How many days of walking until rest

[Torepåtur]

From your experience, how many days would you say is advisable before taking a "day off" from walking? I`m in good shape, but have never walked for longer days and distances before, and I`m taking the French way.

 

[cher99840]

I don't like to plan rest days. After 4 days I decided to take a rest day but woke up the next morning and felt refreshed so kept going. I walked some short days and took a couple of "tourist days" (loved Burgos, had to stay). I took a day off once when everything I owned was wet and decided it was in my best interests to take a "wardrobe day".

On the other hand I did a group walk on St Olav's Way and rest days were built in. I didn't like that rigidity as much as I like the freedom of walking when I want to walk and not walking when I don't want to.

 

[Scottlovelace87]

LISTEN to your body, everyone is different, take a day off when you feel you need it.

 

[trecile]

I took one rest day last year in León, and will likely not take any full rest days when I walk this year. Instead, I may do a couple of short days, particularly before and after a city or town where I want to have a little extra time.

 

[alipilgrim]

I suggest taking one sooner than you 'need' one. Continuous days of over-exertion are hard on a body that's not used to it and it's common to push one's self to the breaking point before one listens to what your body is saying. If you have the time, be pro-active and take a rest day early on to give your body a break from the repetitive demands of walking. You might be able to prevent any overuse injuries this way. Pamplona? Logrono? Burgos? Leon? Astorga? Any of the big towns can make for a pleasant lay-over day, though too much sightseeing might cause as much harm as walking!

 

[Bradypus]

I never plan to have a full day without some walking. I enjoy the physical pleasure of walking too much and I get restless very quickly if I attempt a "rest day" If I find a place which particularly interests me or I am feeling unusually tired then I may walk only a short distance and stop quite early though. Not something I could or would want to plan in advance.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Don't like rest day's , want to stay in the rhythm of walking everyday.
While walking keep listning to the body .

Wish well,Peter.

 

[Mike Savage]

Listen to your body and your heart. I like to take short days when I find a town I like and want to spend more time in. Stop when it feels right, continue when it is time.

Buen Camino!

 

[Hutton24]

Don't like rest day's , want to stay in the rhythm of walking everyday.
While walking keep listning to the body .

Wish well,Peter.

Yep, I agree. Do shorter days if need be. Stop in a bigger city, walk around and see the place, experience what is on offer. I can't stay still long I get too bored.

 

[Waka]

I only planned to have short days rather than rest days, like all plans made in advance this went to pot, I ended up having 4 test days within the 42 journey and was glad that I did. Its gave me time to explore some of the wonders of the camino at leisure.
Everyone is different and as other have said, just listen to your body.