How much training is required?

[Cruiser52]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

 

[N1TRO]

I've not done the Camino yet, but I do hike a lot and my advice would be simply not to push it too much. If you keep an active lifestyle you should be able to get through it, as many have before. Don't push yourself too much at the beginning and take some trusty, tested walking shoes; I'm planning to take low, light trekking shoes and leave the heavy boots at home. Rest when you feel the need, it's not a race unless you make it one. Other than that, you seem to be on the right track, keep racking up the kilometers.

A bit offtopic, but while you're at it, you can also check out a video I made a while back, when I was out hiking in the Alps. It's quite inexpertly put together, but I hope someone still manages to find it worth his while.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

Hello and welcome, I think you doing great. I walked only in the weekend extra km.
Listen to your body and you will do fine.
Wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[wayfarer]

What you are doing now is more than enough, you will be more than able to handle the Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[Marc S.]

Seems to me you are doing more than enough training - more than I ever did anyway. If you listen to your body during your camino, and certainly not walk too long distances during your first week, I am sure you will be fine. Buen Camino !

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hi Cruiser. In my opinion what you are doing now is fine.
Many people train while ON the Camino, just starting slow and gently increasing their kilometers.
My best advice would be to be sure and make reservations at Orisson and STOP THERE.
If you can't get reservations there, make reservations for 2 nights in SJPP.
Climb up to Orisson and either walk or taxi down.
Next morning, taxi up and go the rest of the etapa to Roncesvalles.
In my experience, many people injure themselves on this first stage going over the Pyrenees.
If you take it easy and break it into two stages, you should be ok.

 

[urbanhiker]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

Hi Cruiser,
I think the most important part is getting your feet used to walking. Perhaps on different terrain if possible. One of the biggest problems out there are blisters. if you don't get blisters you should be fine. I have done several Caminos and with each one I trained slightly less. I trained in the boots I did the Caminos in and, in five or so Caminos, I have never had a blister. I put vaseline on my feet everyday to reduce friction inside my boots.
I am 61 years old and started doing Caminos about four years ago. There are a lot of us out there. There is a mental aspect of the Camino that can be tough to deal with. Because you are always training, try to remember, as you do the Camino, that you are in fact a walker, and don't be intimidated by long days or hills. Otherwise you should have a blast.

Ray

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola, your training routine looks OK to me and the really experienced pilgrims. The advice to start slow/short in the number of kms/miles you walk each day. If necessary have a rest day at Pamplona, do a repack, forward to Ivar anything you have not used. One other thing, do not think you have to stick to the guidebook stages. This is YOUR Camino walk the distances you want to each day. Good luck.

 

[Siom]

Hi Cruiser. In my opinion what you are doing now is fine.
Many people train while ON the Camino, just starting slow and gently increasing their kilometers.
My best advice would be to be sure and make reservations at Orisson and STOP THERE.
If you can't get reservations there, make reservations for 2 nights in SJPP.
Climb up to Orisson and either walk or taxi down.
Next morning, taxi up and go the rest of the etapa to Roncesvalles.
In my experience, many people injure themselves on this first stage going over the Pyrenees.
If you take it easy and break it into two stages, you should be ok.

I second this post. Stay at Orisson to take it easy. If raining you'll be grateful not to continue to Roncesvalles. If no rain, being in the Pyrenes, you get to socialise and make friends. win win.

 

[dougfitz]

Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.

Does this mean you are doing 95km a week (8km x 7 plus 13km x 3)? If you are currently doing three 21 km days (8km + 13km) you are probably over-achieving in terms of building up your training regime, and could well think about making some changes to your pattern if you are worried that you won't be able to sustain it.

I tend to follow a pattern similar to the one here at the Aussiewalk site, with:

• regular shorter walks during the week around 5km
  
• a longer walk increasing in distance over a couple of months (I use the 30km pattern recommended on the Aussiewalks site)
• a rest day most weeks, which might be a shorter walk (1.8km in my case, because it is the distance around the circuit I live on).

If you are not getting adequate variation in your training regime, I would suggest looking for different walks, even if it means driving a short distance to a trailhead. You might also think about:

• dropping one of your daily walks for a rest day;
• if you are currently doing 21km in a day, and you don't plan to walk much more than around 25km, I wouldn't be looking to increase distances too much. However, if you are planning walk from SJPP to Roncesvalles on your first day, you might want to build up over the last four to six weeks to around 30km, initially on one day a week then for a couple of weeks on two successive days.
  
