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Many have said you can walk short distances, which is the case. However, to reinforce that and give you less stress, acquire a guidebook and study it. It will be broken down in stages but you do not have to follow them. However, for each stage there will be a map showing each village and lodging along the way. Check the distances between those lodging locations and put together a tentative daily walking distance based on those distances. You will see daily distance wise it is quite doable. You will be more comfortable and can work on getting equipment and in shape.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.
Hi, I walked Camino Frances at 61, and best experience of my life. Many older and frailer than me there, and walking with injuries and illness. If your 53 and fit, you will have no problems whatsoever, physically. There’s enough people to encourage and assist you all the way, and hopefully you will be ready to do the same. I would suggest you don’t go with the expectation of not finishing but with a clear intent to complete your Camino and accept whatever comes and goes, or stays with you. You won’t know til you do it, but you’ll never know if you don’t. Buen CaminoI 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.
I imagine I will have to allow for snacks in my pack and not push myself to exhaustion. I do worry but I don’t want to not go because I’m afraid of it. I’m sure people have lots of medical issues and still go, right? lol I’m 53 138 # and my only ailment for now Is that I’m anemic and have an obsession with going to the beach lol. I’m sure the Camino is going to bring out so issues in the old girl LOLThe Frances is loaded with places to stay. Not only are there the famous albergues, there are also pensiones, casas rurales, hotels....
About the anemia, I hope you're working on that. Being tired to start out with is discouraging. You could carry some nuts-n-raisins type snacks and see if that helps?
Phil awesome encouragement MIL GRACIASHi, I walked Camino Frances at 61, and best experience of my life. Many older and frailer than me there, and walking with injuries and illness. If your 53 and fit, you will have no problems whatsoever, physically. There’s enough people to encourage and assist you all the way, and hopefully you will be ready to do the same. I would suggest you don’t go with the expectation of not finishing but with a clear intent to complete your Camino and accept whatever comes and goes, or stays with you. You won’t know til you do it, but you’ll never know if you don’t. Buen CaminoPhil
It's not necessary to carry a lot in the way of snacks. There are villages with bars/cafes rather frequently giving you an opportunity to stop, rest, have some café con leche and and meal or snack. I almost always carry my "emergency orange and chocolate bar," but they often stay in my pack for several days, because there are so many opportunities to buy food along the way.I imagine I will have to allow for snacks in my pack and not push myself to exhaustion. I do worry but I don’t want to not go because I’m afraid of it.
You certainly could do a 15 day Camino, then spend the rest of your time traveling and exploring Spain. Many people do that kind of thing.I live in Merritt Island Florida and most weekends I am on the beach. I would love to check out the beaches in Spain but did not want to do the Norte. Does anyone do part walking and part travel and then fully walk the last 100k. Like walk and ride through the first part I mean, sightsee. Maybe it’s more about the experience of being there than getting the Compostela by doing that.
I really feel I want to walk and finish it in one trip from wherever I start. So maybe I need to find a starting point that I can do in 15 days and get my first Camino under my belt so I can see what it’s like. Do people do that?
I live in Merritt Island Florida and most weekends I am on the beach. I would love to check out the beaches in Spain but did not want to do the Norte. Does anyone do part walking and part travel and then fully walk the last 100k. Like walk and ride through the first part I mean, sightsee. Maybe it’s more about the experience of being there than getting the Compostela by doing that.
I really feel I want to walk and finish it in one trip from wherever I start. So maybe I need to find a starting point that I can do in 15 days and get my first Camino under my belt so I can see what it’s like. Do people do that?
In my experience, it takes about a week to ten days before I feel like I have become "one with the Camino," and others that I have met have told me that they had the same experience.The first week to 10 days the only thing that kept me going was that I didn't want to quit that quickly. After about 10 days I started thinking that I didn't want it to end too quickly.
