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I am from the Netherlands to and I started walking in the mountains at the age of 18. So don't think that pilgrims from Holland can't walk in the mountains because now you make a mistake.Sorry @Mark Lee, I have to disagree with you. If the OP is from the Netherlands and is not accustomed to up hills and downhills, a sudden introduction to inclines and declines can be murderous on the leg muscles. Sure, the OP will be able to manage the Napoleon or the Valcarlos route the first day, but the sudden, initial use of muscles unaccustomed to hills will become apparent a day or two later, and then, unfortunately, the incapacity will occur. My advice to the OP is to fine some stairs, somewhere, and begin training those muscles which don't come into play during walking on level ground. That's my humble opinion.
Hi Monique, the first part thil the albergue Orisson is the steepest on your walk to Roncesvalles. I would say begin your journey slow to get used to the terrain and that you have to walk every day for several weeks. Listen to your body and you will do fine. And by the way I'm from Holland to.Hi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
If you're training on the treadmill at 7% uphill, I'm sure you will be fine, but don't forget the downhills too. It's equally important to strengthen the downhill muscles......I train in the gym on the treadmill, 7% uphill, speed at 5 k's an hour. I just don't know if that's sufficient to train my muscles.
I never meant to imply that people from Holland can't walk in the mountains. The OP said, "I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance." I merely said if the OP didn't train for uphills and downhills, she may suffer some incapacity later - incapacity in the pain department, not the kind of incapacity to which @Mark Lee refers which, thankfully, is a far distant memory for me.I am from the Netherlands to and I started walking in the mountains at the age of 18. So don't think that pilgrims from Holland can't walk in the mountains because now you make a mistake.
Wish you well, Peter.
Hi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
Hey bro, you are plenty fit enough. Beat me to the albergue in Ponferrada and had a bottle of Spanish red in your hand.Like Mark I have ventured over the Napoleon several times. I love the stop at Orisson because it is a great way to break up the 27km from SJPdP to Roncevalles on your first day.
Am I fit? There are several fellow forum members who will tell you I don't look very fitat the age of 70 carrying about 10kg of excess belly fat.
In 2014 I had a good friend from Biarritz who runs 5k every day. He wanted to share a day of my Camino as I started my first day walking to Orisson. He got about 75% of the way to where the path veers off the paved road to a very steep hill climb. At that point he quit and waited for a car to pass and take him down to where he had parked his car and then he returned to meet me at Orisson. After about 5k he was swearing that the signage was very deceptive and he may be right that the 7k to Orisson is figured in statue distance. It is a long steep undulating road. After Orisson it is a nice easy walk until the downhill to Roncevalles.
In my experience: steep is defined by the walk to Somport from Oloron on the GR 653, the morning walk out of Pontedueme and the jog up to Hospital de Bruma on the Camino Ingles.
It's damn hard to find any hills in Florida.I never meant to imply that people from Holland can't walk in the mountains. The OP said, "I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance." I merely said if the OP didn't train for uphills and downhills, she may suffer some incapacity later - incapacity in the pain department, not the kind of incapacity to which @Mark Lee refers which, thankfully, is a far distant memory for me.For what it's worth, on our way down to Zubiri, we met a peregrino twenty years my junior. He said he was from south Florida (flat as a board). He told us he had no idea the walk would be so strenuous, and he packed it in early in the day. We never saw him again. I can only assume he hadn't trained for the hills.
Hey bro, you are plenty fit enough. Beat me to the albergue in Ponferrada and had a bottle of Spanish red in your hand.
They're all on the overpasses.It's damn hard to find any hills in Florida.
Exactement, in my spinning class the other day the instructor cited we should work as hard as a guy she observed pedaling his heart out on an overpass over I 75.They're all on the overpasses.
If you are planning to stay at Orisson book now. Several members are saying they are having trouble getting a booking for mid AprilFortunatly I still have two more months of training ahead. It's good to know the SJPdP-Orisson stretch is the steepest. That means to leave early and take my time. I just don't want to miss out on the Napoleonroute.
Thanks everyone for your feedback!
t don't forget the downhills too. It's equally important to strengthen the downhill muscles.
.
