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You look pretty young which probably gives you a head start over us oldies anyway. If you are reasonably fit, keep your pack weight low (less than 10% of your bodyweight is sometimes suggested, but lower if you can), have really comfortable shoes, and are prepared to take as long as it takes, you should be fine. The trick is to regard the first two weeks on the Camino as training for the Camino - so start with few kilometres, and gradually increase your distances as you get fitter. Don't ignore pain! We've had members whose Camino was grounded when they ignored developing blisters and other injuries until it was too late.
If you are thinking of starting in SJPDP, then make sure you book into Orisson. Or, better still, start at Roncesvales so that you can break up the first few days more easily.
Whatever your age and fitness do remember that this is NOT a walk in the park! Just because so many pilgrims have been successful does not guarantee that you will be. Anybody any moment can fall or pull or break anything. The most common injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much! Easy does it. Be a snail; slow but, determined, until your body has found its way.
Take care and Buen camino!
How long should a snail expect to take to get to santiago? I have 47 days.
Terry
How long should a snail expect to take to get to santiago? I have 47 days.
Terry
thanks for that reminder...we sometimes forget that little things could happen. Thanks for the tip!!!Whatever your age and fitness do remember that this is NOT a walk in the park! Just because so many pilgrims have been successful does not guarantee that you will be. Anybody any moment can fall or pull or break anything. The most common injury is the result of trying to walk too far too quickly carrying too much! Easy does it. Be a snail; slow but, determined, until your body has found its way.
Take care and Buen camino!
thanks for that reminder of the backpack.. and to take LOTS of breaks..thats important and some little details we forgetHi @SoulGirl, I have never trained with a backpack before a Camino. I agree whole heartedly that this approach isn't advisable, but I'm lucky that it never caused me any problems.
I've a good backpack with firm lumbar support and I've learned (from my mistakes) that I can carry about 8kgs without too much bother. The 10% rule of thumb has its value, but it has limitations for smaller women. It's worth reading the various packing threads on this forum and trying really hard to keep your pack as light as possible. If you aren't used to carrying a backpack, make sure that you take lots of breaks throughout the day and do plenty of stretches.
I second all of the advice that you've been given about starting slowly and treating the first couple of weeks as your training. It's easy to do too much in the early stages, especially when you're fit and healthy. Walking day after day causes a cumulative strain on your body, which can lead to unpleasant injuries.
Buen Camino!
aww but im sure you are much fitter thanks to this experience = and wiserOf course I 'meant' to do some serious training but working life got in the way. Having 5 weeks off meant a lot of work related prep and clearance and more than a few all nighters were pulled with there result that at the start I couldn't go fast to save my life. The consequence was that I walked into fitness en route over-I was going to say 'gently walked' but it was a bit more rigorous than that! Yes I was a bit sore and creaky but then I was 50 and fat……still fat, no longer 50 alasbut more to the point still a walking pilgrim. And as it always has the last word anyway I've learnt to listen to my body.
Have a wonderful journey.
N
Kanga, because of my early start date (apr 1st) and not being sure to get a place in Orrison, I am going Valcarlos to Roncesvales. Do you believe that may be good slow training route for an old broad? I meant to train, but my 240 hr a month job stopped that plan !! But today is my last day on the job, and 30 days till I Fly over- Yippee !! Thank you again for all the good advice I get from you.You look pretty young which probably gives you a head start over us oldies anyway. If you are reasonably fit, keep your pack weight low (less than 10% of your bodyweight is sometimes suggested, but lower if you can), have really comfortable shoes, and are prepared to take as long as it takes, you should be fine. The trick is to regard the first two weeks on the Camino as training for the Camino - so start with few kilometres, and gradually increase your distances as you get fitter. Don't ignore pain! We've had members whose Camino was grounded when they ignored developing blisters and other injuries until it was too late.