• getting some elevation gains into your walking. If you can find somewhere that gives you 200m to 250m elevation gain over a few km, that would help. Even better if you could a bit more gain.

 

[wayfarer]

I walk four miles most days and continued to do this while breaking in my boots prior to my first Camino, I increased this to eight miles two to three days a week and I only walked with my loaded pack one day to sort out any snags and get the feel of it. I had no issues with either pack or feet during the Camino. I think with the program the OP is doing he should have no problems, I would even advise cutting down a bit until maybe Feb.

 

[JMac56]

Hi Cruiser52, You are doing a lot more training than I did before my first attempt at the CF in April, 2015. I agree with the suggestions re adding some hill work. Some of the steep, rocky downhill sections can be just as challenging as the uphills. Also very important to be mindful of blisters. Prevention is better than cure. I rubbed my feet with aloe vera gel, and pre-taped hot spots (from Astorga to SdC) after learning the hard way between SJPdP and Los Arcos. I can highly recommend the full stage to Roncesvalles on Day 1. It is an amazing sense of satisfaction to have achieved this, however it is different for everyone. I'm sure you have read many opinions about the use of walking poles. I was unsure but took a set just in case, and I am so glad I did! They saved my bacon many times and took a lot of pressure off my legs. I plan to start my second crack at the CF on or around April 1, 2016 so maybe we will cross paths. In any event, be prepared for an amazing experience! Buen Camino.

 

[Robo]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

You're doing about three times the training I did

But then.....I should have trained a bit more.

Just be careful not to over train. And in particular don't do too much road walking. That's how I got Achilles tendonitis before I even started....

Once you get there, just start off easy and don't push yourself too much, till you get used to the routine.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Just wondering how much training do I need.

I view training as testing. Discovering things for the first time on the Camino is a bad idea (except for scenery, food, and people). Only a camino really trains you for a camino, so maintaining normal fitness is probably all you need to do. Use training to test footwear, backpack fit, trekking pole use, foot care techniques, ease of donning and doffing poncho, etc. Back to back long walks with a full pack will give you a sense of foot strain and backaches. Follow the techniques you plan to use, such as removing boots and socks, drying feet, and reapplying lubricant, even if you are only out for an hour or two. It will give you a sense of the time you will need to maintain your body. Practice hydrating (seems pretty basic, but if you don't hydrate because you are just hiking for an hour, you are practicing dehydration). You may develop a preference for bottles or a hose.

Your first week will be your best training, so attack it as you would starting a program at a gym -- build up slowly!

Most of all, have fun, both in training and on the pilgrimage! It is an optional activity, so don't treat it as work.

 

[jpflavin1]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

Cruiser52:

You are getting plenty of good exercise and a good check on the impact of carrying a weighted pack. This should answer questions regarding proper shoes and pack selection. That said, the Camino has very steep hills and declines which could have an impact. I would suggest you walk some hills and declines. This could provide additional feedback on equipment selection.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[grayland]

Your age is pretty normal for a large percentage of pilgrims. Many here are closer to 80 than 60 so I would not give much thought to your age.
Fitness is the factor...not age.
I walk 20 to 35 kms (13 to 21 miles) 3 or 4 times a week year around. I am not sure if there is there is a point of too much fitness.

Your training level will allow you to get through the first week in a much better condition than 90% of the other pilgrims of all ages. Don't worry.

It will still be hard and you will get a bit sore and tired...but it would not be worth going to all the trouble of going if it was a piece of cake!

 

[GreatDane]

Your training regime sounds good to me but like others have said, add hill work to the mix. (are there hills in Melbourne? If not stadium step work.). I had "fun" training by hiking with my pack at 75% load over to the next town for bad coffee and stale croissants in all sorts of weather conditions and then returning home. Or by having my husband drop me off at the town 12 miles west and I walk home. Our local terrain is shrub-steppe channeled scablands -> treeless except in the riverbeds. Not much to look at!!!