I live in Minnesota where we also don't have mountains or super big hills. I trained on a treadmill program that maxed out at a 10.6% grade. I also did step ups and one legged squats with the weight of two packs in Dumbbells. There are ways to train for the ascents and descents. It sounds as if you're fit, so my guess is you can do it. The Pyrenees are drop dead gorgeous. If you can, I highly recommend making the crossing.Hi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
Jack it up to 10% and slow down a little. Are you wearing your camino gear while on the tread mill. When I can't train outside I go to the gym. I set the tread mill to 10% and 2.5 miles an hour and wear my camino load. I'm striving for endurance not speed. Buen Camino
I have walked the long English. Once you got to Pontadeume there were 3 brutal assents and descents to Bruna or was it Betanzos. Is the Napoleon route as bad.Like Mark I have ventured over the Napoleon several times. I love the stop at Orisson because it is a great way to break up the 27km from SJPdP to Roncevalles on your first day.
Am I fit? There are several fellow forum members who will tell you I don't look very fitat the age of 70 carrying about 10kg of excess belly fat.
In 2014 I had a good friend from Biarritz who runs 5k every day. He wanted to share a day of my Camino as I started my first day walking to Orisson. He got about 75% of the way to where the path veers off the paved road to a very steep hill climb. At that point he quit and waited for a car to pass and take him down to where he had parked his car and then he returned to meet me at Orisson. After about 5k he was swearing that the signage was very deceptive and he may be right that the 7k to Orisson is figured in statue distance. It is a long steep undulating road. After Orisson it is a nice easy walk until the downhill to Roncevalles.
In my experience: steep is defined by the walk to Somport from Oloron on the GR 653, the morning walk out of Pontedueme and the jog up to Hospital de Bruma on the Camino Ingles.
The Napoleon is longer than anything on the English. The ascent to Bruma is similar to say going up the first half of the Napoleon. I agree with several other post regarding the descents being under estimated like getting down to Zubiri and Molinseca.I have walked the long English. Once you got to Pontadeume there were 3 brutal assents and descents to Bruna or was it Betanzos. Is the Napoleon route as bad.
What happens if you have paid reservations at Orisson and it snows and you' have to take the lower route? Do they refund you?My husband walked April/May and walked through Valcarlos, there was still snow in the mountains.
Yes, they do. We had reservations April 7, I think it was. The route was closed because of snow, and we got a refund, no problem.What happens if you have paid reservations at Orisson and it snows and you' have to take the lower route? Do they refund you?
YES!. Down to Zubiri is treacherous and to Triacastella seemed oh so long. I don't know how to train for downhills.The Napoleon is longer than anything on the English. The ascent to Bruma is similar to say going up the first half of the Napoleon. I agree with several other post regarding the descents being under estimated like getting down to Zubiri and Molinseca.
Good advice on the backpack transport services. If you know where you want to stay for the night and have reservations, it's a good, cheap way to move your stuff. Like it was said, handy to have a small daypack for your water and food if you do choose to use transport for the bulk of your gear. The small pack also comes in handy when you get groceries in the towns.I do not know the percent of incline, but the first day, out of Saint Jean Pied de Port is the steepest ascent on the entire Camino Frances. There is another stretch, near Castrojeriz (?) where there is a 1 kilometer long climb that is signposted as being a 12 percent incline. So, while the climb from Saint Jean Pied de Port is steep, is 'only' lasts about 8 km. This other stretch may be a few degrees less steep, but it lasts...well it seems like forever.
Like BiarritzDon above, I too live in souther Florida. We rival the Dutch for lack of hills. However, the southeastern part of the Netherlands has rolling hills and low mountains. If you live in any truly flat locale. here are some tips to practice hill walking, some have been previously stated, but I will include them to put them all together:
1. If you have a nearby outdoor sports stadium or "football" pitch, don your loaded Camino rucksack and walk up and down the bleacher / stadium seats. This works at our local high schools... In Europe, the local soccer pitch may suffice. You can even use your walking sticks to slow / brake your descent.
2. Seek out buildings with stairs out front. Older public buildings, Cathedrals, etc. usually have steps out front.
3. Lacking any public facilities with stairs, try the already suggested treadmill method. Don your loaded Camino rucksack, set the treadmill for 7 percent (more or less, building to more) and try to build to and maintain a 3 km per hour pace.