This is probably true for most of the pilgrims who walk around 15 km or more a day.It's not necessary to carry a lot in the way of snacks. There are villages with bars/cafes rather frequently giving you an opportunity to stop, rest, have some café con leche and and meal or snack. I almost always carry my "emergency orange and chocolate bar," but they often stay in my pack for several days, because there are so many opportunities to buy food along the way.
@VintageElsa1967 saidI'm a slow walker, at the beginning I was only walking between 8 up to 12 maximum 14 km which ist the distance VintageElsa mentioned she might start with
I don't take that to mean that she plans to walk 8 miles(approx 13km) days while on the Camino.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.
That might be the case, but there are also other slow walkers who will read this, who might be as slow as I was. I, for instance, was not able to increase my daily distance very much while walking the Camino.I don't take that to mean that she plans to walk 8 miles(approx 13km) days while on the Camino.
Yes, there is no one size fits all advice!While walking and making experiences on their own, everybody will find it's own way to deal with all sorts of different matters.
#78That's a very heavy pack @Doughnut NZ ! Over 10 kgs..... Not wanting to hijack the thread to discuss pack weightsIs that a winter pack?
Yes, some do. That is what I like about the Camino...you create your own itinerary, change it as needed, and enjoy the experience.I live in Merritt Island Florida and most weekends I am on the beach. I would love to check out the beaches in Spain but did not want to do the Norte. Does anyone do part walking and part travel and then fully walk the last 100k. Like walk and ride through the first part I mean, sightsee. Maybe it’s more about the experience of being there than getting the Compostela by doing that.
I really feel I want to walk and finish it in one trip from wherever I start. So maybe I need to find a starting point that I can do in 15 days and get my first Camino under my belt so I can see what it’s like. Do people do that?
Sure.I really feel I want to walk and finish it in one trip from wherever I start. So maybe I need to find a starting point that I can do in 15 days and get my first Camino under my belt so I can see what it’s like. Do people do that?
Is it true that people get mugged in the Portugese Camino ? I have seen this posted in other places and have only heard it mentioned of the Portugese Camino only. It is safer on the Frances Way?You certainly could do a 15 day Camino, then spend the rest of your time traveling and exploring Spain. Many people do that kind of thing.
You also might find that after 15 days that you want to continue walking, in which case you could walk on to Finisterre and/or Muxia on the coast.
Another option would be to walk the Camino Portugues. Many, if not most people start this route in Porto, so you will feel like you are starting with "the pack." This can be done in about two weeks.
I would definitely keep my walking journey separate from the rest of my travels.
You are right, that makes sense. Thanks for the advice.I agree with the earlier suggestions - if you have 30 days, then you should consider starting somewhere other than St-Jean.
To walk 30 days and run out of time to reach Santiago and enjoy at least a full day and night there to celebrate with your walking companions could deprive you of the symbolic completion of the Way.
To begin in St-Jean and then skip a section or two in the middle will take you out of sync with your walking companions too.
Pamplona to Santiago can be managed within 30 days, but I'd recommend starting in Burgos, remembering your "8 miles a day" comment earlier in the thread.
Starting in Burgos should enable you to make it to Santiago in good time, and perhaps even a bus trip to Finisterre too.
Just a thought.
I like trains, that would be cool to do. I have to get out of the mindset that there is one way to do the Camino.Sure.
Many of us. I only walked from Leon the first time I walked.
If you want a mix that includes the sea and want to end in Santiago, one thing you could do is walk either the Frances or Primitivo from Oviedo and continue to Finisterre after reaching Santiago. Or take a side trip by train for one day to A Coruña once you get to Santiago. It's a beautiful small city and very close by train.
I think I need walking poles now that you mention it. LOL I just watched a video last night and the lady said that it's best to buy them there..is this true?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.
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.
They help in numerous ways:
They help with my posture while wearing my pack, which changes my center of gravity
They have saved me from falls
They help propel me up hills
They keep my hands from swelling
They help keep my arms toned - why should my legs get all the exercise?!
Exactly right. Loved those stops for coffee and later in the day for beer, and you do work up to it.