 

[purplesage]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

You're doing great. You will learn on the camino. Dont push yourself... the Camino will push you !! You'll enjoy being on The Way. Take it easy during the first week. Buen Camino

 

[Joodle]

Just starting to plan for next September. I appreciate all the information. Keep it coming.

 

[Interpreter]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

I am not na experienced hiker but my husband and I (63 and 72 years old) just finished our walk from St Jean to Santiago. And I can't stress enough the importance of you being proactive in taking care of your feet. Once you have the blisters it is much worse. I also trained at home with and without the backpack but believe me it is not the same as being on the Camino day in, day out, up and down, rocky or sandy terrain, rain or shine, carrying your backpack, without having the time to heal before the next 20 km/ plus. In spite of wearing the “right” shoes, socks, liners etc. the amount of strain on your feet is enormous! I am sure this is different for everyone and a very personal thing but I, particularly, was shocked with the way my feet reacted from the very beginning. We learned pretty fast that we needed to be much more proactive taking care of our feet and it became a daily ritual. We also bought sandals at one of the stores in Viana and were able to wear them until our feet felt better, and then alternated between trekking shoes and sandals. I bought a local brand with wider straps so the pebbles would not go in so easily and those sandals saved me. I wish you the best! Buen Camino!

 

[J F Gregory]

My wife and I are walking our pilgrimage starting March 19, 2016. I already walk about 2 1/2 miles Mondays through Fridays. My wife walks and trains at a gym. On weekends we will walk 8-12 miles with the gear we are taking on the Camino. I think we are doing ok. We are both 60+ in age. My wife had a complete knee replacement last January.
I believe you are also doing a good routine in preparation.
Ultreya
Buen Camino

 

[november_moon]

I think the most important part is getting your feet used to walking. Perhaps on different terrain if possible.

Yes - absolutely. When I slack off in my walking and then get back into it, I really notice my feet - it takes them a while to get back into the swing of things. So whatever you can do now to condition your feet to walking is good - and resolve things like blisters by figuring out the right shoe/sock/insole combo.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

No walking training required, that's What the Camino is for. But if you plan on walking with poles, and I highly recommend it, to get maximum usé from them, I suggest arm strengthening. Poles can take of 25% of the body weight if used correctly, but for that you need some upper body strength.

 

[KinkyOne]

No walking training required, that's What the Camino is for. But if you plan on walking with poles, and I highly recommend it, to get maximum usé from them, I suggest arm strengthening. Poles can take of 25% of the body weight if used correctly, but for that you need some upper body strength.

And also no upper body strenghtening required as you will get it during your Camino

The fact is that I have been injured during jogging preparing for my first Camino in 2009 (and afterwards finished it in Logrono on doctors suggestion). From that time on I don't train for Camino at all. A little bit out of pure superstition also. But I do some forest walking (picking mushrooms etc.), mountaineering, long distance walking, badminton, table tennis (ping pong), I help my father around the house and my mother in the garden, a bit of basketball, skiing, doing push-ups, walking up&down the stairs (intentionally) in my building in bad weather etc., but I don't prepare for Camino.

After few Caminos I walked so far I know one can not prepare for the Camino, I agree with Anemone on that point. Therefore I would recommend constant excercise, not too much if you don't like it. But on Camino is either you walk it or you bus it

Ultreia!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

QUOTE="KinkyOne, post: 351204, member: 25761"]And also no upper body strenghtening required as you will get it during your Camino

The fact is that I have been injured during jogging preparing for my first Camino in 2009 (and afterwards finished it in Logrono on doctors suggestion). From that time on I don't train for Camino at all. A little bit out of pure superstition also. But I do some forest walking (picking mushrooms etc.), mountaineering, long distance walking, badminton, table tennis (ping pong), I help my father around the house and my mother in the garden, a bit of basketball, skiing, doing push-ups, walking up&down the stairs (intentionally) in my building in bad weather etc., but I don't prepare for Camino.

After few Caminos I walked so far I know one can not prepare for the Camino, I agree with Anemone on that point. Therefore I would recommend constant excercise, not too much if you don't like it. But on Camino is either you walk it or you bus it

Ultreia![/QUOTE]
Ah, but the legs have no option but to carry you, but arms can go on Strike

 

[KinkyOne]

@Anemone del Camino
Oh, but the legs have strong ally/enemy in brains, so I guess that's the brains you have to train

PS (We're hijacking the thread I think. Are we?)

