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Your feet land differently when you are walking than when you are running. This could lead to developing blisters. I would suggest that you set aside at least 3-4 days and walk at least 15 km each day in the footwear that you have chosen (and with your backpack) to see if you develop any trouble spots. If so, you need a strategy to deal with those areas. I tape on my blister prone areas every morning before walking with Omnifix or Hypafix tape. These tapes are thin and have a bit of stretch which helps them to conform to your feet, and area widely available in pharmacies in Spain.But I did find long distance walking had a different impact on my body - it wasn't necessarily about the cardio, which you can work on via cycling and running as you're doing, but more about being on my feet for extended lengths of time and how the weight of a pack impacted my back, muscles, gait etc.
I appreciate that it can be hard to find time for longer distances, but I'd suggest it would be helpful to try at least a day or two with the pack you'll be using and the shoes you'll be wearing. That way you can see how your body feels being in motion for 6+ hours and with a pack et
The expurgated version? No Pamplona, no Sahagun, no Triacastela......@handler I'm really intrigued to know where you got “the set 28 days” from. If there is a set number of days to complete the Camino in it is the 31 days laid down by John Brierley in his ubiquitous guide book. One day for each year the Christ spent on Earth apparently.
I thought JC died at 33?@handler I'm really intrigued to know where you got “the set 28 days” from. If there is a set number of days to complete the Camino in it is the 31 days laid down by John Brierley in his ubiquitous guide book. One day for each year the Christ spent on Earth apparently.
There's very good advice on this thread. It sounds like you will be "fit" and strong enough. However, I strongly recommend that you find time on 2 or 3 consecutive days to walk 20 km with the shoes, clothes and backpack that you plan to use on the Camino. As @trecile points out, this will help identify potential trouble spots so you can develop strategies to deal with those areas.running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
I am 56 of average fitness, slow with good stamina but bad knees. I did it in 26 days with no training and found it pretty easy. All the folks I met said same thing. I had one day off to see Leon but still walked 20km that day.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
I haven't followed any guides, 28 days of 4 weeks is just a number I picked. I planned 4 weeks for Camino Frances, 4/5 days for Camino Finisterre/Muxia and 1/2 days for getting back to Santiago (by bus) before heading home.@handler I'm really intrigued to know where you got “the set 28 days” from. If there is a set number of days to complete the Camino in it is the 31 days laid down by John Brierley in his ubiquitous guide book. One day for each year the Christ spent on Earth apparently.
They said what? That they did it in 26 days? Did it with no training? That it was easy?All the folks I met said same thing.
Apologies for my ambiguity. Basically that 25 days was about the mean expected walking time and that it was easy, and no one had trained. Most folks were younger and quicker than me.They said what? That they did it in 26 days? Did it with no training? That it was easy?
Ah, so you set your own arbitrary target and then ask if it’s feasible. I’m an auditor, auditors love giving opinions so here is mine: not enough days for the Frances, too many for Fisterra/ Muxia, and far too many for a 3 hour bus rideI haven't followed any guides, 28 days of 4 weeks is just a number I picked. I planned 4 weeks for Camino Frances, 4/5 days for Camino Finisterre/Muxia and 1/2 days for getting back to Santiago (by bus) before heading home.I am very analytical, statistically driven by nature, which could turn off some people, but it usually works for me.
I agree that most people I met had not trained, but the "easy" adjective doesn't quite fit, although the camino is certainly do-able for most people.Basically that 25 days was about the mean expected walking time and that it was easy, and no one had trained. Most folks were younger and quicker than me.
I agree that most people I met had not trained, but the "easy" adjective doesn't quite fit, although the camino is certainly do-able for most people.
If the mean "expected" walking time from SJPP was 25 days, I wonder how many of those people ended up having to get a bit of transport help to meet their schedules in the end.
Since you did it in 26 days, you would naturally have been caught up in a group of similar walkers. So perhaps that distorts your impression of what "most" people do. You left a lot of people in the dust!