If you are thinking of starting in SJPDP, then make sure you book into Orisson. Or, better still, start at Roncesvales so that you can break up the first few days more easily.
I live on the beach, so decided to take a practice walk with all my stuff. On a sunny 68 degree day (20C) felt pretty stupid on the flat walk with my macabi skirt, trekking poles, pack, while others breezing along in shorts and t-shirts. Then someone asked me if I was training for the Appalachian Trail.@gypsywind Valcarlos is a very pretty, and genuinely authentic Camino path - much older than the Route Napoleon. So a good choice. Yes, stay the night there. The next day is still a very, very tough climb (IMO) so take it easy and don't lose heart - the rest of the Camino is not so hard. And you now have 30 days not walking so plenty of time to start the training process. It is really worthwhile, and putting on the pack and the clothes you intend to wear, right down to the underwear, is fun. Give it all an outing and a good trial. I feel a dork walking around my local suburbs in full kit, but my neighbours are now used to it.
I don't usually get serious until about a month before I leave, so you are on track.
I agree 200%. with the shoe/sock comment...I simply cannot imagine starting the Camino with shoes that you didn't break in properly. I walk in mine at least 75 miles before the Camino. I think having great fitting shoes (and good socks) is indeed THE most important thing.You don't need the exercise and endurance part of the walk but you need to get the shoes (and socks) right. A lot of people suffer and don't make it because of their feet/shoes. Take a 3 day weekend and walk 12-15 miles a day in the shoes you intend to wear. Don't worry about the pack. The results will be very helpful. Last time I test drove three pair of shoes before finding the right pair and had no problems on the Camino.
That would be my distances these day as older age catches upI was kept pretty active at work and did not do any training. It wasn't needed anyway because I just had to keep up with Peg. We had record snowfall in Boston in the winter so Peg didn't get much training done. We've done a fair bit of backpacking and didn't worry about our pack weight (which was substantially more than most pilgrims carry.) Even old, fat, short and slow Peg didn't have any problems with the stretch from Valcarlos up and over (lightening was forecast so we took the low road.)
The trip did take much longer than we expected because of food poisoning and tendonitis (the pavement out of Leon did it.) We usually walked 5-6 hours a day. Our trip to Santiago could be broken up into 3 sections. Here is a trip synopsis with approximate distances:
1) Days 1-23, 23 days, 370 kms, France to Villalcaza de Sirga (one day touristing) (370/22=16.8 kms per walking day)
2) Days 24-43, 20 days, 150 kms, Peg is sick and then injured and then slow, 9 days of no walking (150/11=13.6)
3) Days 44-58, 15 days, 230 kms, Closer to the same speed as at the start (all days spent walking) (230/15=15.3)
4) Trip average: 750 km in 48 walking days = 15.6 km/day (58 days total)
Translation into American:
1) 230 mi & 10.5 mi/day
2) 95 mi & 8.6 mi/day
3) 144 mi & 9.6 mi/day
4) 469 mi & 9.8 mi/day
Because I'm one of the oldies I was very surprised to see many 'younger' folks (mostly males) having huge problems with infected blisters and blown knees. In many cases, it was a matter of too fast, too soon.
Please, Please do some training, you will have paid quite a lot of money to get to the start to maybe fail early on.Hi guys!
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Depending on the date of my trip (which I am still deciding - last minute or with several months of planning) I might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
Buen Camino
Most of the men I saw with real problems were in their 20s & 3os.I am a short, fat, 50+ and basically idle Scotsman. I do not train before a camino but I have some prior experience. A few days ago on the Camino Portugues I met a man half my age who dropped out after two days. He had never walked any long distance before. He had walked nearly 80km over two days carrying 14kg. Not surprising then that he had massive blisters and dangerously swollen feet and ankles. I do not think that you need systematic training before beginning but you do need to have realistic expectations. Those can only be gained through trying out both body and equipment well before beginning a major walk.
