Here's to life's challenges! First Camino, starting May 4

[jac52]

Introducing myself - a reasonably fit, older hiker doing the Camino for the first time. I'll be starting off in St. Jean May 4th and hope to go the whole way. As I get older I find myself beginning to listen to the little internal whispers (and louder statements by external society) saying, "You can't do that at your age!" So this is to challenge myself and prove that age doesn't matter. I'm very encouraged to see the number of pilgrims 60+, and hope to meet lots of people on the way.

 

[Anamya]

Take your time and you definitely can! Buen Camino!

 

[Iriebabel]

You can do it and forum members are here to help with anything you need. Welcome and buen camino!

 

[Paul McAmino]

Welcome.
Take your time. You will learn a lot about your self and your body’s limits on the Caminos you walk. Listen to what your body tells you and respond accordingly. Tired? Stop. Hurting? Stop. Hungry? You get the picture.
You’ll get there. Maybe not as quickly as you would if you were 19, but sound.
I’m in my 60’s and only now learning I’m not 19. My body told me.

All the best, and buen Camino.
Paul

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino.

 

[MikeJS]

Never really understood what age has to do with it. It is about health and fitness not age. Moreover, routes like the CF give plenty of options to walk as far or as little as you want each day, so walk how you want and enjoy the experience.

 

[Unie]

Introducing myself - a reasonably fit, older hiker doing the Camino for the first time. I'll be starting off in St. Jean May 4th and hope to go the whole way. As I get older I find myself beginning to listen to the little internal whispers (and louder statements by external society) saying, "You can't do that at your age!" So this is to challenge myself and prove that age doesn't matter. I'm very encouraged to see the number of pilgrims 60+, and hope to meet lots of people on the way.

Hi jac52, I’m 60 and hoping to walk the full CF in May too, I haven’t booked any flights as I’m battling shingles at present so I’ll see how I go. I intend to take as long as I want and not make it a ‘get there asap’ hike. I certainly hope we meet up.

 

[Jerilyn]

Introducing myself - a reasonably fit, older hiker doing the Camino for the first time. I'll be starting off in St. Jean May 4th and hope to go the whole way. As I get older I find myself beginning to listen to the little internal whispers (and louder statements by external society) saying, "You can't do that at your age!" So this is to challenge myself and prove that age doesn't matter. I'm very encouraged to see the number of pilgrims 60+, and hope to meet lots of people on the way.

My husband & I will begin our first Camino from SJPP on May 5th. We are also in the 60ish age group. Buen Camino!

 

[Michael-FL]

“You can’t do that at your age” - hmm... sounds like a challenge to me, to which I’d reply: “Watch me!”

 

[Philip Nelson]

My wife and I walked the Camino Frances last year, starting late April ending early June. 40 days. Neither of us in bad shape but not super fit either. We did try to walk nearly every day for a couple months before leaving. We were both age 67. No problems really. We carried our packs all the way. A fantastic experience, we are talking about doing it again when we are 70. As many say here, remember, it is not a race though for many it seems to be. Have a wonderful time. Really, it all comes together when you get there. Most are in the same boat as far as planning etc. Just go, it works!

 

[Crcwalks]

Introducing myself - a reasonably fit, older hiker doing the Camino for the first time. I'll be starting off in St. Jean May 4th and hope to go the whole way. As I get older I find myself beginning to listen to the little internal whispers (and louder statements by external society) saying, "You can't do that at your age!" So this is to challenge myself and prove that age doesn't matter. I'm very encouraged to see the number of pilgrims 60+, and hope to meet lots of people on the way.

Walked my Caminos (4) at 65+. Just booked flight for my fifth (VDLP). I’ve never been stronger. I’m not reckless. I don’t run down hills. I use walking sticks. I am prepared for all weather, plan ahead, enjoy the lovely people, food and wine along the way. Turns out I’m a fast walker but not adverse to taking the time to smell the roses. It’s about the journey.
Buen Camino.

 

[josephmcclain]

I was 74 on my first Camino Francés, listened to my body, tried to have courage and made it. Now going on 76 I plan on venturing out on the Primitivo in May. Wish you all the best. Aside from injuries, maybe the most important thing is desire to do it and belief you can. Setting out with hope!

 

[J F Gregory]

I will continue to walk Caminos till I can't. At 67 my pace is a little slower. I plan on walking the Portuguese central next October. In 2020 when my wife retires we are talking about going to Jerusalem and then to Rome and walk to Santiago from Rome.

 

[tomnorth]

When I next walk I’ll be 62. I hope you have an amazing, transformative experience. Buen Camino!