Purely talking about my experience and those of about 20 folks I met at many stages along the way. Only 20 folks so not stastically significant. I am not suggesting this is the norm, just what the group I met were doing, and it felt a relatively ‘unremarkable’ group. I also met a chap who was running it!! I don’t see less days as ‘good’ and more days as ‘bad’. I met the vast majority in SDC and no one caught a bus / taxi. I didn’t realise that people did that until I came on this forum. Its no biggie, just adding my experience into the qualitative/quantative mix for the OP to consider!I agree that most people I met had not trained, but the "easy" adjective doesn't quite fit, although the camino is certainly do-able for most people.
If the mean "expected" walking time from SJPP was 25 days, I wonder how many of those people ended up having to get a bit of transport help to meet their schedules in the end.
Since you did it in 26 days, you would naturally have been caught up in a group of similar walkers. So perhaps that distorts your impression of what "most" people do. You left a lot of people in the dust!
Where were all the easy bits. Did I miss something. Were there secret trails that only a few knew that were very easy. My first Camino at age 64 was not easy and did not involve any training other than a daily 4k walk around local park. Until day one, I never had a pack on my back in all my life. Someday I had a good walk, other days it was horrendous. 15k per day with the occasional 22 was the best I could do. Rest days were the ones I only walked 10. It took me almost 6 weeks but they were among the best weeks of my life. How pilgrims can walk 28 or better is beyond my understanding and I really wish I could do it too, although I would make it the exception rather than the rule. As far as training goes, I let the first few days be my training taking it easy, walking slowly and enjoying the scenery. But as snail walkers like myself seem rare good luck to all those who can complete in less time than I. One thing, being slow means I am overtaken by many more pilgrims, many of whome stop to chat so I get to know so many more than those who are doing the overtaking. But I repeat, where were the easy bitsThey said what? That they did it in 26 days? Did it with no training? That it was easy
Indeed - long distance walking with a backpack is much better training. You use different muscles for running. And running does not simulate hiking. That said - It isn't about the speed or the time it takes you to walk a specific distance in a day. You don't have to run or walk fast - to make it 28km/day. You can take your time and take more hours to get there if that is what works for you. As for the realistic distances - I always recommend that for the first 5-7 days - don't plan to go further than the stages which are usually 20-24km. Those first days you are just getting acclimated to walking long distances with your pack. If you push it the first week, you are more likely to get injuries that will slow you down. But after that - you can most certainly pick up the pace. After the first week - I am usually able to go further distances without issues. The further out you are in your walk - the more strength and endurance you will have. It is totally normal for many of us to start out "average" and then be "above average" as we approach Santiago. I have walked MANY 30-35km days. I have also done double stages on several occasions. I walked 38km into Burgos. I walked 40+km into Leon. I have even done at least 1 50km day. But I don't walk any faster to get these distances, and I certainly don't run. It just takes me more hours of the day to get to my destination. Instead of arriving at 1pm, I might arrive at 5pm. Take breaks as needed. Pace yourself. But most importantly - listen to your body and if it is telling you to rest - then rest. Also - even if your goal is to arrive in Santiago in 28 days - have built in extra days in case you need a rest day or in case you need to slow down. Don't box yourself in with a limited time limit. I would suggest giving yourself 35 days to Santiago and if you arrive in 28, that just means you have a few extra days at the end to visit local sites in and around Santiago. Or in Madrid or elsewhere.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Hello,Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
HI Handler!Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Sorry, but everyone has hard limits that cannot be overcome.I finished in 26 days. It is absolutely doable. After a couple of weeks, your body will adapt and become efficient at walking that 30K or 36K is just the same.
