VintageElsa1967
PeacefulWarrior
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2021 or 2022
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I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day..... Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
When I prepared for my Camino in 2019 I had sometimes the same problem. I then drove every second or third week somewhere not too far from home and walked there, which also prepared me a bit to find my way in unknown areas. Though when walking the Frances that was not really necessary, one simply follows the yellow flechas (arrows). But maybe that makes walking a little more exciting for you in between.It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better.
When I was walking the Camino I just never asked myself that question, whether to continue to walk, I just did.Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on.
Somebody already wrote it, one does not have to walk a certain distance a day. The stages which are proposed by some of the pilgrim guides are just suggestions, no one is forced to walk the Camino exactly that way. One can start and stop whereever, whenever one wishes.I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health.
Think of it this way - you're not planning to walk 500 miles to Santiago all in one go; you're aiming to walk to that bend up ahead and, when you get there, you'll then aim for that tree a little further along and then . . . suddenly there's a little town up ahead that's where you aim to take a shower, grab a bite to eat and hang out with that Canadian/Spaniard/German pilgrim you met along the way and spent all day chatting to.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Frankly, I never thought about the distance. It's like eating an elephant...it's one bite at a time.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day.
Although I will confess that while I can go a 30K day, AKA 20 miles, the last couple of miles are kind of grim. It's okay, they end too and when you've done it you know you've done something. BTW those 8 miles you've cracked out, in the flatlands, work out to almost 13 kilometers. When you do a 10 mile walk you begin to understand how in the famous movie, the guy undoes his pack and leans back on the bridge. I never understood that until we'd walked a 10 mile walk in our training.(snip) I inserted responses to parts in the middle of the quote below.
"If you prefer walking shorter distances, the camino Frances might suit you best. There are a lot of albergues and a lot of other nice pilgrims. You might consider starting in Roncesvalles (or perhaps Pamplona). Most pilgrims start in St. Jean-pied-de-Port. Although there are 2 possible ways from St. Jean to Roncesvalles, in both cases it would mean 12+ miles up a mountain."
(snip)
If you walk the Valcarlos way, you effectively divide that first 1 day of the Napoleon way into 2 if you want to. There is a place to stay around half way to Roncesvalles. I am hoping that, whenever I am able to walk the Frances again, I can walk the Valcarlos path.
"Don't identify yourself with other pilgrims doing longer distances. It's not a race or a competition. " (snip)
What he said, in spades. If you're focused on out-doing the other guy, or being "more authentic" than the next gal, you're blocking off your participation in the pilgrimage. For me, one of the biggest lessons of the Camino, which I'm still learning, is to let go of the control. Yes, it feels ever so much more comforting to look up lots of information and read the guide books--yes, plural--and type up a plan. But in the event it is crucial to let all that be an enriching background, not a straitjacket.
I do build in some rest days in the plan, and a couple of days at the end for flexibility. The last time we walked, we used one of those end days to visit the royal monastery at El Escorial. The only thing I really keep track of, sort of, is when I need to be in the city where we fly out of to home to be there the night before the flight. And if I feel the need to ride a bus, I don't do it in the last 100 km, but early on so I will able to continue walking in that last part. But if you don't intend on qualifying for the Compostela certificate, that consideration is irrelevant.
"And you can take it easy every day, walking a bit, taking long breaks (try the local cafe-con-leche) and walk a bit more. It's all you have to do all day long (and what a joy that is).
If you want to get an idea of how far it is between possible places to stay, take a look at Gronze.com. Although it's in Spanish, it's easy enough to understand for non-Spanish speaking people:
Camino Francés | Gronze.com
El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...www.gronze.com
Enjoy your Camino."
What she says. Although if you're in the American Southeast, you may look at the local park with an eye to whether you need to wear bug repellant. The 4 miles walk in Ocala National Forest we took while on a road trip was the single ticky-est walk I have ever taken. The darned things were parachuting down like the soldiers on D-Day! But it was pretty.Times are hard. It's easy to contemplate giving up, but sitting at home is just as boring as walking without any purpose. Start walking EVERYWHERE, to work, the store (with your backpack, to haul things home!), the beauty shop. If you live in the suburbs that might be a bit weird, but it is doable. Smile and greet the people you see out there. Be the eccentric friendly person who walks! Add that to the beach walking you're doing now, and perhaps look around for a state park or other natural beauty spot where there are hiking trails... expand your horizons to keep walking interesting. You will be in great shape for the camino when your day arrives.
