy1]

Anniesantiago got it right since you have already waked you must remember that the majority of those walking look more like sweet potatoes, punching bags, or ragpickers then candidates for Marine boot camp. Slow and easy until you pick up your steam and then let 'er rip!

 

[dougfitz]

Here are a couple of programs designed for preparation over eight weeks. You don't appear to have that time, but following the basic pattern would improve your walking fitness somewhat before you start.

 

[mauveglass]

Sorry, everyone...I am going Sept/Oct. Thanks, Doug! A couple of my friends are also going at another time...first timers-I'll pass that along to them also.

 

[dougfitz]

If you have the time, then do the two Aussiewalk training programs one after the other. It will be an easier build up to reach a decent level of walking fitness before you start. If you are using the footwear you intend to use, you will avoid all those new shoe issues as well.

 

[Waka]

My training programme has been very slow, because I'm not going until Sept - Oct I feel that I have plenty of time.
Now instead on jumping in the car I walk everywhere, some trips are short distances of 2 - 3 miles and some twice that distance.
Once a week I have been doing longer distances, for example yesterday I completed my first 15 mile hike, I had been building up to this over the last few weeks. Having said that when I got home I was rather tied.
I still plan to walk everywhere and incorporate a couple of distance walks in every week, once my stamina has built up I'll start using the rucksack at its full weight.
Having said all that I will still be taking it slow and easy on the camino until I feel really comfortable.

Not really a well laid out plan, but so far it works for me.

 

[nidarosa]

Ehem ... well, I'm not at all qualified to comment on training as I tend to just go. But I had a potentially great idea on how to get more walking done, anyone want to join me? Read my post here!

 

[Waka]

Ehem ... well, I'm not at all qualified to comment on training as I tend to just go. But I had a potentially great idea on how to get more walking done, anyone want to join me? Read my post here!

Just had a look at your post; what a fantastic idea, and as you walk over the hills your imagination can run wild.
It would certainly liven up my walks. Think I'll start doing that tomorrow, it's only a short walk so Ill imagine it's from SJPdP to Orrison, hope my bookings still there.

 

[nidarosa]

Haha, great @Waka welcome to the virtual camino! I will walk to Orisson with you tomorrow and have a cold beer in the sun on the decking overlooking the Pyrenees!

 

[nidarosa]

If anyone else is interested, please carry on the conversation in the other thread so we don't hijack this one. I'm off to Orisson!

 

[LouiseEdin]

I did my long walks every weekend, gradually building up the distance, but carried my rucsac a couple of kilos heavier than I intended to take. During the week I had shorter faster walks without my rucsac. Worked for me

 

[Chris White]

I know there are many posts about this...can't find anything that I need! I'm looking for a detailed daily training schedule others have used for the Camino. This is the second time I've walked but have fewer months to train. thanks!

Hi, I'm currently on the Camino Frances. I walked a couple of 5 km walks through the week, with a 20km walk on the weekends for about 3 months as my training. I am now almost 2 weeks into the walk (280 kms) and have only had 1 rest day! Going well. So it all depends on the person and the weight you are carrying. Highly recommended no more than 8 kgs or it becomes difficult. Remember you will probably add a couple of bottles of water to your pack. Buen Camino

 

[HillTrekker]

Honestly, many people just "train" while on the Camino, starting slow and gradually increasing pace and distance.

I like the sound of this training program best of all.
And I have a feeling it might be a little painful.
It's all good.

 

[HillTrekker]

Hi, I'm currently on the Camino Frances. I walked a couple of 5 km walks through the week, with a 20km walk on the weekends for about 3 months as my training. I am now almost 2 weeks into the walk (280 kms) and have only had 1 rest day! Going well. So it all depends on the person and the weight you are carrying. Highly recommended no more than 8 kgs or it becomes difficult. Remember you will probably add a couple of bottles of water to your pack. Buen Camino

I'm pretty much using this method.
I can walk for hours carrying almost no weight.
It is the weight that is hard for me.

 

[november_moon]

I found that it was my feet that most benefited from the training that I did. My feet got conditioned to long walks and weren't as sore as when I first started training. They did still get sore on the Camino, but I think the conditioning really did help. Plus, my body as a whole just got used to walking a lot. If you've never carried a pack, then conditioning your body for that is important too - carrying a pack uses a different set of muscles, so there may be some that will really complain when you start walking with a pack - I think it's good to get those muscles used to the load.

 

[Mark Lee]

First and foremost this is not directed towards anybody in particular, but based on my observations one of the most important training exercises to do prior to walking the Camino is what I call the "table push away". Sort of like a push-up, except you are sitting down at the table for a meal. In this exercise you simply place both hands on the table and push away, which in turn reduces your caloric intake, thus allowing you to lose weight.
On both Caminos I saw other pilgrims who were badly overweight really struggling.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I think it is very important to train with full pack. If you are not in good shape that is ok, just plan on taking 3-4 months to slowly improve. It certainly is not a race. If I can do this after heart rehab you can as well. The simple goal I think, is to get to the point you can walk 25k 2 days in a row, with no pain. You will fine tune your pack & shoes in the process.

As you get better try to find elevation to add to your training. I walked 35 days no breaks to Finnesterre. I pushed hard to test the old thumper. Simply stay in your comfort zone.