For those with time and money, how do they prepare mentally and physically? I’m 69 years of age
A response I've posted previously posted re: physically training for the Camino:
From my personal experience, the key to a successful Camino is 1/ training, 2/ starting slow, 3/ preferably, a combination of both! And by training your body you train your mind as well. Because your mind learns that you've got this!
Get up off the couch, put on comfortable shoes and go for a walk. Start slow. How long/ far can you comfortably walk? Most people can walk for an hour, which is typically between 4 - 5km. For some it's less - that's okay, it's not a race.
Walk 3 to 4 days every week minimum, gradually building your mileage - no dramatic increases! After a month try to do at least three days at your current daily target back to back. Repeat, gradually increasing your mileage. And by gradually I mean roughly half an hour.
Walking regularly is far more important than the distance you can cover in a single day.
Shoe/ sock combo's - start trying them now. Buy the shoes at the end of the day, preferably after walking five kilometers or so. Wear your new Socks. Buy a minimum half size larger ( mine are a full size larger). Walk everywhere with them, don't just train with them. Not completely comfortable? Either figure out ways to make them comfortable (different socks, different insoles, changing the way they're laced etc) or consider getting a different pair. Yes it's that important. Learn to prevent and/ or deal with blisters. Preferably prevent!
Get your pack. Most use a 30 to 40 litre pack, some as small as 23l. If you're walking on the shoulder season a smaller pack will probably not work - mine is 32, which works well. Get the staff to help you fit it properly, with around five to seven kilos in it.
Train with it. It doesn't have to be fully loaded, nor do you have to carry it every time you walk - but you do want to get used to it.
Decide whether or not you wish to use poles. They are highly recommended, especially as you get older. If you do decide to use poles learn to use them properly! They are there to carry you, not the other way around.
One point to remember: grab every opportunity. Walk to the supermarket, to the chemist, to your next appointment. Get off the bus or the train one stop early. Climb the stairs. So what if it's only one minute or two minutes of exercise - it's exercise that you might not have done otherwise. It's training.
I've actually made a YouTube video on this if you're interested, let me know and I will send you the link. I would value your feedback, because I'm fairly new to YouTube!
Training mentally? As the saying goes, that's above my pay grade! But I believe that knowing you are physically prepared is a huge step in the right direction. As is giving yourself permission to quit.
It's also important to consider that you might need help - so that if the time comes that you do, you're not afraid to reach out, whether to friends, family or the forum.
Why the forum? Because we get it!
At the end of the day, we're all pilgrims, and we're here to help each other.