(I am 58, I live on the Way, and try to do a part of the camino every year. I don't do specific training walks -- just a minimum of 6 or 8 km each day with my dogs, and some heavy lifting here and there. That keeps me in enough condition that I can pick up and walk 20+ km. daily to Santiago, but your mileage may vary!)
Don't worry about the Camino. There are plenty of other more pressing things to consider these days, especially if you live in Florida!
I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
It is different on the Camino. It is different because you are in a different country and able to enjoy cultural and historic sights along the route, and different cuisines and customs. It is different because each day is, to some extent, a discovery. It is different because you are making progress to a destination or a goal, not just returning to where you started from. It is different because walking is really your only task and responsibility for the day (that and taking care of yourself). It is not something that is in addition to all of your regular life's responsibilities. It is different because you are in a community of people walking with the same goal, each acting as each other's cheerleaders.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
That's a good point - you'll encounter something you might not see a lot of in Florida: hills.
Then when you're on the hill overlooking Santiago de Compostela and the cathedral spires and you'll cry from the sheer accomplishment of it all.
I couldn't have said it better. You speak for me, too.Walking the Camino is very different than walking at home in your own environment! On the Camino you aren't just walking. You are traveling, walking is simply your mode of transportation. Every day you will walk through a new landscape, new villages and cities. You will also be socializing as you walk, meeting interesting people from all over the world. It's amazing how fast five miles go while you're having good conversation with fellow peregrinos.
Before I did my first Camino I thought "what will I do if I don't like it?" Then I realized that Spain has some fabulous beaches and cities where I could spend my time if I decided not to continue on the Camino.
Of course that didn't happen; I now have 5 Caminos under my belt, and a longing to do more.
Or find some convenient stairs.If you can, grab your loaded backpack and take a car trip to some hills for practice on the ups and downs.
When I started my first Camino, I wasn’t used to walking, let alone with a backpack. I didn’t have much time to train, I was still working full-time then. I did a bit of training, I think the longest walks I did then were 8km. And not that many.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
For myself, I find stairs a poor substitute for hills. Stairs have a significant riser that works (stresses) your muscles and joints in a way that a slope does not.Or find some convenient stairs.
The OP indicated she lives in Florida. I hate to think how far one has to drive in Florida to find a hill. Hence my suggestion of stairs.For myself, I find stairs a poor substitute for hills. Stairs have a significant riser that works (stresses) your muscles and joints in a way that a slope does not.
Also, too high / too often stair climbing can blow out your ACL. Don't ask how I know.
I shall restrict my reply to the need to get fit.I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily.
I suspect that many first timers do think about this, I certainly did. For me, this was one of the most attractive things about embarking on this pilgrimage, the enormous personal challenge of not knowing, before I started, that I could complete this..... Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for advice and the complement as I am 53!!Hello Elsa,
It's always nice to see young people becoming interested in walking a Camino (I'm already 57).
As you might have understood from browsing this forum walking the Frances (or any Camino) might give you experiences and memories that you'll cherish for the rest of your life. Don't let walking relatively short daily distances distract you from that.
If you prefer walking shorter distances, the camino Frances might suit you best. There are a lot of albergues and a lot of other nice pilgrims. You might consider starting in Roncesvalles (or perhaps Pamplona). Most pilgrims start in St. Jean-pied-de-Port. Although there are 2 possible ways from St. Jean to Roncesvalles, in both cases it would mean 12+ miles up a mountain.
After Roncesvalles there are a lot of albergues. And who knows, after having walked 8 miles each day for a number of days, it wouldn't surprise me that you're daily distances become longer. Just take it easy and do it your way.
Don't identify yourself with other pilgrims doing longer distances. It's not a race or a competition. It's a once in a lifetime experience. Unless you become 'addicted' to walking camino's (that is what happened to me). If you do it your way, you might even consider taking a bus (or taxi) if a stretch between two albergues is just too long for you.
And you can take it easy every day, walking a bit, taking long breaks (try the local cafe-con-leche) and walk a bit more. It's all you have to do all day long (and what a joy that is).