 

[Anemone del Camino]

@Anemone del Camino
Oh, but the legs have strong ally/enemy in brains, so I guess that's the brains you have to train

PS (We're hijacking the thread I think. Are we?)

What was the thread about?

 

[KinkyOne]

What was the thread about?

I owe you a beer, Anemone, you've made me laugh. A lot!


K1

 

[gerardcarey]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

What you are doing sounds fine to me. You are doing more than I ever did.
Just remember to have a week off before you leave to enable your muscles to recuperate completely.
Regards
Gerard

 

[Cruiser52]

Thanks everyone for your comments

Andre

 

[Beebe]

Thanks everyone for your comments

Andre

Your physical training is excellent. I would add what a lot of pilgrims seem to overlook as important training and that is gaining language and cultural knowledge too, of course, if you have not already studied Spanish or been to Spain! A bit of Spanish and an effort to understand Spanish culture will go a long way to make the Camino even better and richer and be so appreciated by the hosts of the Camino.

 

[rita n/]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

Oh hey! That's my planned start date as well. I'm walking about 5k at a time, several times a day some days. Need to add weight. See you there!!

 

[CaminoRay]

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

I wouldn't over train if I were you, I just completed the entire 500 miles and didn't really train that much. Just take it easy the first week and you can push it after that.

 

[Susan Peacock]

Not to scare you, but I just finished from SJPDP to Santiago and know that walking the camino is much like child birth. It is amazing how quickly we forget the hard days, the blisters, the legs that ache at night and the pilgrims who went home. I trained around 80k/50 miles a week but nothing prepared me for the hills. Even though the elevation map shows areas without hills, there is always a hill around the corner. That being said I would do it again in a heartbeat. I followed some very sound advice "start like an old woman and you will finish like a young one." My advice:
1) Stay at Orisson. Not only for physical reasons, but we forged many bonds that lasted throughout the entire Camino.
2) use pacer poles!!!!! Or at least TWO poles. Saw many a pilgrim end early with a stick.
3) if you walk the Napoleon route, take the alternative route down. It isn't clearly marked, but the information you receive at the pilgrim office in SJPDP has a good picture and explanation. We didn't pay attention and took the old roman road. This ends many a pilgrims walk.
4) don't walk to many km's in the beginning. You will be able to make up some time on the Meseta and at the end when your Camino legs kick in.
5) consider sending your bag over the Pyrenees, particularly if you are older or have weak knees. This will allow your legs the time to build up on this big climb without the extra weight.
6) know how to take care of blister and have the right supplies. This was the most important item(s) I carried in my pack. I read a book that I downloaded called "Fixing your feet." I helped more than a few pilgrims with my supplies. The best item to have is what we called a "toe condom." I am not sure what they are really called, but you can buy them in the farmacia. They are silicone lined tubes that you cut in length to fit your toe. They are amazing and worth the 8eruo. You can wash them and rewear. Also be sure to buy a cream that has ibuprofen or voltaren in them. These are prescription in the U.S. But can be bought over the counter in France and Spain for only a few euros.
7) I walked in compression pants and loved the support they provided they really helped with sore legs and I didn't get any tendinitis. My walking partner got shin splints and started wearing compression sleeves and she had a quick recovery. The compression pants I wore are by SKINS.
8) build in rest days (at a minimum in Pamplona, Burgos and Leon.) not only will your legs welcome them, but these are great cities worth spending some time in.
9) take breaks during the day to pamper your feet, get some fuel and smell the roses. Try not to make it a race. It really doesn't matter if you reach your destination at 1:00 or 3:00 as only laundry awaits you.......so keep your mind and body healthy.
10) shoes are a personal choose and we saw everything that worked and everything that didn't work. Many people had bought their boots to small and after a few washing and drying their socks were too small. I personally could not have imagined walking in anything but my Hoka boots. I appreciated the ankle support on the very rock paths and steep descents and appreciated the amount of cushion they provided and was glad I could barely feel the rocks. They worked beautifully FOR ME and will say that everyone I met wearing Hoka boots or trail shoes were very happy.
11) pack LIGHT. Exactly what you need depends a little on when you go. Just remember you only need one to wear and one to wash. Don't take ANYTHING extra........a heavy bag will cause your hips to hurt at night and keep you from sleeping.
11) Listen to you body and you will have the most amazing and life changing experience.

