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annelise said:My concern (having studied the Brierley guide), is now how difficult the descents between Roncesvalles and Zubiri will be – my first day of walking. (And I have no ambition of breaking any records – but to just take my time).
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Since you asked, and from a 65+ camino walker, two trekking poles, and start using them during your training walks. Watch videos available on the internet on their proper use. They give you balance, prevent falls, and reduce stress on your knees and ankles by up to 40%. The cartilage in your joints is not what it was when you were 20. The million steps you will take to Santiago will be repetitive stress like you have not experienced before. Give yourself a break by properly using trekking poles, and just one is not enough. This is part opinion, but mostly facts!Any other advice you might wish to give to a first-timer 65+ camino walker
annelise said:Any other advice you might wish to give to a first-timer 65+ Camino walker would be gladly welcomed.
At almost 80 grayland, I'll remember your words as I start from St. Jean for my first Camino on Sept 25…..even though many don't believe my age, my body does remind me from time to time (usually during yoga) so easy does it. Hope to arrive in Santiago on my 80th:>)From a 70+ Camino walker....don't let your age lower yoconfidencence level. Many of us are quite a bit older (or about the same age) and seem to much more likely to see it through than many of the younger Pilgrims. I was not in very fit condition on my first Camino and did a little last minute training that probably helped as I have never done any walking before.
Good luck....just let it happen. Don't worry about it and it will turn out fantastic.
thanks grayland (Google's self-correct wants to call you grassland:>) …yes, if I thought age was a factor, I would not embark on the journey. I've been blessed with good health, but also work consistently at keeping it that way. Appreciate the thoughts.Maggie,
We are very near the same age....If you are feeling fit you should have no more problems than those quite a bit younger. Many of them have a much worse time due to lack of fitness or physical problems. Age is a big factor only in that many people do not keep fit as they age.
Physical injuries or disabilities happen at every age.
As an encouragement, I have just returned from walking the Primitivo and then going to Porto and walking the coastal route of the Portugues.
I walked everyday with a group of 5 very fit 30 year olds from Germany, Ireland and Oz that I met on the route.
I had no problem in keeping up with them...except when the guys would race each other, at full speed, up the steep inclines with their packs on.
I did not participate. Walking up hills at any speed is not my favorite thing.
The point is that age alone is not a limiting factor. Go for it and forget your age and concentrate on your fitness.
Buen Camino
Hi Annelise, you give already the answer yourself. Do it nice and easy and you will do fine. Wish you a great journey and a Buen Camino, Peter.Thanks to all for your wonderful advice on this site (have now booked plane tickets).
My concern (having studied the Brierley guide), is now how difficult the descents between Roncesvalles and Zubiri will be – my first day of walking. (And I have no ambition of breaking any records – but to just take my time).
I am not in perfect shape for undertaking the camino, but I know that it is something I need to do.
Best, Annelise (Denmark)
More or less like 2. It is quite short compared to 1. and a bit more difficult than 3. due to the large rocky slate patches. Buen Camino, SY
In terms of both difficulty and character:
A bit like 1 but as @SYates says, shorter. There are some gnarly patches of steep smooth rock, but provided it's dry the stretch is Ok if you take your time.
Much easier for me than the brutality of that rubble coming off the Alto de Perdon or before Acebo.
And lots harder than 3, which doesn't much register for me.
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