If you want to get an idea of how far it is between possible places to stay, take a look at Gronze.com. Although it's in Spanish, it's easy enough to understand for non-Spanish speaking people:
Camino Francés | Gronze.com
El Camino Francés es el Camino de Santiago en el que confluyen la mayoría de las vías medievales de peregrinación europeas, siendo por tanto el camino de mayor relevancia histórica y el más seguido por los peregrinos. Su punto de inicio, hoy en día, tanto puede considerarse Roncesvalles como...www.gronze.com
Enjoy your Camino.
I wish that I knew about the Camino when I was only 53.Thanks for advice and the complement as I am 53!!
I can’t wait to go... it’sa dream on my bucket list
So true. Just hard to be entranced by asphalt lol but I think you are right and need to find trails or somewhere to change my environmentBoredom is relative.
For someone from a camino town, walking from home is probably boring. But we are entranced.
Put them in our hometown, and they might be entranced.
So finding a way to see home with new eyes each day is automatic immunity from tediousness. Which is not to say we don't want to go to Spain to walk a camino, but it makes the time between now and then more interesting.
I’m just afraid that I won’t be able to make it to the next place where I can stay. Or nightfall comes and I’m still walking. I’ve heard about the race for beds. I have thought maybe if I walk 8 miles rest 30 min and then set out again. I guess I should mention that I am anemic and have low iron so I get tired quickly. I want start in SJPP but the Pyrenees mountains scare me. Funny enough that’s the part I really would love to do.Another thing is to think about the Camino as being a series of daily walks. And each day you don't do one long walk, but several shorter walks with breaks for snacks, meals and rest.
That is good because I love cafe con leche lol maybe I can cafe my way through Spain. Is there really many stops along the way? I imagined lots of open spaces and nothing for milesNo need to worry about how far you can walk. With poles and regular stops for eats and cafes con leche, you will be just fine.
Maybe if I wait at the start of the Pyrenees mountains I can ask people to let me go with them. I know it sounds crazy but I really feel I want to do the how Frances Way. I hate being so fearful of something so many have done.It has all been said here already. You would be well able for it as you decide how far you want to walk on any day. Fellow peragrinos that I and you will meet along the way are very helpful and supportive and encouraging.Go for it,I promise you wont regret it,ever.
On this website www.gronze.com you can see the route and where you can buy things or sleep.Maybe if I wait at the start of the Pyrenees mountains I can ask people to let me go with them. I know it sounds crazy but I really feel I want to do the how Frances Way. I hate being so fearful of something so many have done.
I generally walk for about an hour or so (about 3-4 miles), stop for breakfast, walk a few more hours (6-10 miles) , stop for snack or lunch, then walk a couple more hours (6-10 miles) until I'm at my destination.I’m just afraid that I won’t be able to make it to the next place where I can stay. Or nightfall comes and I’m still walking. I’ve heard about the race for beds. I have thought maybe if I walk 8 miles rest 30 min and then set out again. I guess I should mention that I am anemic and have low iron so I get tired quickly. I want start in SJPP but the Pyrenees mountains scare me. Funny enough that’s the part I really would love to do.
You will find it very easy to find people to walk with when you start in St Jean Pied de Port. There will be pilgrims everywhere, many of them also solo walkers looking for walking companions.Maybe if I wait at the start of the Pyrenees mountains I can ask people to let me go with them. I know it sounds crazy but I really feel I want to do the how Frances Way. I hate being so fearful of something so many have done.
Haha, yes...but you'll find plenty of that on the camino.Just hard to be entranced by asphalt
Sometimes it's this way.I imagined lots of open spaces and nothing for miles
For much of the camino there are villages every few kilometres. There are a couple of longer stretches. The longest being 17 km (about 10 miles) in the open space of the meseta near the middle of the camino, but that is the exception rather than the rule.That is good because I love cafe con leche lol maybe I can cafe my way through Spain. Is there really many stops along the way? I imagined lots of open spaces and nothing for miles
Have no doubt you will be inspired once you start your Camino. It is not like walking at home. The distance you walk each day will improve as you go along. One thing I always feel when walking a Camino is that you have nothing else to do - so just put one foot in front of the other and enjoy yourself.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
You have obviously gotten alot of reassuring advice.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I wish that more young people like you would walk the Camino, not only oldtimers like me. For many, it is a lifechanger, and I am convinced that many young people would recreate their lives to a better experience/existence, based on what the Camino will teach them.Thanks for advice and the complement as I am 53!!