4. If all else fails, find a parking garage, or other accessible public structure with stairs and have at it. For that matter a parking garage with a sloped ramp leading to the various levels may be a very good alternative to stair climbing, per se. I presently live in an apartment complex with a four-story parking deck. I use this ramp on a regular basis to make sure my knees stay limber.
If all else fails, and you cannot do training, before hand, start your Camino SLOW! Take extra time and extra days if needed at the beginning, to build up your strength and endurance.
If you need elastic knee or ankle supports, bring them form home, or find them in any local pharmacy in Spain or France. Also, Voltaren ointment greases the knees and salves the aches and pains of many, many pilgrims. It is available over the counter throughout Europe but only by prescription in the US.
Many Camino veterans consider that the first week of any Camino is spent getting your body used to doing something new. After this, you should be okay.
If you are doing "on the job" training, you might consider having your rucksack taken ahead to your day's destination by the many "mochila" (backpack) transport services available along the Camino. You can get information at at any albergue or hostal.
To facilitate this, be sure to have a collapsible, lightweight day pack (siliconized nylon is good for this) to carry, rain gear, first-aid, water and snacks, and your valuables. This 'itsy bitsy' (< 20 liters) pack can double as a shopping bag, laundry bag, carry-on for flying to and from the Camino.
I hope this helps.
Take a ski lift to the top of a black diamond trail with a full backpack and walk down the hillYES!. Down to Zubiri is treacherous and to Triacastella seemed oh so long. I don't know how to train for downhills.
If you're over forty, don't try this without poles, and good inner soles. Seriously.Take a ski lift to the top of a black diamond trail with a full backpack and walk down the hill! ........
Tom, all great advice but one cautionary note about Volteran Gel. It can cause skin irritations if over used and should not be used in combination with other NSAIDS because you will be double dosing on pain relievers. Ask your doctor for advice. I use it but carefully.I do not know the percent of incline, but the first day, out of Saint Jean Pied de Port is the steepest ascent on the entire Camino Frances. There is another stretch, near Castrojeriz (?) where there is a 1 kilometer long climb that is signposted as being a 12 percent incline. So, while the climb from Saint Jean Pied de Port is steep, is 'only' lasts about 8 km. This other stretch may be a few degrees less steep, but it lasts...well it seems like forever.
If you need elastic knee or ankle supports, bring them form home, or find them in any local pharmacy in Spain or France. Also, Voltaren ointment greases the knees and salves the aches and pains of many, many pilgrims. It is available over the counter throughout Europe but only by prescription in the US.
I hope this helps.
Actually, at 1000 meters you have 90% of the oxygen available at sea level and any effects are very hard to detect. Commercial planes are only pressured to an equivalent of around 2000 meters. At 3000 meters, oxygen drops to 68% and the difference becomes rather noticable, though altitude sickness is rare. The Camino has numerous difficulties, but altitude is not one of them.Many people who spend all their life on sea level do not have the stamina (lungs) to suddenly hike at over 1'000 meters above sea level.
The Napoleon is longer than anything on the English. The ascent to Bruma is similar to say going up the first half of the Napoleon. I agree with several other post regarding the descents being under estimated like getting down to Zubiri and Molinseca.
That explains it! I've often thought it a bit strange that starting in St Jean makes it a 'camino francés' when at most 1 day is actually in France.We have pointed out in the past that there is no real reason, historical or otherwise to start at SJPP. From a preparation standpoint, it is a terrible place to start. There is nothing wrong with starting in Pamplona, for example. If you go to the true historical original start, LePuy en Velay, you will certainly be ready for the Pyrenees by the time you get there!
The name Camino Frances comes from the fact that it is the route that pilgrims from north of the Pyrenees followed as they walked across Spain to Santiago de Compostela. Hence it can be considered the route of the pilgrims who passed through France and not the route which passes through France.That explains it! I've often thought it a bit strange that starting in St Jean makes it a 'camino francés' when at most 1 day is actually in France.