Our first Camino was 11 years years ago when both of us were 55. No training or preparation.HOWEVER, I suffered dreadfully from blisters,mainly because my boots were too tight from over dressing each blister which in turn caused problems on other parts of my feet. By the time we reached Santiago I was in a dreadful state. We walked it in 26 days which was a bit stupid of us but being young and foolish, the adrenaline and excitement kept us going. it was a miracle we never got tendonitis. Since then, on the other caminos-- no major blisters as I learned that keeping plenty of room in the boots with thin socks worked for me. Also changing the socks at EACH stop is essential as my feet sweat. (Now we stop a lot!) Walking in sweaty feet, I think is a major cause of blisters.(I dry the wet socks then on the back of the rucksack) if I find a blister developing,I just cover it with tape and leave it. As we walk mostly in the summer months, it can be very hot so we start off early at about 6am(to see the sun rise too) to beat the heat. Then stop at our destination around 1pm to2pm and then just rest and talk to friends or read. Over the years ,met many young fit people with tendonitis---walking too far and too quickly. Also using walking poles a great advantage as the CF is quiet undulating in places. As many here have said, it's defenitely not a walk in the park but you can do it I am sure and some walking and training can't be a bad thing anyway.best wishes Annette.Hi guys!
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Depending on the date of my trip (which I am still deciding - last minute or with several months of planning) I might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
Buen Camino
The extensive training and preparation may seem totally focused on the walk to Santiago, but in the back of my mind is the fact that the hours of walking improve my life anyway and have become a hobby that I hope will take me well into old age. It's not just about a particular 800-km walk.the whole training I see some people doing
might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
My forum name suits me to a T, even though it was bestowed on me when I won a Country Swing dance contest years ago....All of us should just keep moving. Each time I garden on our hillside, carry a load of groceries, stoop to make a bed, etc. I like to think that such effort will make it easier next time to climb up the Ibaneta pass or trudge through the O Cebreiro snow and, of course, I sincerely hope that there may be a next time!
At any age what matters most is TO CONTINUE to move.
Margaret Meredith
Well I start my Camino at saint Jean on 8th September and between now and them I will be working my way up to around 20 km, I don't plan on doing that on the Camino as I want to take more in and enjoy every moment so really I'll be the slowest one doing it lol xHi guys!
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Depending on the date of my trip (which I am still deciding - last minute or with several months of planning) I might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
Buen Camino
Start slow and short is the key IMHO.
That's a good point, maybe there is an app for phones that is updated with albergues? Would be nice to know.So much good advice as always.
After sitting behind a desk all my life and less than confident about my ability to walk such a distance, I particularly like advice such as:
“start with few kilometres, and gradually increase your distances as you get fitter” and “listen to your body”.
My only real concern is that at some point in the first week or so my body will tell me in no uncertain terms that I’ve done enough for today and I’ll look at my guidebook and find that the next albergue is, say, fifteen kilometres further along the way.
So I guess my question is – do I need to plan my accommodation in advance based on doing fewer kilometres in those first days or are there more albergues along the way than guidebooks suggest?
I feel as though this question is rather clumsily constructed so I hope you get my drift.
For the most part just look at your guide, as on average with few exceptions you will find a place to stay every 5-6 k not all places such as hotels or hostals are listed you just see them as you go. Walking in April May never made any reservations no need. If you get into some worry just find a pharmacia all of them spoke English. Just have google translate on a phone & you can take a picture of signs & it will translate the words.So much good advice as always.
After sitting behind a desk all my life and less than confident about my ability to walk such a distance, I particularly like advice such as:
“start with few kilometres, and gradually increase your distances as you get fitter” and “listen to your body”.
My only real concern is that at some point in the first week or so my body will tell me in no uncertain terms that I’ve done enough for today and I’ll look at my guidebook and find that the next albergue is, say, fifteen kilometres further along the way.
So I guess my question is – do I need to plan my accommodation in advance based on doing fewer kilometres in those first days or are there more albergues along the way than guidebooks suggest?