I can’t wait to go... it’sa dream on my bucket list
The OP indicated she lives in Florida. I hate to think how far one has to drive in Florida to find a hill. Hence my suggestion of stairs.
You have obviously gotten alot of reassuring advice.
Let me tell you some more. I have walked 5 caminos and have trained alot for some and alot less for others. But I have learned HOW to walk. That to me is the key.
You are going to meet lots of pilgrims who walked all different speeds and distances. As I am sure others have said walk your own camino. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. It will take a little while but you will find your own pace. When you wake up and start your day, eat something, hydrate, care for your feet and go. Do not rush get into it. Your body will begin to take you at the speed it wants to. Remember if you join (I never have) a "camino family" you may be induced to walk faster or slower than you need to walk. This can tire you out. Even walking to slowly can. It can also induce you to walk farther than your body wants to. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you don't blisters, bone spurs, tendinitis or something more serious may occur. You can always meet your new lifetime friends at the end of the day or another day. If not there is always another fantastic person coming up behind you.
I trained like a madman for my first camino and was helped by a triathlete in my training. I was 58 when I first walked. Even still I was ready to die when I got to Orison and again ready to be buried when I got to Roncesvalles at the end of that first memorable day. I was sore and exhausted for the first week and then somehow I got past it and got stronger and stronger.
My second Camino I walked from Le Puy to Santiago. That is about 1400k. When I got to St. Jean and attacked the mountain it was a piece of cake. When I got to Orison I was shocked when I saw it because I thought I was still about an hour away. See what walking for a month does for you.
My fourth Camino I was living in the tropics of Mexico and I could only walk in a gym for an hour or so a day as it was brutally hot out. Even walking at 6:00AM was killing me. I walked the Camino Norte (I was 63 at this point). The Norte, in my opinion is much more difficult to walk than the Frances. The route from Le Puy, France is also. The first week from Irun to Bilbao knocked me out for two reasons. Every morning there were steep hills that seemed to go up and up and a few more that went up and up and down and down during the day. At the end of alot of days it is a steep zig zag down to the villages that are on the coast of Northern Spain. They downhills can really do a number on your hips and knees. But it also knocked me out by the sheer beauty of the coast every single day.
So you can do it. Walk when you want to walk. Stop when you are starting to feel a little tired. Wherever you are just stop. Take off your pack and rest for 10-15 minutes. Have some high energy fruit like kiwis or bananas or some nuts and drink water and stay hydrated. Then walk again. Believe me before you know it you will see 20-25 kilometers in front of you for the day and say that it is an easy day. You will constantly be meeting pilgrims if you choose. Like others have said, if you can walk 8 miles you can walk 800K. It is one step at a time.
Looking very relaxed, I can't wait to take the time and just be off for weeks. As an American I have never taken more than a week or two off unless I was hospitalized. I love the idea of just having nothing to worry about other than to get up and walk and contemplate life.And after a day's walk and a communal dinner, with fellow pilgrims (new friends), it's time for a glass (plastic) in the afternoon sun... Life is good on the Camino...
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Great Advice , thank youWhen I started my first Camino, I wasn’t used to walking, let alone with a backpack. I didn’t have much time to train, I was still working full-time then. I did a bit of training, I think the longest walks I did then were 8km. And not that many.
it isn’t a race and if you start with the Camino francés, there are many stops on the way where you can find food and accommodation. You do not have to be a long distance walker when you start, by any means. You will become one, as you go along
Of course, I speak of pre-Covid times! I hear it is a bit more difficult now as some albergues are closed etc. But if you are flexible, I hear that it is still very feasible - as long as you go with no expectations
As for walking at home.... Yes, I am ashamed to say that I found it quite boring at times, especially during the Covid times when all we could do was walking very close to home... And I did, over and over againI couldn’t complain as my Spanish friends weren’t even allowed to do that.
Even a few years ago, when I trained for a longer Camino, I just got used to walking
one way and back again, just to practise walking long distances. I was bored out of my head but still enjoyed every bit of it, as it was for a purpose.
Just go for it
You have obviously gotten alot of reassuring advice.