 

[Kanga]

Susan's post is full of good advice.

 

[newfydog]

I've not done the Camino yet, ..... and my advice .....

My, I do love the internet (Sorry Nitro, your advice is actually quite sound. Just entertaining to see the first reply is from an enthusiastic and well meaning new comer..) You might add, walk a lot of pavement on hot days, just to see how your feet hold up. It is oddly different from trails.

 

[JMac56]

Hi Susan Peacock,
I also used SKINS gear on my walk in April and I swear by them. I used their "Recovery" compression wear, top and bottom, and wore them pretty much 24x7. They definitely reduce fatigue, and assist with recovery for the next day (and yes, they are comfortable to sleep in). They are also great on the long flights for those of us who come from the Southern Hemisphere! Apart from my walking poles they will be the first things in my pack for the next outing. Buen Camino.

 

[Hugh Hertfordshire]

Hi.

Hi everyone
Going on my first Camino (Camino Frances) starting 1st of April 2016.
Just wondering how much training do I need.
I still have plenty of time, but I am walking a 8 km circuit every day with a 8 kg backpack and 13 km with the same backpack, 3 times a week.
Being 64 YO I am concerned about getting tired before I start my Camino.
Please advice from experienced trekkers.
Thanks.

Hi everyone worries ... don't. The first day is the hardest and every day after that it gets better until you get home and you bounce off the walls with energy. I left an office job overweight and unfit and came home like Tigger. Your doing plenty of exercise. If your tired do a shorter day. I met a 75 year old lady recovering stroke and she did short days. Just don't take to much.

 

[Kanga]

@Hugh Hertfordshire the Camino is also my Strengthening Medicine.
Regards to Tigger from Kanga.

 

[rlang290]

Hi Andre,

I look at it this way: why not train? You have plenty of time and I'm assuming that you'll be spending a fair amount of $$$ to get there and back; why risk getting injured and having your Camino turn into something that's less than what you expected it to be?
Pack what you think you'll need and go for a 2o km walk. Then do it the next day, then the next day too. Notice the difference? Now you'll notice that the rucksack you're bringing may not fit as well as you thought or that the shoes you thought were perfect may not be or that your pack is too heavy and maybe you should rethink your list of items to bring.
Michele and I are avid walkers/hikers. Even still, we trained a fair bit for our Camino. We had a great time and have nothing but good memories.
Do you need to train? Maybe not. Should you train? Why not? What can it hurt?
Just my $0.02

Ron

 

[MTtoCamino]

Hi Andre,

I look at it this way: why not train? You have plenty of time and I'm assuming that you'll be spending a fair amount of $$$ to get there and back; why risk getting injured and having your Camino turn into something that's less than what you expected it to be?
Pack what you think you'll need and go for a 2o km walk. Then do it the next day, then the next day too. Notice the difference? Now you'll notice that the rucksack you're bringing may not fit as well as you thought or that the shoes you thought were perfect may not be or that your pack is too heavy and maybe you should rethink your list of items to bring.
Michele and I are avid walkers/hikers. Even still, we trained a fair bit for our Camino. We had a great time and have nothing but good memories.
Do you need to train? Maybe not. Should you train? Why not? What can it hurt?
Just my $0.02

Ron

Is that Canadian? $0.02 I better check my conversion... Darn my .02 is only worth 0.0266 thank goodness I don't have to compare to the L! Ron by tomorrow it will reverse. Thank goodness our opinions don't go by the exchange rate.
Oh yea, I digressed, I agree train!

 

[Jools]

The only training I did was a weekend overnight trek on the bibbelman track here in WA, it nearly killed me - I was so sore on the monday I could barely walk but I was carrying 15kg as we needed to take everything in (and out), so needless to say I was worried about the 320km I planned to walk on the Camino Primitivo but I actually didnt do any more training and was totally fine. I started slowly doing 10km the first day - 16km the second and then building up - after a week I was hitting the trail with the early risers (sometimes) and doing 20-25/day easily. I'm 51 and not especially fit - just take your time and enjoy it, if you are doing the Frances it is much easier than the Primitivo so if I can do the Primitivo anyone can do the frances