Actually, at 1000 meters you have 90% of the oxygen available at sea level and any effects are very hard to detect. Commercial planes are only pressured to an equivalent of around 2000 meters. At 3000 meters, oxygen drops to 68% and the difference becomes rather noticable, though altitude sickness is rare. The Camino has numerous difficulties, but altitude is not one of them.
Why is that?Going up passed 3000 m for the first time is quite shocking.
Why is that?
Oh yes, lack of oxygen, but nowhere on the CF, Primitivo, even the Picos don't reach that height. You would have to be in the Sierra Nevada in the south or on Tenerife to get to those altitudes. Doesn't it normally kick in a just around 2500m.?
Doesn't it normally kick in a just around 2500m.?
Why is that?
As mentioned you start feeling light-headed and like you are walking through molasses. Very odd feeling.
I would say training on downhills is 80% of the preparation. Uphills can tax your lungs but other than perhaps a heel blister, injuries are rare. Downhills can wreck everything from the hips to the toe nails.
Yes, it is! I live in the Panhandle and it looks like I'll have to go to the condos on the beach and climb up and down the stairs to train.It's damn hard to find any hills in Florida.
Trained for uphills , no problem . Downhills were very tough on knees and caused pain I had to live with. Poles really helped
your treadmill training is fine, and you can gradually increase your incline. my recommendation for both uphills and downhills is to zig-zag. not only does it take the pressure off the knees, but it is fun! and though i didn't use walking sticks for my first 2 1/2 caminos, i would strongly recommend you use at least one for the downhills - they are critical for balance (I learned the hard way taking a tumble on an easy, but slippery, small downhill slope!).
I am 55, only trained by doing long walks on flat ground in Florida. Last year I walked to Orisson on day 1 and Roncesvalles on day 2. It was not easy but doable and the excitement and adrenaline of the first days get you over. It was worth it. I did used bag transport those first few days which helped. Be sure to pay attention to the pilgrim office and turn right at the sign below and do not take the old roman road down. We didn't pay attention and this descent was the hardest part of the route.Great advise everyone! Thank you so much! I'll make the booking now for Roncesvalles and will decide in SJPDP which route I'll take. For now I'll just keep in training.
@t2andreo Thanks for the trainingtips!
And to escape the ills of winter I found some convenient stairs at an indoor sports facility and trained on those......it looks like I'll have to go to the condos on the beach and climb up and down the stairs to train.
I am surprised I have seen forum comments suggesting poles are only for those above age 40!
I am 55, only trained by doing long walks on flat ground in Florida. Last year I walked to Orisson on day 1 and Roncesvalles on day 2. It was not easy but doable and the excitement and adrenaline of the first days get you over. It was worth it. I did used bag transport those first few days which helped. Be sure to pay attention to the pilgrim office and turn right at the sign below and do not take the old roman road down. We didn't pay attention and this descent was the hardest part of the route.
Hi Monique. I suggest you, in order to train your muscles, to start climbing stairs up and down . I think you can easily find buildinds of ten or twelve floors in the Netherlands. It could be a good exercise for your legs. Buen Camino.Hi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
Like Mark I have ventured over the Napoleon several times. I love the stop at Orisson because it is a great way to break up the 27km from SJPdP to Roncevalles on your first day.
Am I fit? There are several fellow forum members who will tell you I don't look very fitat the age of 70 carrying about 10kg of excess belly fat.
In 2014 I had a good friend from Biarritz who runs 5k every day. He wanted to share a day of my Camino as I started my first day walking to Orisson. He got about 75% of the way to where the path veers off the paved road to a very steep hill climb. At that point he quit and waited for a car to pass and take him down to where he had parked his car and then he returned to meet me at Orisson. After about 5k he was swearing that the signage was very deceptive and he may be right that the 7k to Orisson is figured in statue distance. It is a long steep undulating road. After Orisson it is a nice easy walk until the downhill to Roncevalles.
In my experience: steep is defined by the walk to Somport from Oloron on the GR 653, the morning walk out of Pontedueme and the jog up to Hospital de Bruma on the Camino Ingles.
Actually it's not the oxygen, or dilution of it, which may cause difficulties. I live on an altitude of 1'100 m. and know of various people who had problems to tackle a distance here which they would easily walk at home, at sea level. People don't all have the same lungs I guess?Actually, at 1000 meters you have 90% of the oxygen available at sea level and any effects are very hard to detect. [...]