Let me tell you some more. I have walked 5 caminos and have trained alot for some and alot less for others. But I have learned HOW to walk. That to me is the key.
You are going to meet lots of pilgrims who walked all different speeds and distances. As I am sure others have said walk your own camino. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. It will take a little while but you will find your own pace. When you wake up and start your day, eat something, hydrate, care for your feet and go. Do not rush get into it. Your body will begin to take you at the speed it wants to. Remember if you join (I never have) a "camino family" you may be induced to walk faster or slower than you need to walk. This can tire you out. Even walking to slowly can. It can also induce you to walk farther than your body wants to. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. If you don't blisters, bone spurs, tendinitis or something more serious may occur. You can always meet your new lifetime friends at the end of the day or another day. If not there is always another fantastic person coming up behind you.
I trained like a madman for my first camino and was helped by a triathlete in my training. I was 58 when I first walked. Even still I was ready to die when I got to Orison and again ready to be buried when I got to Roncesvalles at the end of that first memorable day. I was sore and exhausted for the first week and then somehow I got past it and got stronger and stronger.
My second Camino I walked from Le Puy to Santiago. That is about 1400k. When I got to St. Jean and attacked the mountain it was a piece of cake. When I got to Orison I was shocked when I saw it because I thought I was still about an hour away. See what walking for a month does for you.
My fourth Camino I was living in the tropics of Mexico and I could only walk in a gym for an hour or so a day as it was brutally hot out. Even walking at 6:00AM was killing me. I walked the Camino Norte (I was 63 at this point). The Norte, in my opinion is much more difficult to walk than the Frances. The route from Le Puy, France is also. The first week from Irun to Bilbao knocked me out for two reasons. Every morning there were steep hills that seemed to go up and up and a few more that went up and up and down and down during the day. At the end of alot of days it is a steep zig zag down to the villages that are on the coast of Northern Spain. They downhills can really do a number on your hips and knees. But it also knocked me out by the sheer beauty of the coast every single day.
So you can do it. Walk when you want to walk. Stop when you are starting to feel a little tired. Wherever you are just stop. Take off your pack and rest for 10-15 minutes. Have some high energy fruit like kiwis or bananas or some nuts and drink water and stay hydrated. Then walk again. Believe me before you know it you will see 20-25 kilometers in front of you for the day and say that it is an easy day. You will constantly be meeting pilgrims if you choose. Like others have said, if you can walk 8 miles you can walk 800K. It is one step at a time.
Yes, it can be done in separate trips.... I want to go for 30 days and hope and pray that I can do it in 30 days, but if I can't, WELL I can stop and come back and finish right? It does not have to be stamped consecutively? It can be done in separate trips?
I'm newly considering doing a little pedal work at the gym.
I imagined lots of open spaces and nothing for miles
I can stop and come back and finish right?
If you can, try to allow at least 5 weeks for walking. 30 days could be challenging.I have realized that I don't have to have an expectation. I want to go for 30 days and hope and pray that I can do it in 30 days, but if I can't, WELL I can stop and come back and finish right? It does not have to be stamped consecutively? It can be done in separate trips?
The smart way: Flight to Madrid or Barcelona, train to Pamplona, and start walking from there the next day. My favourite.If you can, try to allow at least 5 weeks for walking. 30 days could be challenging.
Of course you can walk as far as you can in 30 days and return to finish, but that wouldn't be my choice.
If I could only walk for 30 days, my choice would be to start closer to Santiago, I can't imagine getting that close and having to leave everyone that I've met along the way and go home. Actually, I can imagine it somewhat - I had to abandon my second Camino (the Norte) when I was just about 100 km from Santiago because of severe shin splints (and severe stupidity - the shin splits got worse because I refused to stop walking and rest when I first felt them) It was depressing to watch everyone that I had met over the previous weeks go on without me.You can always go back and do the Pyrenees section later.
Others will recommend starting in St Jean Pied de Port and then busing ahead to make up time on the Meseta. I also wouldn't do this, as I really value the continuity of not skipping sections. You also lose touch with your walking cohort that you start with, and may have to spend a few days walking somewhat alone until you meet and gel with your new cohort.