I walked it in 29 days and if not doing half days a couple days because I got sick I probably could have done it in 28. I prepped a lot building up to the point I would walk 15 miles straight no stops with my backpack on with 20 lbs of dog food in it, and doing 30 min walking on a tread mill with max incline as we have no hills where I live. I had no problems, no blisters. That's what worked for me. I can only say this as I have others tell me this, that walking is not the same thing as running or biking and I have come accross people who very fit running or biking thinking that walking would be easier have tremendous problems with their feet, blisters and with their knees from walking the Camino. That's just what I have read and heard. I would imagine that experiences are all over the map. I didn't plan on walking in 29 days I just walked until I was done and I wanted to be have time to walk to Muxia and Finnesterre. Good luck and Buen CaminoGood day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Hi Handler. I walked the CF at age 60 in 31 days, with no full rest days. I trained with running a 10K several days a week, and also hiked with a backpack eventually to a few 20 mile days. The running and cardio will help you on the uphills, especially the first few days, and the other climbs. While I thought I was in pretty great shape and walked a fast pace, those first few days I struggled to keep up with many others, and I was concerned that I didn't meet my mileage goals the first week as I was on a limited time allowance. It was not a problem. I made up the difference as the weeks went on. The walking mileage though, esp. with a pack, is more important as it's all training for your feet. Not just blisters, it's the bruising and swelling that happen. I have never felt anything like it. It's undescribable. The throbbing kept me awake at night even though I was exhausted. My advise is don't overlook the full pack mileage, even tho it's so time consuming.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Only you can know the answer. It also depends on why you want to complete the Camino. I have learned that you get more out of it if you slow down.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Walk for 10 hours at 3 mph and you will cover thirty miles a day with ease .Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
I disagree with that. That said I do 35km plus days but am very slow so that equals long days. We all get ‘hung up’ on days but the metric should really be hours I guess!Only you can know the answer. It also depends on why you want to complete the Camino. I have learned that you get more out of it if you slow down.
You seem to be in good shape so my answer to you would be yes. I did the French Camino in 2017 and completed it in 26 days. I stayed in Santiago for a day and then did the Santiago-Muxia-Finesterre trek. I took my time on this stretch and did it in 4 days. I think you should make out just fine with what you have in mind.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
I once tried a 10k running race straight after a 15 mile a day 200 mile walk. After 1k I had to re-teach my legs and ankles how to run. When I did the Camino I met a young fit runner who had to take 3 days off to recover from walking as her running did not immediately translate to walking. We are all different but I suggest some walking and with a pack. Hope you have a great Camino.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Couldn’t agree more. I can walk forever but have very poor upper body strength so all I carry is two changes of clothes, basic toiletries, and a pair of flip flops. No more than 5kg for me!Very realistic, I am almost 62 yrs and got home middle of July. I didn't train due to 2 x torn retina and then IT band issues. I hiked with too much weight on my back (just under 15kg) from Saint Jean during the heat wave for 16 days and did 296 miles so an average of 18.5 miles a day (29.77km). It was the heat at night in the alberges that did me and a huge blister on the ball of my foot. You will be fine just don't carry as much as I stupidly did.
Sounds good to me - distance that is. I walked the Frances in 28 days. My training beforehand was nowhere near as comprehensive as yours. I only walked and did about 15 km two or three times a week. You will quickly get into the swing of things. The great thing is that you will have no outside pressures so all you have to do is walk!!!Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
HelloGood day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Then choose a different path. Running is not the purpose of the Camino. You’re missing the point. It’s not for sport but spiritual and mindfulness. If you want to exercise a sport route then you can go anywhere. The camino is about connection with yourself, your mind and soul and particularly with other people, and enjoying culture and history on the way. Best done by walking at a stead pace, resting to breath and connect and chat with likeminded pilgrims and to inhale and absorb the energy around you. Not about speed, not about distance, not about getting there but just beingGood day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
@handler didn't say that they plan to run on the Camino. Running is just the way that they are preparing physically.Then choose a different path. Running is not the purpose of the Camino. You’re missing the point. It’s not for sport but spiritual and mindfulness. If you want to exercise a sport route then you can go anywhere. The camino is about connection with yourself, your mind and soul and particularly with other people, and enjoying culture and history on the way. Best done by walking at a stead pace, resting to breath and connect and chat with likeminded pilgrims and to inhale and absorb the energy around you. Not about speed, not about distance, not about getting there but just being
It’s a good and interesting thread I think which has given the OP (hopefully) an idea what is possible based on their level of fitness if they want to get across quickly and/or are time constrained! We have pretty much got folks who have walkedGood day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
It can be anything you want it to be !Then choose a different path. Running is not the purpose of the Camino. You’re missing the point. It’s not for sport but spiritual and mindfulness. If you want to exercise a sport route then you can go anywhere. The camino is about connection with yourself, your mind and soul and particularly with other people, and enjoying culture and history on the way. Best done by walking at a stead pace, resting to breath and connect and chat with likeminded pilgrims and to inhale and absorb the energy around you. Not about speed, not about distance, not about getting there but just being
It's a hard question to answer because we are all different.