Great explanation, I totally agree, it is your own camino and don't let others tell you any less! Know that you can start and if your not feeling it, you are in a most beautiful place to explore and still meet amazing people
Thanks!! I will keep on searchingI lived in Central Florida for ten years: Orlando, Maitland, Altamonte Springs and Hyde Park area in Tampa. Oh, did I walk Bayshore! I walked an hour a day, in thunder storms, on golf courses, on sidewalks, in all weathers. . I lived in and hiked alone in England, Scotland and Colorado without worry but the Ocala National Forest plain gives me the creeps!
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 do not need walking poles in Florida. You may choose to purchase-and-pack-as-luggage (again, use the Forum), or, take a day once in Madrid and UBER to sports store DECATHALON or similar for poles to use on hills and stony trails.
If it is the Camino Francais, I suggest beginning in Roncesvalles or Pamplona. That first day out from St Jean Pied la Port can definitely challenge the newbie peregrina. I know thousands do begin there and feel immense personal satisfaction in that accomplishment. And well done them: truly! However, that starting point is an option, not a necessity! If you fly into Madrid, there is ample Forum information on trains (my choice) or buses to Pamplona and buses or group rides to Roncesvalles.
Keep seeking information on the Forum and as cooler weather arrives in Florida, keep walking. And walking. And walking! Ultreya!
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 walk for sanity to reflect and just think and prayHello! 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.
There have been reports of pilgrims being mugged on the Portuguese route in an area south of Porto, including a recent report here on the forum. I wouldn't let that dissuade me.Is it true that people get mugged in the Portugese Camino ?
It depends on what kind of poles you like. I love the ergonomic grip of my Pacer Poles, which can only be ordered from England, so I bring them with me.I just watched a video last night and the lady said that it's best to buy them there..is this true?
Wow, I want to be YOU!! I am not going to be sitting around.By the way, I just turned 73!
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. So take 2 months at that pace without days off! Or take the bus for a few stages. You might find that as you go your mileage increases (especially after 3 weeks) and also the adrenaline of the journey will push you further than you think yourself capable of, you might also find that the distance between lodging might be longer than the 8 miles (13k) but that's unusual. Anyway, there are busses and cabs available in every stage so don't fear. Your pace ( just as everyone else's ) is perfect. Buen Camino. In FL you may want to explore the Florida trails system for some variety!
Personally, I've only met one person who decided that the Camino wasn't for her, and quit midway. I'm sure that there are quite a few who quit for various reasons.So, this is a crazy questions, DO alot of people quit the camino midway?
There are many pilgrims and only very few cases of crime.Is it true that people get mugged in the Portugese Camino ? I have seen this posted in other places and have only heard it mentioned of the Portugese Camino only. It is safer on the Frances Way?
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 would guess everyone has some doubts, but not to worry. Not a difficult walk and the fact that others around you are making the trek seems to make it easier. We walked with a young lady from Florida who practiced for the hills by using the interstate crossovers. Worked for her. Enjoy the hike.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.
OMGISH what a fabulous idea !! I am going to do that...I would guess everyone has some doubts, but not to worry. Not a difficult walk and the fact that others around you are making the trek seems to make it easier. We walked with a young lady from Florida who practiced for the hills by using the interstate crossovers. Worked for her. Enjoy the hike.
Elsa - I have not read through all of the replies, so I apologize in advance if I am repetitive. I find that most Forum posts generally are, but all are good. First, you will do fine. It will be an experience you will treasure forever. I can relate to your comment here about time off, and/or worry. My first Camino Frances in '12 (at 55) took 29 days. I hiked with my daughter, and without a phone. As a business owner, I was untethered ... and free. The Camino called me again, every day, until my return in '18. Ultreia!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.
Many members have already seen the thread describing a recent (September 2020) attack on two pilgrims. We wanted to issue the following caution.
Female pilgrims should be aware that there have been violent assaults at locations on the first stage from Lisbon. Complaints about police indifference about these incidents have also been made. For anyone setting out in the near future, walking in that area seems very risky.