The Frances is loaded with places to stay. Not only are there the famous albergues, there are also pensiones, casas rurales, hotels....I’m just afraid that I won’t be able to make it to the next place where I can stay. Or nightfall comes and I’m still walking. I’ve heard about the race for beds. I have thought maybe if I walk 8 miles rest 30 min and then set out again. I guess I should mention that I am anemic and have low iron so I get tired quickly. I want start in SJPP but the Pyrenees mountains scare me. Funny enough that’s the part I really would love to do.
Hello , go on your adventure at 53 you are Young . I walked in 2014 at 70 all of October . The walk is not difficult and you will love the experience . Last year at 75 i walked 360 ks Le Puy to Cahors which was tough but still wonderful . Dont be so negative , wait till Covid is over and embrace the challenge .I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Do your training walks with the pack that you will use. Load it up to about 23 pounds.Wow you are inspiring ! I cannot imagine 1400K. Well I will get myself practicing more and not thinking of speed and more of just comfortably getting in quantity of miles in. I like the idea of taking the 10-15 min rest, cause while I won't make record time at least I won't kill myself trying to race. I am so looking forward to going. I have been dreaming for years to go. It was never a possibility until now. I have saved up. I was a single mother for years and unhealthy and it was only a dream...now God willing, it will be my reality.
This would make a good backpack for a girl who weighs 230 pounds...Do your training walks with the pack that you will use. Load it up to about 23 pounds.
I agree. My backpack usually weighs about 14 pounds without water and food. I rarely carry much food - usually an orange and a chocolate bar.This would make a good backpack for a girl who weighs 230 pounds...
In case Elsa weighs a little bit less than that, the 10 per cent rule of the body weight is advisable (I think)
God willing will help but your willing will help you make your dream a reality. We all know you can do it.Wow you are inspiring ! I cannot imagine 1400K. Well I will get myself practicing more and not thinking of speed and more of just comfortably getting in quantity of miles in. I like the idea of taking the 10-15 min rest, cause while I won't make record time at least I won't kill myself trying to race. I am so looking forward to going. I have been dreaming for years to go. It was never a possibility until now. I have saved up. I was a single mother for years and unhealthy and it was only a dream...now God willing, it will be my reality.
As soon as I can I will start in Sevilla for Camino 6 on the VDLP. I am sure I will have the jitters before I go. I always do. Now they just end a whole lot sooner!Excuse me smiling.........but this feeling is very common before your first Camino
Most people get the 'jitters'.
I'll just say one thing........
Walking at home is boring. I don't do it.
Walking on the Camino........is amazing in every way you can imagine
Just go...........don't worry......
Yes it can be done in separate trips. Just make sure you keep your Pilgrim passport. The only requirement is that you walk the last 100K which everyone counts as starting is Sarria and getting two stamps each day. I will give you a little more advice. No one can predict how they will feel emotionally, mentally or physically when they walk. Let each day unfold as no two days feel the same or you have the same experiences. Even on the Meseta where some see monotony others feel awakenings. If you can plan to go for more than 30 days, You may find that you do not want to walk more but you need to walk more which is a far more powerful feeling. I assume we have one thing in common and that is you are probably walking on a budget as you said you have been saving for the camino. I too walk on a budget. There can be really great hidden treasure in not having as much money as you think you would like to have. You can stay in Donativos. I Donativo is an albergue that does not have a fixed price for sleeping. You pay what you can afford. But remember if you can afford to pay something please do. It does not mean it is free. Many donativos have communal meals that again you would contribute a few euros, as much as your budget allows. You can also help by getting involved in the preparation or clean up of the dinner. You will share great experiences sitting at a table with wonderful people from around the world. And the way things are going today meeting wonderful people is a great natural vaccine against the craziness around us. Often times they will have a simple breakfast too. You can shop at grocery stores for your lunch and dinner. There will always be people preparing dinner in the albergue and if you ask believe me you will not be refused but be welcomed to join them. If you want to have dinner out with new friends you always have a pilgrims menu for about 10-12 Euros. Or you can meet people after you eat. On your smartphone you should bookmark Gronze.com which gives you lists of albergues, and tells you which are donativos and have kitchen facilities. Maps with distances of stages and distances between towns. There is also an elevation guide too. Download the Buen Camino and Wise Pilgrim apps they have the same information but will give you a wider range of places to stay. They are both free apps. Also do not be stuck on following the stages. Stay where you want and where your body tells you to sleep. If you are traveling during months with alot of pilgrims it will probably elevate your stress to find a bed.I have realized that I don't have to have an expectation. I want to go for 30 days and hope and pray that I can do it in 30 days, but if I can't, WELL I can stop and come back and finish right? It does not have to be stamped consecutively? It can be done in separate trips?