I feel as though this question is rather clumsily constructed so I hope you get my drift.
So much good advice as always.
After sitting behind a desk all my life and less than confident about my ability to walk such a distance, I particularly like advice such as:
“start with few kilometres, and gradually increase your distances as you get fitter” and “listen to your body”.
My only real concern is that at some point in the first week or so my body will tell me in no uncertain terms that I’ve done enough for today and I’ll look at my guidebook and find that the next albergue is, say, fifteen kilometres further along the way.
So I guess my question is – do I need to plan my accommodation in advance based on doing fewer kilometres in those first days or are there more albergues along the way than guidebooks suggest?
I feel as though this question is rather clumsily constructed so I hope you get my drift.
The albergues are described accurately, but there are many other accommodations along the way that allow you to change your mind. I suggest making reservations only one day in advance. If you change your mind, be sure to cancel the reservation so the bed is available to someone else (municipal and most parochial albergues do not take reservations). Most pilgrims find that they can "wing it" without making reservations. You get up, walk, and quit when you want. If you stop before about 2 p.m., you will always find a bed.do I need to plan my accommodation in advance based on doing fewer kilometres in those first days or are there more albergues along the way than guidebooks suggest?
You get up, walk, and quit when you If you stop before about 2 p.m., you will always find a bed.
Hi guys!
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Depending on the date of my trip (which I am still deciding - last minute or with several months of planning) I might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
Buen Camino
Hello there!Hi guys!
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Depending on the date of my trip (which I am still deciding - last minute or with several months of planning) I might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
Buen Camino
If you are 26, maybe! At age 70 the recovery is much slower.in two weeks you will walk as a pro and you will not care if it is 20 or 40 kms to albergue
I stop because about six hours is all I can walk. For me it is a full day's walking. There are a lot of differences between pilgrims.Very sad that people feel compelled to stop after only half a day's walking
Yeah, sure! And big respect to older people! But SoulGirl is also young, so I wanted to say my view..If you are 26, maybe! At age 70 the recovery is much slower.
I stop because about six hours is all I can walk. For me it is a full day's walking. There are a lot of differences between pilgrims.
Is that the case for all routes? Or just for the CF in the summer months?I agree that we all walk differently and rightly so. I just find it sad that those who would chose to walk later into the day feel that they cannot because they will not be able to find a bed. Way back in the last century when I first walked the Camino Frances I usually stopped for lunch and a long doze in the shade. Then walked two or three more hours before nightfall. With today's pressure on bed spaces many people do not feel they have that option. A pity to have lost some freedom of choice.
Hello there!
Well, I planned my Camino very well and I wanted to train, but I didn't..I was worried that my legs can not handle it, but it was ok! Sure, you will be tired, you will have a pain, but in two weeks you will walk as a pro and you will not care if it is 20 or 40 kms to albergue! Every problem will be forgotten, because of the feelings and beauty of Camino!
I agree that we all walk differently and rightly so. I just find it sad that those who would choose to walk later into the day feel that they cannot because they will not be able to find a bed. Way back in the last century when I first walked the Camino Frances I usually stopped for lunch and a long doze in the shade. Then walked two or three more hours before nightfall. With today's pressure on bed spaces many people do not feel they have that option. A pity to have lost some freedom of choice.
You do have a good point there and at times it was a bit frustrating to have to conform to that mentality while walking the CF. I would constantly remind myself that patience is indeed a virtue, and also that money talks, ha ha, the few times I had to shell out some extra euro and get a private room because all the albergues were full when I got to towns past 3:00 pm.I agree that we all walk differently and rightly so. I just find it sad that those who would choose to walk later into the day feel that they cannot because they will not be able to find a bed. Way back in the last century when I first walked the Camino Frances I usually stopped for lunch and a long doze in the shade. Then walked two or three more hours before nightfall. With today's pressure on bed spaces many people do not feel they have that option. A pity to have lost some freedom of choice.