One easy way to avoid this section would be to walk from the cathedral to Parque Naçoes, and there hop on a commuter train to Vila Franca. Getting off in Alverca or Alhandra (several stops before) would also be an option,because those towns are beyond the area where the attacks happened.
There are of course many ways to do this, but one possible first day would be to walk the 7 km from the cathedral to Parque Naçoes, take the train to Alverca, then walk the 9 km to Vila Franca. People who like long distances could add on the next 20 to arrive in Azambuja. Gronze makes all of this very clear, and thecommuter train schedule is easy to understand.
We are hopeful that the responsible parties will be apprehended and brought to justice, but until that time, exercise extreme caution or better yet, take the train.
They help to keep me from going too fast on steep downhills by positioning the poles in front to reduce the pull/speed of gravity.They help propel me up hills
They keep my hands from swelling
They help keep my arms toned - why should my legs get all the exercise?!
Elsa - I have not read through all of the replies, so I apologize in advance if I am repetitive. I find that most Forum posts generally are, but all are good. First, you will do fine. It will be an experience you will treasure forever. I can relate to your comment here about time off, and/or worry. My first Camino Frances in '12 (at 55) took 29 days. I hiked with my daughter, and without a phone. As a business owner, I was untethered ... and free. The Camino called me again, every day, until my return in '18. Ultreia!
You wouldn't believe the medical issues people walk with! (Or roll with.)I imagine I will have to allow for snacks in my pack and not push myself to exhaustion. I do worry but I don’t want to not go because I’m afraid of it. I’m sure people have lots of medical issues and still go, right? lol I’m 53 138 # and my only ailment for now Is that I’m anemic and have an obsession with going to the beach lol. I’m sure the Camino is going to bring out so issues in the old girl LOL
People do all of the above. Personally, I wouldn't advise part walking and part riding. It's a very different experience (speaking from experience here) and not, I think, as rich or rewarding.I live in Merritt Island Florida and most weekends I am on the beach. I would love to check out the beaches in Spain but did not want to do the Norte. Does anyone do part walking and part travel and then fully walk the last 100k. Like walk and ride through the first part I mean, sightsee. Maybe it’s more about the experience of being there than getting the Compostela by doing that.
I really feel I want to walk and finish it in one trip from wherever I start. So maybe I need to find a starting point that I can do in 15 days and get my first Camino under my belt so I can see what it’s like. Do people do that?
People can get mugged anywhere. I've heard terrible stories from the Camino Frances and the San Salvador. From what I've been reading, the vast majority of pilgrims don't experience them (although, with my privilege, I acknowledge that my experience is nothing to go by, which is why I refer to what I've read).Is it true that people get mugged in the Portugese Camino ? I have seen this posted in other places and have only heard it mentioned of the Portugese Camino only. It is safer on the Frances Way?
I bought my walking poles there and they were inexpensive and useful and (in my opinion) saved my 2016 camino). The advantage of buying some at home is that you can practice walking with them because some find practice is useful for them to feel natural and to use them in a way that gives the most benefit.I think I need walking poles now that you mention it. LOL I just watched a video last night and the lady said that it's best to buy them there..is this true?
I live in a valley surrounded by mountains. After walking my first Camino - walking across an entire country, including mountains, I now look at those mountains and think "I can walk over them if I want." It's such an empowering experience.Walking 8 miles at home is like walking 16 miles on the Camino because you just do it. Once I was standing at the bottom of a hill and looking up and almost about to cry
I think I will do the same and purchase a them there and gift them when I leave.I bought my walking poles there and they were inexpensive and useful and (in my opinion) saved my 2016 camino). The advantage of buying some at home is that you can practice walking with them because some find practice is useful for them to feel natural and to use them in a way that gives the most benefit.
As previously stated, the Camino Francés is pretty safe. But, situational awareness is still prudent. The girls seem to stay up-to-date with the Camigas Facebook group. We walked out of León with some girls from the albergue because they read a post on Camigas. Nothing happened.Is it true that people get mugged in the Portugese Camino ? I have seen this posted in other places and have only heard it mentioned of the Portugese Camino only. It is safer on the Frances Way?