You’re going to get a lot of different responses and opinions. All of them will be offered from the vantage point of the person writing, and we are extremely diverse here — age, fitness levels, health, stubbornness, etc. You should just take them all with a grain of salt and see which makes most sense for you.
Doesn't really look like an extra opinion is necessary...but I can't resist!
Pack light (SO LIGHT), start slow, and you'll be totally fine.
It is NOT the distance each day or the load in your pack that break you down, it is the day after day after day of constant walking.
My suggestion is that you need to: ...
Laurie, I may walk slow and love to smell the roses, but I always get to my end stage. My favorite distance is 20-25k, but I very often walk further. That said, I am never fast. I don't know who "smells the roses, but walks short distances", but it sure isn't me.My only caveat would be that there are a lot of people on this forum who equate “smelling the roses” with ”walking short distances.” In my experience, the two are totally different, so I think you should focus on what feels best for your body and your mind once you are walking. That may be short distances, or it may be long distances.
We averaged 23.5kms/day walking 34 days but our group were in the 62-65 years age demographic and were not restricted on available time to complete. Also had 3-4 rest days along the way.Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
Why run the Camino? Run at home!Good day all,
I started preparing for the French Way already in July, namely by running 5 times a week. At the moment I can already run more than 10 kilometers; my goal is to run 14 km without a major problem, which should be achieved in a couple of weeks, before I go on the road in September. My ambitions are to walk a little more than 28 km a day, as I would like to finish the journey in the set 28 days, before I head to Muxia/Finisterre.
Is this realistic?
I ask this because I saw many threads/opinions on this forum that suggested running is not the best preparation for the Camino, but only walking with a heavy backpack. Long-distance walking training does not suit me, as it takes longer than running.
Otherwise, I'm fairly fit, as I usually cycle at least 20 km on weekdays because of my work.
I thank everyone in advance for the answers.
People can do what they want not that the OP is planning to do that!Why run the Camino? Run at home!
None of the folks I have met, 3 times over, said that at allI am 56 of average fitness, slow with good stamina but bad knees. I did it in 26 days with no training and found it pretty easy. All the folks I met said same thing. I had one day off to see Leon but still walked 20km that day.
28km a day average isn't unrealistic. In the later stages of walking the Frances 25km was the distance I allowed myself until my first break and I'd hardly notice doing it some days, it would fly by. If I set out at 6.30 then by 11.30 I'd have my distance done and my first beer/colacao of the day earned. The next 10km would take the rest of the dayThere is a training effect from just walking the Camino every day in itself and in the later stages I was finding myself reining in my distances so as to make the most of the walk and not finish early.
I used to run a lot before I did the Frances and I honestly don't think it helped that much other than as a basic level of fitness. I still only managed 12km my first day, 17 my next. You say you don't have time to do long training but that is exactly the mindset that is going to make life hard. A high level of cardio fitness isn't that important on a long hike other than maybe for the occasional steep section. If you haven't trained mentally for ploughing on for 6 or 7 hours day after day then all the 10k runs in the world won't help. Don't make day one the first day you've done any kind of distance with a rucksack on.
I changed how I train a few years ago and noticed a huge difference for long distance hiking. Most of what I do is a mix of basic strength training, high-intensity Crossfit type sessions and rucking a couple of times a week. I almost never run other than short sprints.
The other reason I don't run any more is that every single runner I know spends significant periods of the year injured and/or avoids other activities because they know it will make a chronic injury flare up again. Rucking is far better on the body for a very similar training effect (and probably more relevant to the Camino). Personally, I've never had more than aches and pains but running was a constant battle with injuries. Running might be quicker but the amount of time I had to invest in stretching and rehab/injury prevention afterwards kind of wiped out any saving.
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