Advice on health matters

[VBCS]

My name is Vincent. I have recently joined this network, since I hope to do the Camino next year, but first I am seeking advice. I discovered the Camino almost by accident a few years ago when I was driving across Spain. I drove the route, stopping frequently to visit key locations and to talk to pilgrims. It captivated me and made me determined to do the walk. I know age is not a barrier - I'm "only" in my late 60s, but in the last couple of years my health (my heart) has declined - atrial fibrillation which makes it hard for me to walk up steep hills or climb stairs - I'm OK on the level. Whilst I remain keen to do the Camino, I guess I have to be realistic, so am planning to walk some of the flat bits and use transport to do the rest. Getting a compostela is not the issue for me. So, my first dip into this network is to ask if anyone has had the same problem, and if any members can recommend a sensible selection of the route between France and Santiago. Thank you.

 

[sillydoll]

Most of the camino is a bit of a roller-coaster of up and down hills. Even the last 100km is fairly arduous with lots of short, steep uphills and equally sharp down hills.
Some of the guide books have excellent profile maps. You can download one from this website.

http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/spip/spip.php?article774

Vincent, have you considered walking the camino with a company, like Fresco Tours or On Foot in Spain? I'm sure that they would provide vehicle backup should you need it.

 

[skilsaw]

I think Sil is correct. The most suitable experience for you is to go with a tour group that has a bus. These pilgrims do not carry a pack as all their stuff is on the bus.
The bus stops and lets everyone out and then drives a couple kms down the road to pick them up again where the camino crosses the road.

If you decide to walk instead of taking a bus tour, your age isn't an issue, but the atrial fibrillation is.

First talk to your doctor about your desire to do the Camino, and then start a long term training plan involving lots of walking. You will need to be able to walk is 15 to 20 kms per day. Some days will be as short as 10 kms. Seldom will it be more than 20 kms. Walking day after day wears people out so you will need to be able to walk for at least 4 hours, 5 or 6 days in a row.

This is not an exaggeration. "Regular" pilgrims walk for 6 or 7 hours each day covering 20 to 30 kms

The more I think of it, the more suitable the bus tour sounds for you.

Buen Camino.
David, Victoria, Canada

 

[Susanna]

Hi Vincent,
I have a husband who could not possibly walk the camino ,he has AF plus an enlarged heart so a bit more serious than you. I think an assisted walk would be a better option like what has been offered to you so far. It doesn't have to be difficult journey, any trip you do will be yours and no-one elses even if you just do a short part and come back another year to do some more, lots of people do that.
Regards,
Susanna

 

[alipilgrim]

I don't know much about it but isn't the Camino Madrid touted to be a fairly flat walk?

 

[VBCS]

Thanks to all of you who have offered advice. I will take it all on board, as they say, starting with walking more than I currently do - 25 minutes a day with the dogs is hardly the right level of preparation! Watch this space.