Yeah, I didn't walk more than 40 kms per day, just once! But I met a lot of pilgrims who walked this number.. I mostly walked around 25 kms.Never have and never will walk 40km a day,
Well, I did and joined the ones who got into trouble. Since then, I've learned a couple of lessons and hope to walk another Camino soon.I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Precisely why I walk at this time of year and on the less popular Caminos. Very sad that people feel compelled to stop after only half a day's walking or risk finding themselves homeless for the night.
I really don't know, but I'd question whether a lot of training on pavement is particularly helpful. Some such training is probably good, but be careful not to injure yourself before you leave home.increase pavement miles
I had to shell out some extra euro and get a private room because all the albergues were full when I got to towns past 3:00 pm.
It's good to be fit, of course, but I don't necessarily know if running fitness = Camino fitness.
your shoes/boots are comfortable, weight of backpack, and taking one's time
I met a young Italian in Arzua, a marathon runner. He told me that he ran at least one marathon each week. He also told me, with a grin on his face, that after walking 100 km on the camino his feet were destroyed!
It's good to see another non-trainer! I'm too busy right now preparing for a couple of local 'non-competitive' walking or run/walk events up to when I leave. I have been lucky enough on all my pilgrimage walks to have a range of local events with a walk option available to use them as part of my preparation, and there are pretty active walking groups that mean that getting a longer walk in on weekends is not too difficult. The only thing that I add to that is to ensure that I get a couple of walks in with a substantial elevation gain towards the end of my preparation.Just to put some balance on these comments - I ran one marathon over 30 years ago but since then have walked instead - I didn't train for my caminos since I walk for at least an hour a day - though I did some 18 mile flat walks carrying liquid alone just to test out my footwear and socks
On the CF a decade ago I stayed with the Brierley stages for the first few days but then started walking in the afternoons as well so that I averaged 40km per day overall; on the Norte now I typically walk 45km per day - I wear trail runners, pack ultralight (except for lots of liquid) and my feet are fine
Now repeat that for 33 days! It isn't easy, which is why some training is useful even if not 100% essential.today we did 12.5 miles on a paved pedestrian walkway with half pack weight - and things hurt that NEVER got touched by the hikes
my two cents worth are coming from someone who HASN'T yet done their Camino (Sept 2016)
I HAVE been training as I strongly believe that anything I can do now will lead to more fun, and less pain, on the Camino
so I set 4 goals
increase mileage
increase elevation gain
increase pack weight
and increase pavement miles
OMG you guys were right : pavement is NOT easier than trails
My dog, Oden, and I have just started to crank up, so we have been doing 7-8-10 mile hikes with moderate gain 3 days in a row most weeks ( yes the house and car are a mess)
I had done a few 5 miles on pavement with the pack- no biggie- well, today we did 12.5 miles on a paved pedestrian walkway with half pack weight - and things hurt that NEVER got touched by the hikes:
certain hip muscles, toes , balls of the feet , sides of the knees
SUCH a difference from the trails
so I see what you mean and will ease it back up
Hi guys!
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who decided to walk the camino without any preparation? And when I say preparation I mean the training (walking with the backpack for a few miles)?
Depending on the date of my trip (which I am still deciding - last minute or with several months of planning) I might have no time to do the whole training I see some people doing and I am considering just doing it anyway.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!!
Buen Camino
If you are 26, maybe! At age 70 the recovery is much slower.
I do not know the magic number but the number for dinner is limited to several long tables and the bunks and tents they what they have. There is nowhere else to stay and that is the reason for making reservations.How many does Orrison hold??
How many start in STJJP in say the months of May or June??
The remainder do as Mark says ....over in one go or via Valcarlos in one or two days.