I have spent countless hours on the beach and water. I walked part of the coastal route out of Porto last year, but I liked it better when we switched to the central. I think the law of diminishing returns kicked in. A couple of years ago, we went to Cambados after Santiago. There were some nice beaches with small mountainous islands that were pretty cool.I live in Merritt Island Florida and most weekends I am on the beach. I would love to check out the beaches in Spain but did not want to do the Norte. Does anyone do part walking and part travel and then fully walk the last 100k. Like walk and ride through the first part I mean, sightsee. Maybe it’s more about the experience of being there than getting the Compostela by doing that.
I really feel I want to walk and finish it in one trip from wherever I start. So maybe I need to find a starting point that I can do in 15 days and get my first Camino under my belt so I can see what it’s like. Do people do that?
You are fine, you have a lot of encouragement here as you can seeI 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 some, using poles is less about a Western approach to achievement and more about less weight on the knees. Without poles, as much as your attention may be focused on your centre, all the weight is (as you acknowledge at the start of your post in the discussion of foot/pounds) borne by your feet. And the knees have to bear the weight, too, on the way to the feet. Using poles can distribute the weight somewhat so it doesn't all have to flow through the knees to the feet, much as flying buttresses can distribute the weight of a cathedral's roof so it doesn't all have to be borne by the walls.Poles are terrific for many Pilgrims. But they increase the cardio, and tire out the arms and shoulders. but they are not ideal for Chi Walkers - they are for Western type walkers with a Western approach to achievement.
Got there mid may and ended at the end of june . the weather couldn't have been more perfect (not 100% but 90%)What time of year did you do your Camino?
You are fine, you have a lot of encouragement here as you can seeI trained on the Georgia flat beach coast haha, and my first days of hills was not fun for me. But, as others say, you just go slowly, at a snail's pace, be passed by all, so what, you all sleep in the same albergue at night, the fast and the slow. And speed is a deception anyhow, many of the wonderful Europeans I saw fly pass me I would pass a couple of hours later as they ate a lovely lunch and maybe had a beer, all is well, the push and pull of the camino path is for you to enjoy on your own terms. My blog is on here somewhere, lol, but when you walk slowly you see things, you hear things, you will have memories after your camino of taking a short nap in a roadside field of daisies somewhere and think "that was really me, so free to be myself in the world"! If you hate it, and some do, just quit walking and take a train so Santiago and watch others walk into the square and know you were on the same path that they were on and marvel at the spectacle. All of the experience is perfect, because that is your camino. You will see others, and other times be alone for a while, you learn about yourself. Why quit now when you can try it and quit on the camino itself from a place of knowledge. There is no way to train for it unless you walk 16 miles a day for two weeks, so just do what you are doing now and you will get your "trail legs" like everyone does <3
People can decide to leave for many reasons, and perhaps should be given credit for having tried in the first place. Sure - I understand that some people are lazy - physically and mentally - and I do admire people who set goals and work through adversity to achieve them. However, I hope @VintageElsa1967 understands that the camino is not for everyone, and she should not feel that she is a failure or "quitter" if she decides, for whatever reason, not to complete it!the quitters
I live in Florida as well, and I started the Camino in 2018. I say "started" because I work so can only do it in chunks. I Walked from SJPD to Estella. I get what you're saying that it's hard to prep to the level that you think you'll need in flat Florida. I'm 54, so close to your age. I also prepped by walking in the vicinity to 8-10 miles on the weekends. Hard to get those long walks in before it gets too hot. I felt that I was more than enough prepared for the Camino and also felt that I could easily have continued after Estella. I felt the Camino beckon to me. I wanted to go on, but just had to get back to work.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.
LOL. good point. I stand corrected.People can decide to leave for many reasons, and perhaps should be given credit for having tried in the first place. Sure - I understand that some people are lazy - physically and mentally - and I do admire people who set goals and work through adversity to achieve them. However, I hope @VintageElsa1967 understands that the camino is not for everyone, and she should not feel that she is a failure or "quitter" if she decides, for whatever reason, not to complete it!
