Getting fit for my pilgrimage

[twsumrall]

Howdy, y'all. This is my first post, coming from the great state of Texas, US of A. I've wanted to make pilgrimage since i first toured Spain last summer, and I'm excited about coming back to such an amazing country to join with the millions throughout history who have made pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

I'm planning on walking the Camino Frances next May/June (starting from Roncesvalles), and want some advice on how to prepare. I'm a 21 yr old male with a thin build, but I've been a smoker for a few years and have a bad knee from an old tennis injury.

What's the best way to start physically preparing for the walk?

Pax,

Tory

 

[JohnnieWalker]

HI and welcome to the forum. You'll find lot's of information here in previous posts and what you can't find just ask about and users will let you know their experience.

In terms of preparation the best thing you can do imho is to get used to wearing the shoes/boots you are going to use and also get used to walking with a packed rucksack. Be determined to take a little as you can - the lighter the load the easier the walking.

But you can look at the Camino Frances as a series of day walks - the frequency of accommodation is such that you can decide the length of the day. Don't start walking too far, too fast and soon you will build resilience and stamina - particularly if you are concerned about a previous sports injury.

You are a young guy - you'll be fine. Pack light and get used to walking and you'll avoid blisters and other problems.

Best wishes

John

 

[ksam]

Tory, Welcome! There is darn near every snippet of info you could want here! And if you don't find it...just ask and the odds are very good someone else will know or know where to find the answer. Have fun getting ready, and...ok here's the mutha part...try and quit the cig's or at least cut back!! :roll: It'll make it easier on the hills! Not that I didn't see plenty of smokers along the way and even in our small group! but if they're expensive here...I can't imagine what they cost over seas!! Sorry, guess my thrifty (cheap!!) side just showed itself!!

Buen Camino, Karin

 

[WolverineDG]

Where in Texas? I'm in Laredo. I walked the Camino in 2009. Check it out: http://www.750pints.blogspot.com

Kelly

 

[twsumrall]

I'm from Lubbock, although I'll be making my camino with my old roommate from the University of North Texas. He speaks infinitely better spanish than i, and has graciously agreed to join me!

 

[WolverineDG]

Well, you came to the right place to get information. Dive right in & ask away!

Kelly

 

[pat.holland]

Learn

to listen to your feet very carefully

to travel light

to travel with an 'open heart and mind'

You may have done all this before, if so apologies.

Pat

 

[Javier Martin]

Where in Texas? I'm in Laredo. I walked the Camino in 2009. Check it out: http://www.750pints.blogspot.com

Kelly

Laredo? Have you ever visited "the other" Laredo, in the Camino del Norte? Nice town!

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain

 

[WolverineDG]

Hi Javier! No, I haven't had a chance to visit Laredo, Spain, but the priest in Logrono joked that I hadn't come very far to walk the Camino when I told him where I was from. :lol: I also have a pic of me at the Logrono bus station, pointing to the sign selling bus tickets to Laredo.

Kelly