Camino Pilgrim can be downloaded for android based phones, not sure about iphone but I'm guessing it's probably available. It lists all villages along the way and what amenities are available, as well as the size of lodgings and contact information. I can't tell you how accurate it is because I have not yet left for my own Camino but I've used it extensively in planning.That's a good point, maybe there is an app for phones that is updated with albergues? Would be nice to know.
Lee
I gotta respectively disagree on the advice that one should positively, absolutely, 100% stop and spend the night at the albergue in Orisson. I suppose that is indeed a prudent thing to do if one is not in the most optimum physical condition to walk the Camino, but to those that are physically fit, I just don't see any reason to cut a walking day so short, that is assuming the weather is nice and one leaves SJPdP reasonably early in the morning, say by 8:00 am. In fact, on any given day, the majority of pilgrims leaving SJPdP in the morning do not stop at Orisson and walk all the way to Roncesvalles. I never even saw it as an option. I left SJPdP by around 7:00 am and less than three hours later I'm at Orisson. Grab a coffee, or fill up the water bottles and off again. Now granted, if you are wearing the wrong footwear, that first day will definitely be the tale of the tape. You will know, and your painful feet will be your guide.
Sure, if you got an extra day to burn, why not. Otherwise, unless you got stock in the place (and sometimes I think members of this forum do), take the walk all the way to Roncesvalles.
cheers
Same experience, using trail runners, except problems start showing up from about 10 K's. I'm hoping to break the day into 2 walks with a fair gap in between to mitigate this.I'm going to come back to shoes (and socks) and distance. I have walked many miles and I have been repeatedly surprised (I'm a slow learner) to find that a lot of problems with shoes (and socks) don't slow up until I walk 15-20 kilometers a day for several days. Shoes that feel comfortable and broken in for short distances, daily tasks, or just one long walk often fail the long walk everyday test.
Same experience, using trail runners, except problems start showing up from about 10 K's. I'm hoping to break the day into 2 walks with a fair gap in between to mitigate this.
Hi allSo much good advice as always.
After sitting behind a desk all my life and less than confident about my ability to walk such a distance, I particularly like advice such as:
“start with few kilometres, and gradually increase your distances as you get fitter” and “listen to your body”.
My only real concern is that at some point in the first week or so my body will tell me in no uncertain terms that I’ve done enough for today and I’ll look at my guidebook and find that the next albergue is, say, fifteen kilometres further along the way.
So I guess my question is – do I need to plan my accommodation in advance based on doing fewer kilometres in those first days or are there more albergues along the way than guidebooks suggest?
I feel as though this question is rather clumsily constructed so I hope you get my drift.
Since I am a very old snail my last complete CF in 2014 took 7 1/2 weeks! See more here.
Tap here to find a snail!
Carpe diem!
How many does Orrison hold??
How many start in STJJP in say the months of May or June??
Hi all
I will be starting my first Camino in 2 weeks (yay!!) and have been doing some training. However, life has stepped in and the training has slowed, a bit like me really. I'm 57 and have walked a fair bit in the past with packs and without but not long, long distance. I've decided, as it is March and the route Napoleon is not open, to enjoy the stroll to Valcarlos on my first day, then perhaps stay in Espinal (a mere 18.4 km), then Larrasoana (about 20.5km) then Pamplona for 2 nights at a hotel to enjoy Easter! I hope this is a reasonable start and just to make sure I don't rush onwards immediately from SJPDP, I've booked the hotel in Pamplona in advance. Sort of a forced 'go-slow'. Hopefully this is a seemly start to my Camino.
Sue
The body will rest and the muscles mend themselves. Torturous shoes and ill-fitting backpacks, however, are never going to feel any better, so I would focus on feet and the fit of the pack. I did no training, but I had: 1) brand new un-broken-in shoes that fit well; 2) a backpack chosen after spending two afternoons walking around the store with fully-weighted packs (~15% of my body weight) -- but never used in real life until the day I set out; 3) great advice from this forum to smear Vaseline on feet to avoid blisters; and 4) walking poles to balance and distribute the stress on the joints. I am a reasonably fit person, but, at age 63, not a youngster, and I found that these preparations were all I really needed.