 

[Michael-FL]

JF, you are my hero!

 

[tomishy]

Have you watched the movie called EDIE - it's not camino related but about an older lady who climbs a mountain - inspiring x

 

[Mike Blackard]

My size 13 foot felt great and blister free in my size 14 Merrel trail runner shoes, and size 14 keen sandals (which I switched back and forth, trying to decide which I liked best- it was a tie). Merino wool socks- first time user and loved them. I rubbed Vaseline on feet every morning. More than 2 of anything is probably too many. Wish I had started at 220 pounds instead of 235 - but ended up at 220 feeling great. Discover the joy of drinking a 'clara' . It's half beer, half carbonated lemon juice - great thirst quencher and only 2% alcohol. Also, café con leche every morning, and vino tinto with dinner. Albergues with disposable paper sheet on mattress and disposable paper pillow cover - never used my inflatable pillow. Used sleeping bag liner (1/2 pound vs 2 pound sleeping bag) and rarely used house supplied blanket. 10 euro "pelegrino menu" dinner always filled me up. I used 2 hiking poles, great for going up or down hills. Banana every morning- no foot or leg cramps for 6 weeks. Walking down hills- I sat back a bit and took short choppy steps- you feel it in your thighs at first, but easy on knees, more stable, and actually quicker. Going again in Sept. '19 at age 69. Just do it!

 

[jac52]

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement, welcome, and advice!

 

[jac52]

Have you watched the movie called EDIE - it's not camino related but about an older lady who climbs a mountain - inspiring x

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look for it.

 

[jac52]

My size 13 foot felt great and blister free in my size 14 Merrel trail runner shoes, and size 14 keen sandals (which I switched back and forth, trying to decide which I liked best- it was a tie). Merino wool socks- first time user and loved them. I rubbed Vaseline on feet every morning. More than 2 of anything is probably too many. Wish I had started at 220 pounds instead of 235 - but ended up at 220 feeling great. Discover the joy of drinking a 'clara' . It's half beer, half carbonated lemon juice - great thirst quencher and only 2% alcohol. Also, café con leche every morning, and vino tinto with dinner. Albergues with disposable paper sheet on mattress and disposable paper pillow cover - never used my inflatable pillow. Used sleeping bag liner (1/2 pound vs 2 pound sleeping bag) and rarely used house supplied blanket. 10 euro "pelegrino menu" dinner always filled me up. I used 2 hiking poles, great for going up or down hills. Banana every morning- no foot or leg cramps for 6 weeks. Walking down hills- I sat back a bit and took short choppy steps- you feel it in your thighs at first, but easy on knees, more stable, and actually quicker. Going again in Sept. '19 at age 69. Just do it!

Thanks for the great tips...I've written them down!

 

[jac52]

I will continue to walk Caminos till I can't. At 67 my pace is a little slower. I plan on walking the Portuguese central next October. In 2020 when my wife retires we are talking about going to Jerusalem and then to Rome and walk to Santiago from Rome.

Wow. My husband's Italian, and he can't quite see why I'm doing the Camino. Maybe I can get him inerested in the Italian route some day.

 

[jac52]

My wife and I walked the Camino Frances last year, starting late April ending early June. 40 days. Neither of us in bad shape but not super fit either. We did try to walk nearly every day for a couple months before leaving. We were both age 67. No problems really. We carried our packs all the way. A fantastic experience, we are talking about doing it again when we are 70. As many say here, remember, it is not a race though for many it seems to be. Have a wonderful time. Really, it all comes together when you get there. Most are in the same boat as far as planning etc. Just go, it works!

Did you start at St. Jean? I'm trying to gauge just how hard those first couple of days are. (You really never can tell from posts because they differ so greatly.) I wasn't going to - because I found it tough hiking the Machu Piccu trail the first day, hiking up a mountain and carrying a backpack - but have changed my mind and booked St. Jean and Orisson.

 

[jac52]

My husband & I will begin our first Camino from SJPP on May 5th. We are also in the 60ish age group. Buen Camino!

We'll probably meet!

 

[Unie]

I’m not sure if this is of any help, a family medico member who has walked the CF suggested I take it easy for the first 7-10 days. I have no time constraints and have no intention of breaking any land speed records and I don’t really want to walk from SJPdP to Ron in one day. I’m free wheeling with dates so it’s hard to book into Orrisson. A kind person on here suggested a transport company that can collect you from a couple of places on the Pyrenees, return you to St Jean and then deliver you back to that point the next day.
https://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/