get in shape for camino?

[kiels29]

Hi, I am trying to do some training beforehand so the first days of walking aren't too painful. I am just running 4 days a week and doing some weight training. Does anyone have suggestions for how to get ready physically? I will begin the trek in June.

 

[Whalleyranger]

You need to train for what you'll be doing. Unless you're planning on running the camino you should be looking how far you can walk.

Make sure you get in plenty of all-terrain walking, and when it gets nearer the time carry your rucksack with you so you can get used to it.

 

[Richard]

Hi, I am trying to do some training beforehand so the first days of walking aren't too painful. I am just running 4 days a week and doing some weight training. Does anyone have suggestions for how to get ready physically? I will begin the trek in June.

You're right to get in shape, but the most important things to ensure are that your boots are properly worn in and that you are accustomed to carrying your pack. I did a 4-day trial hike last September and found myself crippled by blisters (despite having walked a lot beforehand without my pack) and that my pack was too small for all I needed to carry. Good luck!
Richard

 

[steve]

Get in shape for El Camino

When we trained for El Camino, we included going up hills with rucksacks.

Steve

 

[emma]

how important is the training? I am walking with my ruck sack to and from work. about 3 hours each day, if no more. but i'm not doing any hiking per se. A friend of mine that did the camino a couple of years ago said she really didn't do anything beforehand. she sort of jumped in without knowing what she was doing. And while she said it was hard in some parts, she survived!

So I guess I'm wondering how people who have done little training other than walking a bit more and wearing in boots have found the camino.

 

[spursfan]

no need for too much extra training - just the ability to walk steadily for 4-8 hours a day without getting more than the occasional blister (hence the comfortable boots/shoes) whilst carrying the maximum of 7kgs or 10% body weight (hence carrying as little as possible)

 

[omar504]

Before walking the vdlp last year I did quite a bit of walking-about 15kms 3 times a week but made the mistake of doing it without a backpack. I had no problems with blisters but the pack wa a small one without a wide hip strap and even though it only weighed 6kgs I felt it on my shoulders.
I did met several people who "didn't have time" to walk before hand-one headed back home after 4 days with a swollen knee, another became incapacitated by a torn cartilege and another was laid up for a week with an blister that he ignored and became infected.
I too was a runner before I went and would not discount it-I think it gives you stamina and muscle tone which are all of benefit on the camino.

 

[Anonymous]

Agree with all and especially Omar's last post. I decided to 'train' by doing easy French bit (two weeks or so) before hitting mountains. All went rather well except got shin splint three days into the REALLY up and down of Spain and had to rest a day, then ok. For certain wear the pack if you are training. Also, it isn't that you can walk a 3 or 4 hours ok, it is walking hours every day in all climates and terrain day after day. I think camino veterans will agree that it is constant the day after day that will injure you so if your body, because of training, is flexi and limber the chances are less.