Yeah, I had the same thoughts when I was walking the Camino. I'd see the younger pilgrims moving along jauntily, almost running sometimes and think damn, I could do that too thirty years ago, ha ha. At that age I would have definitely nosedived into a Camino. Was nice being indestructible at one time, and definitely missed it some days when my knees were threatening to retire early, ha ha.I think each individual has to assess their own physical fitness. At 33, I could have stepped out of my normal routine and attempted such a hike with no fears, but 20 years later, I know that would not be a smart idea. Two days ago, I went on a strenuous 4 hour hike in the mountains, with my backpack, and I'm glad I've had the comfort of my home to recuperate. Even my young, athletic son, who had an overloaded back pack, has experienced some discomfort he wasn't expecting. I have no Camino experience to draw on or compare but I think knowing ones limitations is important. I feel confident about my gear, but my body is not ready. One resounding piece of advice throughout this forum speaks to me, "Listen to your body." Had my brother heeded that advice, he would be here to make this journey instead of me.
So right here. A lot of common sense. That's why anyone walking behind us may well think we have ants in our pants or maybe a bit inebriated as we go from side to side on Tarmac roads when we find a precious bit of grass. This crazy meandering may well have saved us from the dreaded tendonitis over the years!! Best wishes annetteThese threads always produce a wide range of opinion about the need for pre-Camino training. But one thing that is rarely discussed is the relevance of the baseline fitness. If you are active (and what constitutes "active" varies greatly from country to country -- in the US it is a pretty low standard) in your daily life, there is really very little need to "train." I have told this anecdote many times, but I remember asking some folks on my first Camino how they had trained, and a Belgian (I think) looked at me very quizzically and asked -- but how do you "train" to walk? After my first couple caminos, I just ratcheted up my daily exercise, and I now don't do anything special before embarking on a camino. If you are coming from a couch potato country like mine, you are likely to be way behind the average European in terms of general physical fitness.
The one thing that IMO is impossible to train for is the pounding that your feet will take on asphalt. Tendonitis happens to the most fit of people, and it's because of the repetitive foot strike on a hard surface. Which is why I fanatically look for the most narrow of dirt paths on the side of any asphalt road. And I also carry a plastic bag which I fill with ice every day after walking (bars are very accommodating if you buy a drink and sit outside) -- icing my shins as prevention has worked wonders for me.
Well i don't have a share in Orrison ,wish i did but my point is that its one of the most beautiful experiences of the whole camino so why rush it ?wakeing up in the mountains and enjoying an early cup of coffee while watching the sun rise is so special and it makes me happy to continue with my fellow pilgrims .On another funny note i met an Irishman on one of my caminos and i asked him had he done much training for the camino he replied and it still crackes me up"he said ,loads sure im walking since i was two "and that about sums it up.I gotta respectively disagree on the advice that one should positively, absolutely, 100% stop and spend the night at the albergue in Orisson. I suppose that is indeed a prudent thing to do if one is not in the most optimum physical condition to walk the Camino, but to those that are physically fit, I just don't see any reason to cut a walking day so short, that is assuming the weather is nice and one leaves SJPdP reasonably early in the morning, say by 8:00 am. In fact, on any given day, the majority of pilgrims leaving SJPdP in the morning do not stop at Orisson and walk all the way to Roncesvalles. I never even saw it as an option. I left SJPdP by around 7:00 am and less than three hours later I'm at Orisson. Grab a coffee, or fill up the water bottles and off again. Now granted, if you are wearing the wrong footwear, that first day will definitely be the tale of the tape. You will know, and your painful feet will be your guide.
Sure, if you got an extra day to burn, why not. Otherwise, unless you got stock in the place (and sometimes I think members of this forum do), take the walk all the way to Roncesvalles.
cheers
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