There is no shortage of advice on the internet. Seek it out and read it all. I walked from Le Puy en Velay to St. Jean Pied de Port in June 2006; from Pamplona to Santiago in May 2007; and Leon to Santiago in April 2008. I am 62 years old, have done a lot of week-long hiking and camping, am not in great shape, and have little competitive drive, at least against other people. These were my first long distance walks. Here are some thoughts, advice, if you will:
1. Twelve miles per day (20 km per day) is a good average. I met several pilgrims who felt they could do more, and pushed to 30 km per day when they were not exhausted by 20 km. I usually met them in bars while they were taking "a few days" to recover from tendonitis. Be a tortoise, not a hare.
2. If you are not an athlete, after three days you will be very sore. A complete rest day has amazing recuperative value. Plan for one, and don't feel guilty about taking it.
3. Wearing your boots around the house for a month is not the same as walking in them for 20 km a day for a week. The biggest blister problems were from "new" boots, which include the ones worn only around the house and yard. You need to train with a pack and your boots, and you need training hikes similar to what you will do on the Camino.
4. "Don't take it." Your pack must weight less than 10 kg (or 22 lbs.) You will never use your sleeping mat. Take a lightweight sleep sack, not a three pound sleeping bag. The albergues/gites have mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Use theirs. Do not plan on style. No one cares if you wear the same thing each day. One change of clothes is enough, except a third pair of socks may be useful. If you cannot resist, take a second spare T-shirt. One long sleeve shirt is enough. Let shower shoes double for casual shoes. One jacket is enough (my rain suit jacket worked for rain and cool weather). If it ever gets cold, you can wear a T-shirt, long sleeve shirt, and jacket. You can even sleep in that! No books. No cards. No radio. Take a weatherproof digital zoom camera instead of a film outfit. You will meet fascinating people, so leave the iPod at home, and communicate with pilgrims and nature.
5. Stop at the first sign of a hot spot on your feet. I use a silicone foot grease, polypropylene sock liner, and Thorlo socks. I have a SMALL bottle of isopropyl alcohol for drying and cleaning my feet. Take five minutes every hour to sit and take care of your feet. Blisters can turn a pilgrimage of mild discomfort into one of AGONY.
6. You are not headed to a remote jungle. Everything you may need you can buy along the way, so do not take any spares -- soap, toothpaste, etc. Even a first aid kit only needs to get you 5 km to the next pharmacy. Generally, carry snacks/meals for one day only.
7. Every pilgrimage is unique to the pilgrim. Avoid preconceptions, demanding schedules, burdensome friends, and you cellphone. Let your camino unfold a step at a time.
Enjoy the walk. Hairshirts went out in the middle ages! Make it as easy as you can, and don't be afraid of it.