HelloI 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.
In my experience the Camino calls all kinds. One might as well ask why embark on a Catholic pilgrimage if you are not Catholic, or even Christian, yet people do. I've known plenty of people called to walk the Camino who had no history or experience of enjoying such long walks.I don't really understand the question.
To be honest IMO, if you don't enjoy walking for walking's sake, why walk the Camino? Why embark on a possibly 800 kilometre walking journey if you get bored by walking?
If one is indeed called to do something, one would never be bored by it.In my experience the Camino calls all kinds. One might as well ask why embark on a Catholic pilgrimage if you are not Catholic, or even Christian, yet people do. I've known plenty of people called to walk the Camino who had no history or experience of enjoying such long walks.
Perhaps, but many are apprehensive about things they are called to do. They aren't always in our comfort zone.If one is indeed called to do something, one would never be bored by it.
I'm from Florida. I agree, walking here isn't very exciting, but walking the Camino was IMHO very inspiring. There were tough days, but as others have pointed out, you decide how much to walk. Plus, the scenery will see you through it. My Way-Camino de SantiagoI 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 would not say a lot. But I know people and witnessed people leaving the trail after day one right up to the day before Santiago. Sometimes it is a failing body sometimes a family emergency back home or even running out of funds. For me allowing myself permission to fail from the very beginning was very freeing.So, this is a crazy questions, DO alot of people quit the camino midway?
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 some, using poles is less about a Western approach to achievement and more about less weight on the knees. Without poles, as much as your attention may be focused on your centre, all the weight is (as you acknowledge at the start of your post in the discussion of foot/pounds) borne by your feet. And the knees have to bear the weight, too, on the way to the feet. Using poles can distribute the weight somewhat so it doesn't all have to flow through the knees to the feet, much as flying buttresses can distribute the weight of a cathedral's roof so it doesn't all have to be borne by the walls.
Don’t think too much, just walk at your own pace and enjoy the walk.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.
Go up to where your avatar is on the Forum menu bar, click it to find settings - once you've clicked that, 'account details' will bring up a page where you can change many things.Edit ,can't find a way to update my Camino past and present status ,anyone any tips
TallahasseeThe 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.
Come to Tallahassee for a change of scenery - and hills! We have lots of parks, so you can vary your walk quite a bit.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.
Haha! Yes! Walk everywhere! I teach school two miles from where I live (no sidewalks) and when I was training, I walked to school many times. Inevitably, a student or co-worker would stop and ask me if I needed a ride!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.
I have done the Camino Frances one time and the Camino Portuguese two times since retiring at age 65 y/o. I can walk 3 miles at a time then need a break. Doing this, I am able to walk 12 - 15 miles a day. One time I got lost and miscalculated the distance and ended up going 28 miles in one Day - yikes! A good meal, hot shower and good night rest and I was able to get back on the camino the next day.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.
Has anyone mentioned that if one's hands are down at one's sides while walking, after a while the fingers swell? If you use poles, aside from their help with balance, they help with the swelling of the hands. (And it's more work to swing your bent arms while walking than to rest the hands in the loops on the poles. ... Good to have loops that are not plain thin strings for this!)I will add to David's very valid defence of the pole walking, that if one is tiring the arms and shoulders then the poles are not being used properly. Certainly my arms and shoulders became more fit when I began pole-walking (which I did for all the reasons David identifies, and not from some imagined/impugned effort to be faster or more efficient), but beyond that the poles bring pure alleviation of stress/strain.
Has anyone mentioned that if one's hands are down at one's sides while walking, after a while the fingers swell? If you use poles, aside from their help with balance, they help with the swelling of the hands. (And it's more work to swing your bent arms while walking than to rest the hands in the loops on the poles. ... Good to have loops that are not plain thin strings for this!)
Buen camino to all
(edited to fix spelling and capitalization)
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