Hello MoniqueHi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
And to escape the ills of winter I found some convenient stairs at an indoor sports facility and trained on those.
If you are referring to me, I was trying to prevent a barrage of comments from those young'uns who are perfectly happy and able to manage without poles and who don't want an oldie like me suggesting to them how they might conduct themselves, thank you very much, etc. I myself only became a convert to poles at Castrojerez. Before that, I managed very well without them......or was convinced I did......thank you very much. Some of us have to learn the hard way!
There is no need to take the steep route down from the Col L. In fact, the longer but much less steep route that branches off to the right just below the Col is very pretty and easy.The route from SJPdP to Roncesvalles is a 27 kms step climb and then steep downhill. If you are not very fit or experienced with heights it is a tough challenge, and you can easily ruin your feet (and attitude) on your very first day. Doing it in only one day is a very tough start to your Camino. It will be the hardest day on the entire Camino. The climb is steep. No discussion on that. No need to start your first Camino day as the toughest on the whole stretch. A stop in Orrison is much recommended, breaking it into 2 days to Roncesvalles.
I am a Norw. used to mountains, and I recommend splitting it into two days unless you feel very fit.
.... Last year I walked to Orisson on day 1 and Roncesvalles on day 2. ..... Be sure to pay attention to the pilgrim office and turn right at the sign below and do not take the old roman road down. We didn't pay attention and this descent was the hardest part of the route.
Please clarify something for me. I keep reading advice that one should take the right (and slightly longer) path because the left path to Roncesvalles is very steep and more difficult to negotiate. Am I correct that the left path (I think, slippery when wet) takes one through a particularly lovely wooded area? If so, I would really like to go this way someday, provided my body is up to it, and the path conditions condusive. I may be getting older, but I am still inclined to take the road less travelled if it provides a bit of a challenge and pleasant surroundings. Is everyone who takes the left path considered foolhardy?Yes! Stay to the right at intersection! I knew to do this from pilgrim in the planning stages of my csmino. I tried to warn others at this intersection,to no avail. They were last seen.........Just kidding.
Please clarify something for me. I keep reading advice that one should take the right (and slightly longer) path because the left path to Roncesvalles is very steep and more difficult to negotiate. Am I correct that the left path (I think, slippery when wet) takes one through a particularly lovely wooded area? If so, I would really like to go this way someday, provided my body is up to it, and the path conditions condusive. I may be getting older, but I am still inclined to take the road less travelled if it provides a bit of a challenge and pleasant surroundings. Is everyone who takes the left path considered foolhardy?
Well, the friend who warned me, I wouldn't say is foolhardy. I don't believe she was quite prepared to take the steeper route in trail runners. This is a woman who cycled 2200 miles from California to Florida the same year as her Camino, so it was not just an issue of fitness.Please clarify something for me. I keep reading advice that one should take the right (and slightly longer) path because the left path to Roncesvalles is very steep and more difficult to negotiate. Am I correct that the left path (I think, slippery when wet) takes one through a particularly lovely wooded area? If so, I would really like to go this way someday, provided my body is up to it, and the path conditions condusive. I may be getting older, but I am still inclined to take the road less travelled if it provides a bit of a challenge and pleasant surroundings. Is everyone who takes the left path considered foolhardy?
Thank you very much for this map. Please bear with me here. If I read it right, and your directions, the dotted black line through the wooded area shows the trail approaching Roncesvalles from the south east, i.e. via Zaldua - the opposite direction from the less difficult trail. If so, that seems an awfully long way through the woods if one is by him/herself. I don't know if I'd want to go that way on my own.The map at the url below is centered at Col Lepoeder. From there you see the easy way (white road) heading south and then north at the switchback and then heading generally west. Just north of the switchback turn you see the shorter, steeper and wooded way (dotted black line) headed south-west. The map is interactive and with the top right dropdown menu you can select the type of map you want to see (including satellite views.)