It can absolutely be done in separate trips. And if you only have 30 days for your first camino, it is great that you are coming without expectations and prepared to do it in multiple trips. Not to say that it can't be done in 30. Many people do. But when my teenage son and I walked it in 2016 (the year I turned 53) we took 37 days from Roncesvalles to Santiago.I have realized that I don't have to have an expectation. I want to go for 30 days and hope and pray that I can do it in 30 days, but if I can't, WELL I can stop and come back and finish right? It does not have to be stamped consecutively? It can be done in separate trips?
When I train, like @VintageElsa1967, I walk less distance during training, for various reasons, than I would whilst on pilgrimage and so I like to compensate by increasing my training pack weight. This also has the advantage of over preparing my body for weight bearing and means that carrying a pack on Camino is almost unnoticeable.This would make a good backpack for a girl who weighs 230 pounds...
In case Elsa weighs a little bit less than that, the 10 per cent rule of the body weight is advisable (I think)
Hey Elsa just had a friend in Texas do the virtual Camino and she loved it. May be worth a look for you.https://www.theconqueror.events/camino/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2Jb7BRBHEiwAXTR4jV0Xyq_5QiRmGbijcAkZ8xPq2EpfJ0U_h6XJ3VU2Zv-JvVelJG5s6xoCJxcQAvD_BwE. She and her husband did it and she enlisted other suppoerting folks to accompany her and she said it was quite rewarding in these timesI have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
At 53 you are YOUNG! I appreciate that 8 miles in flat Florida may not be the ideal preparation but your body will adjust. I did my first 'partial' Camino Frances last year and loved every second of it and was surprised at how I was able to walk 15 - 22 miles per day without a problem. My preparation was similar to yours, just around 8 miles or so locally on flat terrain. This year I did the Camino Portugues fro Porto and was fortunate to complete it before Coronavirus made it too risky. In answer to your question about motivation there would normally plenty of people around to help if needed but generally motivation comes from within in my view. Be positive and tell yourself you are doing it when it is reasonable and safe. Good luck.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
@VintageElsa1967 said that so far, while training she has gotten up to walking 8 miles in a day and is concerned because she finds it boring. I don't believe she means that she plans to walk only 8 miles each day on the Camino.OMG 8 miles is more than plenty! Just give your self time with a few days off here and there - you have to rest. So if you want to do the whole thing (500 miles/8miles a day) that's about 62 days.
I agree with the other posts in reply to your message. I did my camino (full frances route from SJPP to Santiago) a couple of years ago when I was 60. I live in Miami and found the training to be hard due to the humidity and lack of topography. Our local camino group suggested I go up and down bleachers or up parking garage ramps to simulate the hills. I did find the hills a bit of a challenge on the camino and keeping my footing on rocky/pebble terrain and in muddy conditions but so does everyone. I even got weird stares in my neighborhood when they saw me practicing with pack and poles but I persevered. The good thing was due to my practice training I resolved a lot of issues ahead of time with how to stretch to avoid shin splints, the right socks to avoid/reduce blisters and was able to break in my shoes so don't give up. The other things I didn't like practice walking alongside roads and almost got hit by a few cyclists who didn't warn me they were coming but funnily enough both happened a lot along the camino so I was better prepared. Hang in there and Good luck!!!I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I have walked the Camino five times and I have never trained for it. Instead, I 'train' as I walk - each day prepares me for the next day. I find that much more enjoyable than going to a gym to prepare for my walk. But, of course, that's just me; everyone is different. The key is to stay flexible distance-wise. You stop whenever you feel the need to stop. As many have said, it's not a race. Enjoy the experience - and the scenery of course!I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Hello! Walking is time for me to relax and not be pulled by things. Why do you walk? Maybe your motivation needs a revamp... do you love nature? Then the camino will nurture that. Do you love meeting people, then that will be nurtured. Foof motivates you??? Then that may be an incentive. I think that you need to set an intention each time you walk at home- to help motivate you. I took walking as a challenge(54 and very overweight!) and a time for me. Wishing you all the best.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
The best training in my view is being on your feet all day. The Camino is about the head and the heart over the body. I saw many young fit people leave the way because they tried to conquer it and found themselves counquered. The friends you make along the way will also carry you on those difficult days.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
I walked the Camino Portuguese from Porto when I was 65. The only thing that made walking difficult was in my training, I didn’t have inclines. Once on the Camino ( I assume any path) you will get hills and inclines, and BIG ones. But isn’t that life? There are times when we are faced with seemingly impossible mountains of challenges; we think: omg, I can’t. Yet.... we do.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Have a read of this - it may help explain my point a little more.