gpsvisualizer.com/draw/?type=OPENTOPOMAP&zoom=15¢er=43.026259,-1.295378
Hi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
My partner and I will be doing our first Camino in September/Ocotber 2016. This is the first time I have been made aware of the two paths down into Roncevalles. It seems all the pictures I have seen from other pilgrims have shown a wonderful path through the woods and so I think that would be my choice. I will be 64 when we start and Ed will be 67. We have already started walking practice, and it is very hilly around where we live in central Massachsuetts, and this Spring and Summer we plan on practicing on Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire so that by September we will be in better shape. I'm so thankful for this forum and for the willingness of people to share their experineces with us newbies! Many thanks.My husband(71) & I(69) did SJPP to Roncesvalles fall 2015 in one long day. I'm a mall/greenbelt walker from way back and did little hill or mtn training. It IS a hard walk, I called it "awesome" awful", but it was a great experience and I'd do it again. We couldn't get into Orisson, but I do think that might have eliminated the "awful", although we also had 30 knot winds, but the view was really something.
Hi all!
First of all; this forum rocks! It's extremely helpfull during the preparation for my first Camino, starting on May 10th. Thank you so much, so far.
My biggest concern at this moment is the first stretch to Roncessvalles. I'm planning on staying at Orrisson to cut myself some slack and it seems to ge great experience. But still... I saw some great footage on YouTube and was under the impression that it was gradually steep. After reading some threads here on the forum I start to doubt. Shouldn't I take the Valcarlosroute? I don't want to wear myself out during the first two days nor take a restingday in Roncessvalles. I live in the Netherlands, it's quite difficult to train uphill, since we have no hills or mountains of Amy significance.
I'm reasonably fit, I can walk 20 k's in a day, but I'd still like to hear any opinion about these first two days.
Monique
Sorry @Mark Lee, I have to disagree with you. If the OP is from the Netherlands and is not accustomed to up hills and downhills, a sudden introduction to inclines and declines can be murderous on the leg muscles. Sure, the OP will be able to manage the Napoleon or the Valcarlos route the first day, but the sudden, initial use of muscles unaccustomed to hills will become apparent a day or two later, and then, unfortunately, the incapacity will occur. My advice to the OP is to find some stairs, somewhere, and begin training those muscles which don't come into play during walking on level ground. That's my humble opinion.
(Edited for typo)
Nice to see others from MT, I 53 walked with 2 swedes 65+ & a German 32 going over to Rocevalles, All did just fine by the end of the day they were 3 km behind me but you simply must slow down if needed. People who live in the mountains generally are not as beat up the next day so if you are concerned split it up. Just have a wonderful time.My husband(71) & I(69) did SJPP to Roncesvalles fall 2015 in one long day. I'm a mall/greenbelt walker from way back and did little hill or mtn training. It IS a hard walk, I called it "awesome" awful", but it was a great experience and I'd do it again. We couldn't get into Orisson, but I do think that might have eliminated the "awful", although we also had 30 knot winds, but the view was really something.
Hmmm, really, it's necessary to walk that far every day? I'm not planning to at all. I haven't done serious training, I'm not particularly fit , in fact I've had some nasty health issues really slow me down since I booked my trip. So if I want a rest day, or to walk just a few kms in a day, I certainly will~ there seem to be plenty of places to stay options closer together than that. And when I travel, I love just sitting and taking in my surrounding. spending time in churches, and people watching. I look forward to that being quite a part of my soon-to-start CaminoHello Monique, welcome to the forum
Also think of the fact that you don't only have to get over that mountain, but get over that mountain and still be healthy enough to walk 20km a day, every day, for the next weeks.
Hmmm, really, it's necessary to walk that far every day? I'm not planning to at all. I haven't done serious training, I'm not particularly fit , in fact I've had some nasty health issues really slow me down since I booked my trip. So if I want a rest day, or to walk just a few kms in a day, I certainly will~ there seem to be plenty of places to stay options closer together than that. And when I travel, I love just sitting and taking in my surrounding. spending time in churches, and people watching. I look forward to that being quite a part of my soon-to-start Camino
The average gradient for the walk from SJPP to Col de Lepoeder is about 6%. The steepest 5k (last 5k to the summit of course) is about 8%. Then it's downhill all the way to roncesvalles. Your current training should stand you in good stead for your journey.
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