Drop The Qualifiers
Since I began this journey in St Jean-Pied-de-Port 28 days ago, I’ve been joined along the way by a great number of fellow Pilgrims who started their own Camino somewhere else, like Pamplona,…johnelsewhere.blog
A good tip is to pack full water bottles in your pack when you are training. If you decide that the weight is too much, you can simply empty some of them.Do your Forum homework for a backpack (it is remarkable how little you will actually need) and gradually add weight to your pack (liter bottles of water). I love TEVA sandals and Zappos is a great online option.
You may not need walking poles in Florida, but if you are going to use them on the Camino it's best to practice with them. Except when I am in towns and cities I use my poles all the time on the Camino, regardless of incline or terrain.You do not need walking poles in Florida.
I too am from Florida, and did my first Camino Frances when I was in my mid-50's. It is absolutely doable for us. I will warn you, that first stretch from SJPdP is best done in in 2 stages ( I did Orisson then Espinal). I tried to average about 25Km/day, but I let my feet make the final decision. You will find folks to walk with and I absolutely got motivation from them. I hope you decide to do it, you won't be sorry, Buen Camino.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
The distance seems great at home but is nothing on the Camino. I only trained max 3 hrs at home. Once on the Camino I used to get up early and Just walk for an hr or so then stop for breakfast, then walk for a couple of hours n stop for coffee or cool drink then walk for a couple of hrs n light lunch then walk for an hour or 2 and that was approx 30 k At approx 5k per hr. After a few days your speed increases. Some days are shorter some longer. It’s your choice.I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
You have nothing to worry about. You are doing just fine. I was 70 when I did my first Camino in 2016 and although I was doing a lot of hiking I wasn't doing many 8 mile days. My hikes averaged 8-16 km 2 times a week and that was it. I did work out at the gym and with a personal trainer twice a week. I had no problems at all and I did the Norte and part of the Frances. You would be surprised what you can do once you start out. I have major back problems, feet problems and a knee replacement. It will be a piece of cake for you. You will get lots of motivation. Go for it!!!I have been wanting to do the Frances Way. I have been walking and trying get myself used to walking long distances. I am mostly able to do about 8 miles in a day. It is boring and uneventful to just walk here. I have tried walking the beaches and it is better. Still I feel like maybe I should not try to embark on a Camino. Is it different on the Camino? Will I get the motivation from others to continue and move on. I don't want to be a pre-quitter LOL but, I am afraid of getting there and not being able to walk the distance needed daily. I am 53 and in relatively good health. I imagine that walking on the Camino and not worrying about having to be somewhere or do something will make it easier, and also having company at times. Do most people think about not being able to walk the distance? any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Exactly right. Loved those stops for coffee and later in the day for beer, and you do work up to it.The distance seems great at home but is nothing on the Camino. I only trained max 3 hrs at home. Once on the Camino I used to get up early and Just walk for an hr or so then stop for breakfast, then walk for a couple of hours n stop for coffee or cool drink then walk for a couple of hrs n light lunch then walk for an hour or 2 and that was approx 30 k At approx 5k per hr. After a few days your speed increases. Some days are shorter some longer. It’s your choice.
My friend walked at 3k per hr but after about 4 days with poles and bigger stride she increased to 4-4.5 k per hr.
Don’t worry. You will do it easily. Some people used to race through and I kinda felt sorry for them. I always stopped to admire places, animals, nature, people, as for me it was all about the journey.
I met a young lady going really slow near Santiago because she didn’t want to reach the end.
Your limitations are only because you are home. Injury can slow you down but that’s also part of the experience. It’s not a race n solely your journey. Don’t let fear of the unknown scare you from one of the best adventures of your life.
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